Date: 30 September 2026
Venue: AB3 Seminar Hall, Shiv Nadar University Chennai
Organised by: Department of Computer Science and Engineering and Alumni Affairs Office, Shiv Nadar University Chennai

Bridging Academic Learning with Industry Experience

As part of the Alumni Talk Series, Shiv Nadar University Chennai organised a session titled “From Student to Sr. Software Engineer: Navigating the Emerging Tech Landscape” featuring Adithya Vedhamani, Senior Software Engineer at HCLTech, working with Lloyds Banking Group. The session aimed to familiarise students with emerging technologies, evolving industry trends, and the skills required to navigate the transition from university to the professional world.

Drawing from his academic and professional journey, Adithya shared insights into his college experiences, placement preparation, and transition into the technology industry. The session offered students an opportunity to understand how academic learning, practical exploration, and problem-solving contribute to professional growth in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

About the Speaker

Adithya Vedhamani is a graduate of Shiv Nadar University Chennai’s founding batch (2021–2025), having completed his B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering with a specialisation in the Internet of Things (IoT). He graduated with high honours and was recognised as the Best Outgoing Student of his programme for his achievements in hackathons, projects, and research initiatives.

As part of HCLTech’s Alpha Coders cohort, Adithya works on full-stack development, artificial intelligence, and data engineering pipelines, contributing to enterprise generative AI solutions for the banking sector, including Lloyds Banking Group. His professional journey has also provided him with international exposure through a milestone visit to Edinburgh.

Beyond his professional career, Adithya founded dfeed India, a non-profit organisation focused on supporting children’s education, improving food access for elderly residents of old-age homes, and creating safer spaces for animals.

Highlights of the Session

The session explored the growing role of artificial intelligence in software development, with Adithya introducing students to contemporary AI tools used in the coding industry and discussing their practical applications. He also shared his experiences of exploring different tools during college, emphasising the value of experimentation, continuous learning, and applying technical knowledge beyond the classroom.

A key focus of the discussion was problem-solving, particularly in the context of hackathons. Adithya explained how to break down a problem statement, identify its core requirements, develop an effective approach, and build practical solutions. His insights highlighted the importance of structured thinking, creativity, and the ability to translate ideas into workable outcomes.

The speaker also offered perspectives on placement experiences, preparation for professional opportunities, and the transition from university life to corporate employment. Students gained an overview of the different roles and responsibilities within an enterprise environment, along with an understanding of how AI is being integrated across business functions and organisational workflows.

Interactive Learning and Student Engagement

The session featured active interaction between the speaker and the student audience, with Adithya addressing questions and sharing practical examples from his academic and professional experiences. The discussion enabled students to gain a clearer understanding of industry expectations, emerging technology trends, and the opportunities available to aspiring technology professionals.

His experiences reinforced the importance of exploring emerging tools, participating in hackathons and projects, developing problem-solving abilities, and remaining adaptable in an industry shaped by continuous technological change.

Key Takeaways and Outcomes

The talk provided students with practical insights into the application of AI tools in software development and enterprise operations. It broadened their understanding of problem-solving methodologies, hackathon participation, placement preparation, and the diverse roles within technology-driven organisations.

The session also highlighted the value of experiential learning, independent exploration, and continuous skill development in preparing students for evolving industry demands. By sharing his journey from undergraduate education to professional practice, Adithya offered students a relatable perspective on building technical competence, exploring career opportunities, and adapting to emerging technologies.

Strengthening Alumni Engagement

The session served as a meaningful platform for connecting current students with an alumnus who has translated his university experiences into professional achievements. By sharing practical knowledge, career experiences, and perspectives on emerging technologies, Adithya contributed to the university’s efforts to foster alumni–student engagement and industry awareness.

The Alumni Talk Series continues to provide students with opportunities to learn from alumni across diverse professional fields, encouraging informed career decisions, continuous learning, and the application of academic knowledge to real-world challenges.