Krunal Patel
MSc Enterprise in Biotechnology 2009
Graduate Krunal Patel has become an influential figure in furthering the careers of hundreds of Indian people.
Since leaving Sunderland, he has gone on to become a successful career coach, consultant and trainer, notably working as a key advisory team member on current Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi’s team in 2011.
He now heads the Training and Placement Cell at the Gujarat Power Engineering and Research Institute, training and counselling students.
With an array of connections and a comprehensive knowledge of the Indian jobs market, Krunal was recently chosen to be the University’s Indian Ambassador. In this role, he will serve as an important link between Sunderland and India, re-connecting fellow alumni back to the University and using his wide range of connections to organise events.
For Krunal, the chance to work for the University that helped him find success following graduation is an honour.
He said: “I’m so happy to get a chance to promote Sunderland. All credit goes to my University staff and management for making me into what I am today.”
“I feel truly honoured to be involved with the University again.”
Looking back on his time at the University, he added that the high quality infrastructure and being a part of a committed and knowledgeable student community were critical in helping him develop his skills while here.
“It was the world class infrastructure and fantastic location that initially attracted me to study at Sunderland,” he explained.
“I loved being able to share my knowledge with my fellow classmates and flatmates, especially since I came from a different part of the world. Experiencing the great culture you have in the North East of England was a great experience.”
For now, Krunal will be focussing on helping Indian Alumni connect with the University. In the longer term, he will continue to pursue his dream of becoming a successful entrepreneur.
Article written by Matthew Shevlin, University of Sunderland Journalism graduate.