Ozair Hudli, a WMG alumnus with an MSc in Engineering Business Management (2023), is a Sales Support Specialist at Caterpillar UK, (formerly a Customer Engineering & Business Management Graduate Trainee). His passion for engineering began in childhood, inspired by his family’s background in the manufacturing industry. Warwick provided Ozair with essential skills and a strong professional network, which have been pivotal in shaping his career.

Where did your passion for engineering come from?

My fascination with engineering started in my childhood in India. Our house was always filled with equipment, and I spent a lot of time breaking and building things. One of my earliest memories is when my dad, a production engineer, showed me a simple motor connected to a battery. Watching it spin was incredibly intriguing.

My father is an industrialist, and my family has deep roots in the manufacturing industry. Visiting factories and seeing machines in action made me realise I wanted to do something similar. This drive continued throughout my life. During my undergraduate studies, I was a race car driver and I co-founded a race team with a few friends. We started small, with the lowest tier of racing, and built our cars from the ground up. For me, all this was an exciting environment that caught my interest and increased my passion for engineering.

How did your work with the NHS and aerospace lead you to Warwick?

I did my undergraduate degree in India – BEng in Mechanical Engineering from KIT’s College of Engineering, but my first professional experience in the UK was in 2018, thanks to a research fellowship where I worked with the NHS on a medical product design project. I then worked with a UK based aerospace startup in 2019. Soon after, I also set up my own venture in the machine manufacturing sector. Through all of these experiences, I realised that there is real value in applying practical skills to real-world problems and also realised that I liked the commercial side as much as I liked the technical side.

I wanted to progress my education and Warwick stood out to me for its blend of theoretical and practical learning, its strong industry connections, and its diverse engineering and business management courses. I thought Warwick could give me a good connect between business and technology. During my time here, the connections I made were priceless and the industry-relevant knowledge I gained has opened doors for me.

Can you tell me more about your course at Warwick?

The course provided me with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills and the curriculum offered a broad picture of various verticals of business including but not limited to finance, strategy, supply chain, and project management. One of the most valuable skills I gained was time management and prioritisation. The course was intense, with overlapping assignments and deadlines, which taught me to prioritise and manage my time efficiently. The support from Konstantina Dee, the careers team and our course leader, Dr. Jane Marshall, was instrumental in navigating the job application process and preparing for professional roles.

How important are connections at university, and how did they help you after graduation?

Connections are incredibly important, something I can’t stress enough. At Warwick, I built a wide network through networking events, industrial visits, and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds. One standout connection was meeting a co-founder for a venture at a networking event. These relationships were invaluable, not just for building a strong professional network but also for forming lasting friendships. Some of my closest friends are people I met at Warwick.

After graduation, these connections proved essential. Warwick’s resources for CV writing, cover letters, and interview preparation were key in landing job roles and navigating the professional world. The blend of high-quality education and practical experiences at Warwick made a real difference in my job applications and career advancement

Why is it important to give back to Warwick?

Giving back to Warwick is both a privilege and a responsibility. I received immense support and opportunities from the University, which shaped my career. As a mentor (part of Warwick Alumni Mentoring Programme) on Warwickgrad, I can share my experiences and insights to help current students navigate their paths. It's especially important to support international students who might face unique challenges. By giving back, I hope to make their journey a bit easier and contribute to their success.

What advice would you give to current students about networking?

Network as much as you can while you’re a student. When you enter the professional world, your opportunities to network become limited. As a student, you can reach out to anyone, attend various events, and build a diverse network without constraints. These connections can open doors and provide support in ways you might not anticipate. So, make the most of your time and actively engage with people from different fields and backgrounds.

What are some of your favourite memories from Warwick?

One of my favourite memories is from the first week of my course. We had welcome week with a campus tour and various activities, which was a great start to the year. It was just after the lockdowns, and meeting so many people from around the world was exciting. The welcome week activities, including events in the Piazza and within WMG, were highlights. Throughout the course, there were many memorable moments, but the sense of community and the diverse experiences made it truly special. On the other hand, the last day of the last module was really memorable considering this would probably be the last day most of us would attend class as students.

Ozair Hudli

MSc in Engineering Business Management, 2023