Alumni Network

My journey from Kautilya to Indicc has been transformational, taking me beyond just conventional professional development. At Kautilya, I gained insights that went beyond academic knowledge, which wouldn’t have been possible without collaborations with exceptional peers. Now at Indicc, I'm able to translate these learnings into practical impact. This transition has deepened my understanding of how public policy can have a meaningful change on an individual which further contributes to a society at large.

My time at Kautilya was truly transformational. Coming from an engineering background with a strong inclination toward problem-solving, the two-year public policy program broadened my perspective and shaped me into a well-rounded professional. The curriculum exposed me to a diverse range of subjects, including constitutional law, global affairs, policymaking, politics, and economics—fundamental pillars that drive the functioning of any nation. This interdisciplinary exposure, combined with my technical background, enabled me to develop a unique skill set at the intersection of technology and policy.

After completing my MPP, I joined Paytm, one of India’s largest fintech platforms, in the Regulatory Affairs and Policy function. My role involved conducting research and participating in public consultations on emerging technology laws and policies in India, including regulatory guidelines from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and other government bodies. Additionally, I played an active role in developing compliance programs and policy implementation strategies.

I currently work at Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS), a Fortune 500 and largest pharmaceutical company that recently established its Global Capability Centre(GCC) in Hyderabad. As part of the Data Risk Office, I contribute to the programs vertical. Here, I track global technology policies and regulations, assess their impact on BMS operations, design compliance frameworks/programs, support operations that enable compliance, and maintain software tools & dashboards. My primary focus areas include data privacy and cybersecurity, ensuring that BMS remains aligned with evolving regulatory landscapes.

Success in the intersection of technology, policy, and business requires a blend of technical expertise, analytical skills, and strong soft skills.

On the technical side, foundational knowledge of coding (Python), proficiency in data analytics and visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau), and expertise in secondary research and business tools (Excel, PowerPoint, Canva) are increasingly valuable. Unlike traditional policy roles, working with technology companies demands a hands-on approach with these tools to navigate complex regulations and support data-driven decision-making.

Equally important are soft skills such as communication, writing, presentation, teamwork, and leadership. Strong project and time management, along with problem-solving abilities, help drive impact in cross-functional environments.

I wanted to gain professional experience and build my career post-Kautilya, but navigating the job market after an MPP was not straightforward. The policy space in India is still evolving, with no established pathways. Like many others, I had my own expectations regarding the ideal job, industry, pay scale, and work-life balance. However, aligning these aspirations with market realities—understanding available roles, sectors that value policy graduates, and, most importantly, the unique value I could bring to the table—became essential.

To find my niche, I took a step back and connected the dots from my past experiences—my engineering background, work as a business analyst, and policy education. This helped me identify roles where my skill set would stand out, allowing me to apply strategically and perform well in interviews. Additionally, engaging with professionals in the field and understanding their work environments and responsibilities provided valuable insights.

Ultimately, navigating a career in this evolving space requires self-awareness, a strong grasp of industry trends, and a clear vision to move forward. As KSPP graduates, we have the unique privilege of shaping pathways for future MPP graduates.

Kautilya’s education has had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. It laid a strong foundation in critical thinking, communication, writing, and leadership—skills that continue to help me excel in my career.

Beyond academics, the rigorous coursework, combined with my extracurricular involvement—leading the student council, volunteering in clubs, and engaging in community activities—helped me develop resilience, confidence, and adaptability. More importantly, the diversity of my cohort exposed me to a wide range of perspectives and cultures, which now enables me to collaborate seamlessly with colleagues across the globe.

In today’s era, public policy plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of emerging technologies. We are witnessing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, quantum computing, and the metaverse, each with transformative potential across industries. AI, in particular, has already impacted our lives, and similar breakthroughs are emerging in other domains.

Policy is essential in ensuring that these technologies evolve responsibly by balancing innovation, consumer rights, and risk mitigation. From development to deployment, regulatory frameworks must mandate accountability, explainability, and auditability. Thoughtful policymaking can foster ethical adoption, safeguard societal interests, and create an environment where technology serves the public good while minimizing unintended consequences.

Make the most of your time at Kautilya—it offers a rich curriculum that exposes you to diverse subjects and perspectives. Beyond academics, actively engage with professors, visiting scholars, and, most importantly, your peers. I personally learned a great deal from my fellow students, and group projects provided a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, co-learn, and develop teamwork skills.

