Career Aspects:
Can you explain us your career progression after you stepped out of OUCE? After I graduated from OUCE, I moved to the United States to get my M. S. degree in computer science. Then I moved to Silicon Valley and pursued a career in software, getting my MBA at the same time. I joined Adobe in 1998 and became CEO in 2007.
When you were in final year in OUCE, how did you see yourself( professionally) after 10 years, and how different was it in reality? I planned to attend graduate school in the US and go into computer science, both of which I did. At that age I really was not thinking too far beyond that goal – but it was the right move for me and led to a very rewarding career.
When you look back to yourself“ as a student” in OUCE, what is it that you would like to change and why? I would have liked to have more practical experience such as summer internships to explore different career opportunities and understanding how the corporate industry works, beyond the academic learning I received.
Message to Alumni:
Why do you think it is necessary to have an Alumni Association at OUCE? The Alumni Association fosters an ongoing community to help graduates stay in touch and get connected to one another. The university experience is a unique and valuable connection for all of us to have in common, both professionally and personally.
Any message to Alumni? It has been a thrill to follow in my father R. Lakshmi Narayen’ s footsteps, who graduated from OUCE in the early 1950s. His degree was in Electrical Engineering, which was a precursor to the Electronics Engineering degree that I pursued. He taught me the value of a strong education, and we are both very fortunate to have attended OUCE.
Message to Students:
Your message for the students / younger generation who wish to build their career in your field? Computer science and technology has never been a more promising field, and there are so many more opportunities in India than there were when I was in university. Students should follow their interests and passions academically. Once they have entered the work world, they should focus on how they can help fill in the“ white space” – addressing problems that no one else is taking on, whether large or small. That level of initiative helps young employees stand out from the rest.
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