Adiban Samy Aravindan, a BITS Pilani (Dubai, ‘21) graduate in Mechanical Engineering graduate and now a Product Manager at Deliberate Ventures, shares how his journey from engineering student to product professional was shaped by the unique learning environment at BITS. His exposure to a range of disciplines from the technical rigor of Mechanical Engineering to foundational programming ignited his interest in product management, where technical expertise meets strategic thinking.

How did BITS Pilani shape your goals and inspire you to pursue them after graduation?

BITS Pilani provided a strong foundation in technical skills and a mindset geared toward problem-solving and innovation. The exposure to interdisciplinary learning, from Mechanical Engineering principles to programming, sparked my interest in exploring areas beyond core engineering, ultimately leading to my career in product management.

Tell us about what you do at Deliberate Ventures.

At Deliberate Ventures, my role as a Product Manager involves steering a vision from concept to reality. I work closely with a diverse team of engineers, designers, and data analysts, guiding the process of turning ideas into a tangible product that meets the needs of our users. A key part of my work is understanding our customers deeply, which means spending time conducting interviews with angel investors, diving into their experiences, and uncovering their pain points and aspirations. This insight helps shape our product’s direction, ensuring that it not only meets market demands but also creates real value for our users. I also enjoy the creative challenge of collaborating with different team members, bringing together their unique perspectives to develop features that make our platform intuitive and engaging. The process is both analytical and imaginative, balancing user needs with technical feasibility while keeping a focus on the broader market landscape. Working on our product’s go-to-market strategy has been particularly rewarding, as it requires thinking strategically about how to introduce the product to potential customers in a way that resonates with their needs. The role blends strategy, user empathy, and a deep connection with the evolving dynamics of the market, making every day both challenging and fulfilling.

Could you share a memorable project or research experience you have undertaken at BITS? What values have you learned through this experience, and how have these qualities shaped you?

One of my most memorable experiences at BITS Pilani was working on the “Path Planning for TETRIX Mobile Robot using Artificial Intelligence” The goal was to create a robot capable of autonomous navigation using sensors like Lidar, Arduino, and IMU. The journey was filled with challenges, from fine-tuning algorithms to overcoming hardware limitations, which taught me patience and persistence. Each obstacle required creative problem-solving and a willingness to iterate, reinforcing the idea that innovation often comes through trial and error. Working closely with a team of passionate peers, I learned the value of collaboration and how different perspectives can turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This project wasn’t just about technical achievements, it taught me how to adapt and thrive in a dynamic environment, a lesson that has been invaluable in my career. It shaped my ability to tackle complex problems and reinforced the importance of teamwork and resilience, qualities that I continue to rely on as a Product Manager today.

How did the experience of participating in clubs/associations enhance your values and skills, and how have they helped you at Deliberate Ventures?
At BITS Pilani, I served as the UAE Chairperson for the ASME Student Regional. Board for the MENA Region. This role allowed me to engage with students from diverse backgrounds, coordinate robotics seminars, and lead leadership training sessions. It taught me the importance of effective communication, active listening, and strategic planning— - these skills are crucial for building connections and motivating teams. This experience shaped my approach to leadership, showing me that guiding a team is about more than just direction, it’s about fostering an environment where everyone feels valued. These lessons have been invaluable at Deliberate Ventures, where leading cross-functional teams requires empathy, collaboration, and the ability to align different perspectives toward a common goal. My time with ASME also instilled a passion for continuous learning and community, qualities that have continued to drive my growth in product management.

Handling multiple responsibilities tends to take a toll on a person. What do you do apart from taxing work to de-stress?

To unwind from the demands of work, I find solace in playing football and traveling. Football allows me to immerse myself in the game, clearing my mind and fostering a sense of camaraderie with others on the field. Traveling, on the other hand, opens me up to new experiences and cultures, offering a fresh perspective and a sense of adventure that rejuvenates me. At Duke University, I also had the opportunity to volunteer with the Duke Forest Conservation Program, an experience that deepened my appreciation for the natural world. I spent time working on trail maintenance and assisting with tree-planting initiatives, which taught me the importance of nurturing our environment. Being surrounded by the quiet of the forest and contributing to preserving its beauty provided a much-needed balance to my life, reminding me of the value of slowing down and connecting with the world around us. This connection with nature has stayed with me, becoming a source of inspiration and grounding amidst the fast pace of my professional life.

What advice would you give to current students at BITS Pilani to make the most of their time there?

My advice to current engineering students at BITS Pilani is to embrace every opportunity for growth, both academically and personally. Dive deeply into your studies, but also explore the wealth of extracurricular activities available. Participate in clubs, attend workshops, and engage in projects that spark your interest. These experiences will broaden your horizons and help you discover your passions beyond the classroom. Don’t hesitate to step out of your comfort zone. Collaborating with peers from different disciplines can lead to innovative ideas and solutions that you might not have considered on your own. Seek mentorship from professors and alumni, as they can provide invaluable insights and guidance on navigating your career path.

Moreover, prioritize building a network. Relationships forged during your time at BITS can offer support and open doors in the future. Finally, cultivate a mindset of curiosity and resilience. Embrace challenges as learning opportunities, and always strive to understand the “why” behind what you’re learning. This approach will not only enhance your education but also prepare you for the complexities of the professional world, allowing you to adapt and thrive in whatever career path you choose.