5 Real-Life Stories of Indian Engineers Who Made It Big Abroad
- abhishekshaarma10
- Aug 27
- 2 min read

Here are five inspiring real-life stories of Indian engineers who made it big abroad, showcasing how Indian talent has reached global heights through innovation, perseverance, and education:
1. Sundar Pichai – CEO of Google
Originating from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, Sundar Pichai completed his Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur before pursuing an MS in Material Sciences at Stanford University and an MBA from Wharton. Starting his career at McKinsey & Co., he later joined Google and played a key role in launching major products like Gmail and Google Drive. His journey from an Indian engineering student to leading one of the world’s most valuable tech companies embodies global success and visionary leadership.
2. Satya Nadella – CEO of Microsoft
Hailing from Hyderabad, Satya Nadella has been pivotal in transforming Microsoft with his focus on cloud computing and AI. After earning his Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, Nadella did his MS in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth. His story highlights the power of continuous learning and adaptability in accelerating a career abroad and shaping technology at a global scale.
3. Padmasree Warrior – Former CTO of Cisco
Starting her education in India and moving to the US for higher studies, Padmasree Warrior’s career spans top leadership roles in tech giants like Cisco and NIO. Known for her strategic vision and innovation in emerging technologies, she exemplifies how Indian engineers can lead global technology initiatives while fostering future trends like electric vehicles and 5G communication systems.
4. Arvind Krishna – Chairman & CEO of IBM
Arvind Krishna completed his undergraduate degree in electrical engineering and his PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Illinois. Rising through the ranks at IBM, he led major initiatives in cloud computing, AI, and quantum computing. His leadership role at IBM highlights how Indian engineers contribute to shaping next-gen technologies and infrastructure on a worldwide stage.
5. Nandan Nilekani – Co-founder of Infosys, Former Chairman of UIDAI
An IIT Bombay graduate in electrical engineering, Nilekani co-founded Infosys, one of India’s largest IT services companies, which expanded globally with offices and clients worldwide. He later led India’s unique biometric identification project (UIDAI), impacting millions. His story illustrates the blend of entrepreneurship, engineering excellence, and global vision among Indian engineers.
Additional Insights:
Indian engineers and graduates also find rewarding opportunities in prominent countries like Canada, the US, the UK, Germany, France, and the UAE, working in diverse fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. Salaries and roles vary by specialization and country, but globally competitive compensation and career growth remain common to successful expatriates.
Arya College of Engineering & I.T. has also many stories that provide motivation and evidence of how Indian engineers have leveraged quality education, global exposure, and relentless dedication to achieve phenomenal success abroad—a beacon for aspiring engineers globally.
Source: Click Here
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