Creating Networks within MEM

Vilin Hegde wants to strengthen the bonds between his fellow students.  

Hegde (MEM ‘23) was recently named Student Advisory Board (SAB) president for Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program. He said he wants to use his time in the role to further unite MEM students to help create networks that serve them well after graduation.  

“I envision this year's SAB as a student value generator,” Hegde said. “I believe where the board matters the most is in building a deep relationship between our cohort. We will depend on each other for years to come.”  

The SAB was formed in 2013 to be the voice of MEM students. It is responsible for hosting monthly networking events, social gatherings, competitions, and workshops. Hegde is joined on the board by vice chair Danielle Barillas (MEM ‘23), finance chair Vinayak Vijay Talikoti (MEM ‘23), and communications chair Shivangi Singh.  

Hegde said he has three central goals for his term as SAB president, all of which focus on the importance of networking: 

• Help students develop the skills needed to get the most out of their networks 
• Open opportunities for students within the MEM network and outside 
• Instill a spirit of camaraderie within the cohort so they remain each other’s strongest connections  

He said the role of SAB president feels like a natural extension of his MEM program journey. Hegde came to Northwestern after earning a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2018 from the Manipal Institute of Technology in Manipal, India, and was involved in a variety of student organizations there.  

After four years in the corporate world as a global proposal sourcing estimator for SUEZ, a water technologies company, Hegde realized he missed helping out in student organizations, so when the opportunity arose to become part of the SAB leadership, he jumped at the chance.   

Beyond the new leadership opportunities he's been given, Hegde said he's seen himself grow as a person and a leader thanks to MEM.  

“So much has changed within me in such a short time, all thanks to this program,” he said. “I have developed a deep design mindset while at the same time learning to navigate the business world and all its nuances.” 

Hegde said he remains open to a variety of post-graduation job opportunities. That he has so many possible directions to turn is a testament to the strength of the MEM program, he said.  

“What MEM has given me is the confidence that I would fit in almost any role that I could be allowed to work on,” he said. “I would like to contribute to organizations where they need leaders who can drive change. I feel like most of my cohort are ready to lead techno-managerial roles.”  

Through his work with the SAB, Hegde hopes to leave a legacy that others can build on after he’s moved on from the program.  

“We have taken some bold and new steps to ensure that our students get the exposure and platform they very well deserve,” he said. “I have a focus on longevity and leaving behind scalable ventures for future cohorts.”