AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT
Vishwas Katti, India
After working across Asia and Europe, Vishwas Katti completed the Master in Information Management at our Leuven campus at the height of the global pandemic. He believes the right mindset and adaptability go a long way. Today he works in Amsterdam for a software company that builds customer community platforms used by the world’s leading SaaS companies.
“I was already working in Belgium for about four years when I decided to pursue a master’s programme at KU Leuven. I guess the Indian saying ‘First you study engineering, then you decide what to do with your life’ applies to me. While studying electronics & IT engineering at university in India I started working for AIESEC, a global NGO with offices in 120+ countries. I was managing the Bangalore local office and then moved to Manilla in the Philippines and later to Brussels to manage the national offices in those countries. After finishing my role in AIESEC in Belgium, I moved on to work as for an analytics consultant in logistics & e-commerce.” “So by the time I started researching what master’s programme to pursue, I was well aware of KU Leuven’s prestige, especially since AIESEC has a big chapter at the Leuven campus as well. Knowing the university, its people and its academic rigor, the choice was evident.
I also considered an MBA, but given my data analytics background and work experience, I wanted to expand that highly useful skill set. The Information Management programme was a perfect fit, covering all topics I was passionate about: data science, technology and business management.“Despite studying at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been a great experience. Just after I moved to Leuven in September 2020, basically everything closed until the summer. However, the university coped well and kept providing alternatives to ensure quality education, such as online Q&A sessions and both virtual and physical labs with due restrictions. I also appreciated the programme director’s efforts to organise informal virtual events to bring students together in these exceptional circumstances.”
“Of course I felt lucky that I already had friends in Belgium, but I also did my best to get in touch with new fellow students through various social media channels to build relationships with people with shared interests. The upside of not having a lot of things happening around you, is that you can use the time to take extra initiatives to further develop yourself in the areas you’re passionate about Everybody’s social life was restricted, so people had time. I believe that every challenge comes with an opportunity. ‘It did not happen because of corona’ is just the easy answer.”
“Picking a favourite course is hard, but three subjects spontaneously come to my mind. The Principles of Database Management course by prof. Baesens is broadly applicable for anyone in a technical context and I use it a lot in my job. I also enjoyed Data Visualisation, which was a major part of my previous job. I loved our group assignment about football and sports analytics. And finally, I have to mention Architecture & Modelling of Management Information Systems by prof. Snoeck. I am actually still a bit surprised that I passed that course with such a good grade, but her fantastic teaching undoubtedly had an impact. She broke complex topics into digestible pieces and built them up so nicely, I believe it is impossible not to learn from her.”
“Expect the academic rigor and some difficult concepts, personally I did not find the programme particularly hard. It is all about time and effort. The programme is well designed to help you gradually build up your knowledge. Also, you have to keep up with assignments and the ongoing study material of the course. If you wait until the end, it will be too much. I found that out in my first semester, because I had a lot of other things going on in my life like moving from Brussels to Leuven, adapting to the university, etc. But I learned my lesson and made sure to prepare on time during the second semester and still graduated cum laude.”
“After all, when considering coming to KU Leuven for a master’s degree, you must have the intention to do well. Going out and meeting new people is definitely a big part of the programme, but the main thing is learning and getting a return from your time spent here. That was my mindset since I was leaving a job to study. I believe the main question is: why do you want to do a particular programme? Where are you now and where will it help you to go? Your answer does not need to be 100% clear from the very beginning but you should have this question as a guiding thought through the program.”
“If you are really keen on a programme at KU Leuven, the rest will follow. You will meet interesting people and professors along the way and Leuven is a lovely city, even during lockdown. The architecture is wonderful and there is a great sports centre, where I have spent a lot of time. Integrating and making friends is not difficult at all. University life offers plenty of opportunities and KU Leuven actually makes it easy for international students to meet people.”
“Leuven is ideal for students who appreciate smaller cities and for those who want to jump into the big pond, Brussels is nearby. I personally love Brussels as well given its international vibe and cultural diversity NGO’s, corporate organisations and European institutions. Never underestimate how that can shape your career! All in all, Belgium is a great place to live and remarkably diverse despite its small size. It will always have a special place in my heart, as well as the amazing people I have met there.” “So anyone who is hesitating, should just reach out to other students. The current students and alumni have the experience and are a great source of information. With this opportunity, you have a blank canvas and can achieve whatever you set your mind to. The university has plenty of resources, opportunities and smart minds who will support you. It is mostly a matter of having an idea what you want and to get out of your comfort zone to learn.”
Veerle De Grauwe