Leverage your capstone project to explore a subject that you've identified as your niche area and envision as your career path. This will allow you to dive deeper into the field, build relevant connections, and position yourself for professional opportunities in that space. Being intentional about your learning and networking will give you a strong foundation to navigate this dynamic field successfully.

Here’s a bit about my educational background: I completed my Bachelor’s in Political Science from the University of Delhi. After graduating, I came to Kautilya to pursue a Master’s in Public Policy.

My journey towards a career in public policy really started during the pandemic. With a growing interest in International Relations, I actively started to shortlist universities abroad that offered a comprehensive course in IR, hoping to get into a position where I could contribute to foreign policy development. I clearly remember the countless counselling sessions with my family, discussing my career options, and how they casually suggested I apply to Kautilya. At the time, it felt like a shot in the dark, but looking back now, it was the best shot I had taken. Kautilya truly transformed my life and set the stage for the professional development that followed. By the end of the two-year programme, I was equipped with skills and expertise that prepared me for the interviews to come.

I applied to EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability team during the course of my capstone project. I went through two rounds of interview, relying on the resources and coursework from the ‘ESG’ elective. The reading materials provided just the right foundation to help me translate that theory into practice at work now.

Strong communication and presentation skills are crucial, whether it's for writing policy briefs, delivering convincing presentations, or reporting identified gaps clearly to stakeholders.Whether you're catering to private organizations or government institutions, learning how to deliver your message effectively will always earn you brownie points.

A good grasp of data analysis and statistics is also important, as the sector often requires making sense of complex data to guide decisions.Additionally, learning how to master AI prompts has become an increasingly valuable skill. It allows you to leverage technology in problem-solving, data analysis, and policy development.

The real challenge I faced was when I had to dive into a lot of new concepts—many of which are rooted in hardcore engineering.To advise clients on their sustainability journey, I had to go beyond what I’d learned at school and familiarize myself with quite a lot of technical concepts. It does feel tiresome but the reward of gradually becoming a trusted advisor makes it all worth it. My main takeaway here is- don’t be afraid to start fresh, even if it means stepping outside the scope of what you studied at Kautilya.

Kautilya made me realise the importance of collaboration. The importance of recognising that all stakeholders matter in the policy space. It’s about bringing together people with different skills and expertise to craft meaningful solutions for wicked problems.

In my view, balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability is crucial. There will likely be a strong emphasis on integrating AI to help make policy adjustments more efficient and effective. As the field evolves, technology will play a big role in providingsolutions to stakeholders and shaping smarter, data-driven climate and ESG policies.

Read and listen more. Engage with experts and hear different perspectives. The more you read, the more you realize there’s no one-size-fits-all solution in sustainability. It is a multi-faceted field, and understanding different viewpoints will help you tackle challenges in a more effective way.

Currently, I am working as an Associate Manager in the Strategy and Policy Division of QCI. We work towards furthering the agenda of a holistic Quality Infrastructure with necessary regulatory and policy oversight.

We work with various departments in the Government of India, to augment their work in the areas of programme design, monitoring and evaluation, implementation, re-imagining the organisation itself and its processes for service delivery excellence.

It hit the sweet spot for me. I wanted to have a reliable career trajectory along with the possibility of creating tangible impact in the public sector.

My under graduation in fashion technology opened fascinating possibilities. I started from the shopfloors of garment exporting giants of the country, learning the business from the bottom up. Started working in operations and management consulting for textile players. Learning operations excellence, information systems, inventory management, general desk research and other granular facets of the industry. Great learnings, unfortunately, lacked a certain kick I was looking for.

Then came COVID. The unsettled part of me which always wanted to be in the development and impact sector took over, and I decided to switch the direction of my career. Public policy, a very nascent yet viable option surfaced in front of me and I ran with it.

Outlook changed. Vocabulary upgraded. Understood why and where governments are required. Understood why we need to don different hats while defining, understanding and solutioning for complex and wicked problems. At Kautilya, the focus was given to learning methods than answers. In a world which is more AI-driven, the requisite human touch is invaluable and irreplaceable.

Apart from some role specific hard skills like managing project financials, understanding strategic frameworks like scenario planning etc. two major skills I have been actively honing are Communications and Managing People.

Communications: Written or spoken, communications are a key to your outperformance in a workplace. It is always a work in progress. I believe that apart from certain areas I need to improve, my communication skills have polished over time.

