Exploring Diverse Paths to Success: Where IISER Alumni Are Now

IISER (Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research) alumni have ventured into a variety of careers and trajectories, showcasing the diverse opportunities available to them. This article delves into the common paths taken by these exceptional individuals and highlights their achievements.

A Variety of Career Trajectories

The post-graduation paths of IISER alumni are as diverse as they are impressive. Many alumni continue their education in prestigious institutions such as MIT, Harvard, Stanford, and others, embarking on PhD programs or pursuing further studies. Others secure positions in research organizations, academia, and industry, positioned to make significant contributions in their respective fields.

Some of the common trajectories for IISER alumni include:

Academia and Research

Many alumni take up research positions or faculty roles in universities and research institutions both in India and abroad. Their work often contributes to fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. Alumni like Shwetha Srinivasan and Shruti Maliakal, who pursued PhDs at MIT and Caltech respectively, have made significant strides in their research.

Industry

Others join leading companies in sectors such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and finance. They may work in roles like research and development, data science, product management, and more. For instance, alumni like those mentioned in the data scientist roles at IBM, HPE, and DataFoundry have found success in their corporate careers.

Entrepreneurship

A number of IISER alumni leverage their scientific training to innovate and create startups. Entrepreneurial ventures such as these provide a platform for creative and practical application of their skills. Examples include alumni who are currently headed towards these new directions.

Government and Public Sector

Some alumni work in government research organizations, contributing to policy-making and scientific research. Others pursue roles in international organizations supported by the UN, addressing global challenges through their expertise.

Further Studies

Many Ph.D. holders from IISER choose to further their education by enrolling in specialized programs, leading to opportunities in academia or industry. Examples include alumni who have joined institutions like IIM Kozhikode, as well as those pursuing law and becoming patent officers or legal advisors for technology companies.

The specific paths can vary widely based on individual interests, the field of study, and the opportunities available at the time of graduation. Networking and connections made during their time at IISER also play a significant role in shaping their careers.

Success Stories and Updates

Here are a few success stories and updates on IISER alumni:

1. Shwetha Srinivasan - PhD from MIT, conducting trials for medicines for CoVID at Stony Brook University.

2. Shruti Maliakal - PhD from Caltech, working on advanced research projects.

3. Martik Chatterjee - PhD from Cornell, contributing to cutting-edge research.

4. Haider Ahmed - Graduated with BS-MS in chemistry but did his PhD in physics, now working at IBM.

5. Alex Jha - Graduated with BS-MS in physics, transitioned into a data scientist role at HP.

6. Rajiv Kumar - Graduated with BS-MS in maths, joined Deloitte, and now part of the executive team at IIM Kozhikode.

7. Aastha Goyal - Currently working as a data scientist at DataFoundry AI, after completing her BS-MS in mathematics.

These success stories highlight the diverse paths that IISER alumni are taking to success. The IISER Mohali Alumni Association on Twitter and LinkedIn regularly shares updates and stories of alumni success. You can follow them for more inspiration and updates:

Whether your goal is to pursue further studies, embark on a research career, or venture into entrepreneurship, the IISER experience equips you with the skills and connections needed to achieve success. The important thing is to believe in yourself and swim with the flow of knowledge, and you will reach somewhere good.

Do you have any specific questions or areas of interest in the paths of IISER alumni? Feel free to ask, and we will be happy to provide more detailed information.