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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