Sudarshan Ravichandran, an alumnus of BITS Pilani (Hyderabad, '14), where he completed a dual degree in B.E. Mechanical Engineering and M.Sc. Physics. He began his professional journey with Mercedes-Benz R&D, pursued an MBA in Supply Chain Management from SPJIMR, Mumbai, and is now a Senior Manager at Amazon's Beauty Section.

Can you share some memorable experiences from your time at BITS and how they shaped your journey?

I feel extremely fortunate and privileged to have been mentored by exceptional professors who guided me throughout my journey. Their expertise, unwavering support, and invaluable insights have shaped my academic and professional growth and inspired me to strive for excellence with every stride I take.

In addition, the freedom that is given to the students via the no mandatory requirement of attendance for appearing in exams is a double-edged sword. One can use this freedom to pursue something they like or delve deeper into their areas of interest. However, it demands self-discipline and responsibility to ensure their academic priorities aren’t neglected. 

Were there any extracurricular activities or clubs at BITS that you were actively involved in? How did they contribute to your personal and professional growth?

Extracurricular activities played a significant role in my college life. I was actively engaged in Cricket and Football, there were days when I would play three sports daily! I saw sports as an activity that gave me a platform to foster connections, interact with a diverse group of people, and help me grow a sense of camaraderie.

I often participated in inter-college sports events, and the memories I made along the way are ones I still hold close to my heart. In my fourth year, I had the opportunity to experience my first-ever sports fest, ARENA. The entire college was buzzing with energy and excitement, brought to life by the teams' spirit. It was an unforgettable experience, and I remember having an absolute blast!

In your opinion, what makes BITS unique compared to other colleges in India, both academically and culturally?

The structure of the academic curriculum at BITS is well-designed, offering students the flexibility to explore tangents that are aligned with their interests. The freedom given allows students to invest time toward their passion. Not to mention the opportunities the Practice School system provides, the extensive reach and network BITS has gained over the years facilitate students to undergo six-month-long internships at esteemed institutions, further enriching their learning experience.

What was the transition like moving from a core engineering role to a management position?

I was always captivated by all the concepts and possibilities that Mechanical Engineering held. My respect for the field remains immense, especially for the exceptional professors who guided me along this journey. They gave meaning to machines and truly brought engineering to life. Working at Mercedes as an engineer was exhilarating, but switching to management roles made me realize what I truly wanted to be, and that’s when I thought of pursuing an MBA in the supply chain from SPJIMR, Mumbai. This journey has taken me to places I never imagined I’d reach. It indeed has been an extraordinary ride!

What are the things that you learned in BITS that are still relevant?

Organizing large-scale fests with complete student autonomy has shaped me into a more resilient, resourceful, and effective leader. It has taught me invaluable teamwork, decision-making, adaptability, and management lessons, which continue to guide me in my personal and professional pursuits.

Furthermore, the BITS alumni network is truly exceptional, making it remarkably easy to connect with fellow alumni or students for any queries or guidance. I take immense pride in being a part of such an inspiring community! 

What advice would you give to our readers?

“You have the best quality of people around you!  You don’t need to stress out but don’t be idle as well. More importantly, connect with as many people as you can!”.