Managing people: I confess that I have used ‘Stakeholder Management’ and ‘Stakeholder Communications’ loosely in my resume as a job seeker. It is only in the past two years I have begun to consciously hone the skill, that is managing people. Keeping things moving while understanding their expectations and interests along with their disagreements and dissatisfactions is not only a learnable but a portable skill.

The list is so long that it requires a separate interview. The 2-year experience was a thrilling knowledge joyride, which left us with a lot of t-shirt worthy quotes, fun classroom memories, intense project hustles and experiences that pushed us to become more creative and enterprising.

Cannot single out an instance as there are so many, but one which is close to my heart is the classroom project where I could translate a behavioural science experiment to a full-blown activity in the university as part of the Climate action club, which helped us raise money which was later donated to an Goonj. I could also interview the founder Shri Anshu Gupta through ‘Think-in’, the podcast club of Kautilya.

If being in the public sector floats your boat, then this is a good space to be in. Public policy has a lot of various roles to offer. Generic two cents on how to navigate such roles is:

Performance trumps knowledge: Knowing your facts and figures are vital, however, a policy professional will be expected to deliver on expectations from the various stakeholders. Hone those tangible skills which require deep reading, critical analysis and concise writing.

Be curious: Even non glamourous sub-sectors in the policy space have a lot to offer to a professional. It’s better to focus on figuring out your calling in the initial years and build towards it subsequently. It is absolutely fine to switch lanes while figuring it out.

Be patient: Policy shifts, even the small ones, do not happen overnight. If you want quick turnarounds, working with any government MDOs will make you humble. Be ready to embrace the slow churn.

After my first year at Kautilya, we were required to do a summer internship. Thanks to Kautilya’s network, I had the opportunity to apply for a position at Impact Solutions Lab (ISL), which was then known as the Indian School of Leadership. ISL is a non-profit venture studio focused on social impact projects. I was accepted into their internship program, and that experience opened many doors.

Even after the internship officially ended, ISL invited me to continue working part-time, and later allowed me to do my Capstone Project with them. During my second year at Kautilya, I began working on what would eventually become Adira Academy (then called Project Adira), under the mentorship of ISL’s founder, tech entrepreneur Leo Joseph.

Adira Academy was designed to empower promising young women from disadvantaged backgrounds by providing world-class higher education, mentorship, and exposure to emerging career pathways. The goal is to help them excel, uplift their communities, and drive systemic change.

This work is deeply personal for me. I come from a similar socio-economic background as the young women we support. The education and opportunities I received have changed the trajectory of my life, improved my family’s financial standing, and earned me respect in my community.

In January 2023, we opened admissions for Adira’s first cohort. ISL offered me a full-time role to run the program as Program Manager, which I accepted. I joined in March during my final semester, which was dedicated to the Capstone. A year later, I was promoted to Senior Program Manager. Three years on, Adira Academy is ISL’s largest program, with 45 students.

While I enjoyed studying International Relations, I realized that I was more drawn to work that created tangible impact. I completed my undergraduate studies in the U.S. and had also studied in the Netherlands for high school. After graduation, I began working in the political science space, but the pandemic unexpectedly brought me back to India much earlier than planned.

Initially, I explored master’s programs in International Development or Development Studies. Public Policy wasn’t on my radar at first, but as I considered my options, I realized that it would offer the breadth I needed. As someone still exploring her purpose, I found that a degree in public policy gave me both the theoretical grounding and practical tools to create meaningful change.

Kautilya’s MPP program is rigorous. It teaches you to juggle multiple priorities, think critically, and manage your time well. Those skills have been invaluable as I manage a growing program like Adira Academy.

In addition to what I gained from the classroom, I believe my strengths lie in big-picture thinking, being organized, and planning ahead. When you’re managing a program that’s still evolving, those skills help ensure both day-to-day efficiency and long-term impact.

Kautilya helped me think about public problems through multiple lenses including economic, political, social, and cultural perspectives. It gave me a structured understanding of how policy is made and, just as importantly, its limitations.

It made me realize that while holding governments accountable is essential, private actors also have a role to play in co-creating solutions. Kautilya gave me both the confidence and the tools to believe that I can be part of that change.

Reflect deeply on your "why." This sector can be immensely fulfilling. It allows you to do meaningful work and see the positive impact of your efforts. But it might not always come with financial rewards, especially in the early years.

So ask yourself if you are okay with that trade-off. If your motivation is clear and rooted in purpose, the journey will be worth it.

At GITAM University, my role revolves around policy analysis, development, and research. I critically evaluate existing academic and institutional policies to identify areas of improvement, and where necessary, I draft new policies aligned with the institution’s goals. I also conduct research on academic parameters to understand what motivates students and fosters meaningful learning outcomes. Additionally, I study state university acts, UGC regulations, and other higher education frameworks to assess how they influence institutional autonomy, governance, and academic quality.

Growing up, my family was directly impacted by several public policies with both those that reached us and those that didn’t. I remember hearing community conversations about unmet promises made during elections, and often wondered why some families received benefits while others didn’t. Over time, I realized these weren’t just promises, they were policies. One policy that stayed with me was the mid-day meal scheme. It genuinely worked to keep children in school, including many around me. Over time, I realized these were not just promises, but policies. This curiosity led me to explore public policy more deeply. It also made me aware of the disconnect between policy on paper and the realities on the ground, which motivated me to understand how policy is actually made and how it can be made better.

Kautilya was a transformative space for me. It was my first experience of formal education in a deeply structured and interdisciplinary environment. The diversity of my peers taught me more than I could’ve imagined—from public finance to public speaking. Initially, I was hesitant to voice my opinions, but by the end of the program, I became one of the most confident speakers in my cohort. Kautilya not only gave me technical skills but also the emotional strength and clarity to navigate complex challenges in both policy and life.

Kautilya was a turning point for me. I came in with limited exposure to structured learning environments, and found myself surrounded by a diverse and talented cohort. The circle you are part of shapes you in powerful ways. My cohort was incredibly diverse, and that diversity became one of my greatest learning sources. Each person had a unique perspective, and I grew by learning from all of them. Initially, I struggled to speak up. By the end of the program, I was confidently presenting policy ideas and leading discussions. Kautilya gave me not only the tools to work in the policy space but the confidence to believe I belonged there.

Understanding the human side of every policy has been essential. Empathy plays a big role in this. In policymaking, it is not just about designing solutions, but about truly understanding the people those solutions are meant for. If the social, cultural or economic context is ignored, even a well-meaning policy can fail. The MPP also helped me realise that what is written on paper must be implemented effectively on the ground to create real change. Above all, the program taught me that learning never stops, especially in a field that constantly evolves with new challenges. The frameworks I learned at Kautilya helped me think more holistically about the impact of policies. Regular classroom presentations gave me the confidence to express ideas, take feedback, and improve. Those experiences now help me communicate more clearly with different stakeholders and approach problems with both structure and sensitivity.

Stay curious and keep asking questions. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people, most professionals are happy to share their journeys. The more conversations you have, the clearer your own path becomes. Find your area of interest and build depth in it. And remember, it’s okay to take time to figure things out. Policy and academia are not linear fields. You grow through exploration and experience.

I currently work as a Research Associate in Climate Finance and ESG at Climate Trends, a policy research and strategic communications initiative. My role sits at the intersection of sustainability, finance, and policy. I focus on analyzing India’s evolving ESG and green finance landscape, from corporate disclosures to carbon markets, and how these align with national and international climate commitments. Alongside, I also engage in international climate negotiations, tracking finance discussions under the UNFCCC and ensuring that perspectives from emerging economies are heard in relevant forums.

What drew me to ESG and sustainability was the realization that finance is central to solving the climate crisis. While other factors matter too, they often stall without the right flow of capital. During my master’s, I noticed that ESG was an emerging but underexplored area in India, and I wanted to be part of shaping its direction. Exposure to global climate negotiations at COP29 was another strong motivator, as was the ESG course taught at Kautilya, which helped me connect theory with practice. I built expertise through internships and certification courses in ESG risk analysis and GHG accounting, and by working with youth networks like YOUNGO, where I got direct exposure to the global climate finance agenda.

Kautilya gave me both the academic grounding and the practical confidence to step into policy spaces. The MPP curriculum sharpened my skills in policy analysis and strategic communication, while the exposure to faculty and guest lecturers helped me understand how policy decisions actually unfold. Beyond academics, the culture at Kautilya encouraged us to think critically, question assumptions, and build bridges across sectors, skills that I carry into every room today.

For me, three stand out. First, the ability to translate complex policy issues into clear, actionable insights, something I use daily. Second, the appreciation for evidence, which helps when evaluating ESG disclosures or climate finance flows. And third, the collaborative mindset, working across diverse groups, which is essential when dealing with regulators, industry, and civil society in Asia’s fast-changing sustainability space.

Be grounded, stay curious, and keep learning - the rest will follow.

I am currently working as a Senior Associate in the Market Intelligence team, where I handle projects focused on research, analysis, and brand enhancement. My work involves understanding market trends, gathering insights, and contributing to strategic decision-making that supports organizational growth.

Having been born and brought up in Ranchi—the city of waterfalls, I have always lived in close proximity to nature. Over the years, I have witnessed the changing weather patterns and the visible effects of climate change on my city’s once-beautiful climate. This personal experience has deeply shaped my interest in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and sustainability, motivating me to explore how organizations can grow responsibly while minimizing their environmental footprint.

Kautilya has been a turning point in my professional journey. I joined the program at a time when I was feeling lost after my civil services preparation and was looking for direction in the public policy field. The faculty at Kautilya provided not only academic guidance but also mentorship, emotional support, and real-world exposure through interactions with esteemed speakers and policy experts. The environment at Kautilya helped me regain clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose in my career.

There are several lessons I carry from my time at Kautilya. One of the most important was understanding the value of discipline and systems. In college, we often take deadlines and meetings lightly, but in the professional world, these small things reflect your credibility and commitment. I remember how our Dean would emphasize attending discussions even if they weren’t directly related to our topics—something I see mirrored in corporate meetings today.

I also learned the importance of teamwork and interpersonal skills—how to work with people, listen to contrasting opinions, incorporate others’ ideas, and not take disagreements personally. These experiences built a foundation of professionalism, empathy, and adaptability that continues to guide me in my work life.

Whatever you choose to do, give your 100%. You may not always see the results immediately, but every sincere effort compounds over time. Stay curious, stay humble, and remember that learning never stops.

Consulting appealed to me because it combines problem-solving, impact creation, and cross-sector engagement. My time at Kautilya School of Public Policy sharpened my analytical thinking, encouraged collaborative approaches, and deepened my understanding of evidence-based decision-making. The case discussions and group projects at Kautilya mirrored the fast-paced, client-focused consulting environment I now experience at KPMG.

Frameworks such as the Theory of Change, Stakeholder Analysis, and Cost-Benefit Analysis have been particularly valuable. They provide structure to problem-solving, guide feasibility assessments, and ensure that interventions are both impactful and sustainable. Applying these frameworks has helped me design solutions that address real-world challenges for governments and organizations with clarity and precision.

In my ongoing engagement supporting the 15th Finance Commission and PM-ABHIM initiatives in Jharkhand, my public policy background has been pivotal in converting central guidelines into actionable district-level strategies. Using policy frameworks, I streamlined fund allocation, integrated overlapping schemes, and aligned project objectives with state health priorities. This approach optimized resource utilization and strengthened health infrastructure in underserved regions, directly advancing the mission’s goals.

I stay informed through a blend of industry publications, government portals, and professional networks. I regularly read policy journals, attend webinars, and participate in internal knowledge-sharing sessions at KPMG. This continuous learning helps me remain aware of evolving trends, regulatory updates, and best practices—ensuring my advice to clients is both current and contextually grounded.

Focus on strengthening your analytical and communication skills, and seek hands-on experience through internships or live projects. Consulting values curiosity, adaptability, and a learning mindset. Developing a solid grasp of policy frameworks, staying updated on sectoral developments, and actively engaging with professionals in the field will provide a strong launchpad for a consulting career.

I was motivated by the opportunity to create meaningful social impact and contribute to society in a tangible way. The satisfaction that comes from driving change is a significant motivator.

My background in Public Policy, particularly the field visits during my course, has been incredibly valuable. Those experiences helped me develop empathy, understand problems on the ground, and engage with communities in real time, which is crucial for addressing social challenges effectively.

In the corporate sector, you interact with a diverse set of stakeholders. The key is to identify priorities and understand the needs of different groups. This requires analyzing milestones, tracking progress, and prioritizing stakeholders based on the impact and urgency of their concerns.

Clear communication and alignment of interests are essential for effective engagement.

Communication and problem-solving have been particularly vital. Tackling case studies during my MPP program strengthened my analytical and strategic thinking abilities, which are critical in a corporate setting.

These skills are essential for understanding complex challenges and devising effective solutions.

It’s important to have a deep understanding of real-world problems by interacting directly with beneficiaries, rather than relying solely on theoretical knowledge.

In corporate citizenship roles, you are often responsible for translating insights from the ground into actionable initiatives. First-hand experience with social challenges is key to designing impactful and sustainable solutions.