Team Sampada: Could you share a brief overview of your professional background and your current role for our readers?
Divakar Mysore: Hi everyone! I’m a proud UVCE alumnus from the 1993 – 97 Computer Science batch. After UVCE, I was campus-placed into Infosys and started my career working on a greenfield mainframe project for a global retail client. Since then, I’ve worked in a startup and spent most of my career at IBM. Today, I serve as the CTO for IBM AIOps Services. I focus on helping clients use AI and automation to transform IT operations, improve resilience, and drive business outcomes. One of the most impactful projects I’ve worked on involved enhancing the reliability of India’s largest banking mobile app, ensuring seamless availability for millions of users.
TS: What key strategies or pivotal moments have contributed to your steady and sustainable growth? Any specific UVCE experiences you would like to recall?
DM: I started my UVCE journey in Civil Engineering, but discovered my passion for Computer Science and made the switch in my second year. That change came with its challenges – I had to catch up on months of coursework – which taught me valuable lessons in time management and adaptability. It shaped the way I take on challenges even today. Later in my career, I had to choose between a management track and a technical path. I chose the technical route because I genuinely enjoy solving complex problems – especially when things are abstract and need clarity.
Over time, I’ve realized that being outcome-driven, taking calculated risks, and stepping out of your comfort zone are essential for real growth. Beyond technical skills, it’s how you work with people, uphold your values, and stay curious that truly shapes your career. Mentoring has been a rewarding part of my journey. I’ve learned a lot from guiding younger professionals and in many ways, they’ve taught me just as much. I’ve also been fortunate to have great managers, mentors, peers, and a supportive family who stood by me through long hours and tough phases.
During my UVCE days, the combination of classroom learning and strong peer collaboration helped build a solid foundation. The energy of college life – late-night exam prep, coffee breaks at the canteen, competitions – shaped both friendships and life skills that I carry with me even today. My Executive General Management program at IIM Bangalore added a new layer to my journey – it helped me connect technology with business strategy and understand how to drive impact.
TS: What innovations or developments are you seeing take shape within your team or organization, both now and in the near future?
DM: At IBM, we’re focused on Hybrid Cloud, Artificial Intelligence, and Quantum Computing as the pillars of enterprise transformation. In our team, we’re building solutions around AIOps and Zero Touch Operations – enabling systems to detect, resolve, and even prevent IT issues autonomously. We’re also exploring Agentic AI – the next leap, where AI moves from making recommendations to taking intelligent, autonomous actions. The goal is to help IT become a business accelerator, not just a support function. Everything we do is aligned with delivering measurable business outcomes.
TS: What should the recent graduates who step into the current technology industry or your relevant domain expect?
DM : The pace of change in tech today is faster than ever. A skill that was in demand five years ago might stay relevant for just a year or two now. So, the key is to stay curious, keep learning, and be ready to adapt.
Don’t wait for perfection – take your idea to users early, gather feedback, and improve fast. Delivering quick business value often beats chasing the perfect product. Also, invest in your personal brand. Share your insights, learnings, or side projects on platforms like LinkedIn or at tech meetups. Beyond your technical abilities, it’s your ethics, collaboration skills, and how you collaborate with people and handle pressure that shape long-term success.
Networking plays a huge role. I’ve always tried to surround myself with people who are smarter or more passionate than me – it’s both humbling and inspiring. Choose your circle wisely, and stay open to learning from everyone around you.
TS: From a broader perspective, how should colleges/universities like UVCE adapt to the current challenges in fast-paced technology upgradation?
DM: This is an exciting time for UVCE, especially with the modernization efforts underway. To stay ahead, colleges like UVCE can further strengthen their industry collaboration by scaling internships, fostering joint projects, hosting more hackathons, and regularly bringing in practitioners to share real-world insights with students.
Curriculums need continuous updates to keep pace with industry evolution – after all, even content from three years ago can feel outdated today. Students should be encouraged to contribute to open-source projects, explore patents, and pick electives in emerging areas like IOT, AI, cybersecurity and quantum computing.
Real-world exposure is key. More interactions with industry leaders, alumni, and problem-solving experiences beyond the classroom will help students become more confident and future-ready.
As alumni, we can also play a role by mentoring, collaborating, or simply staying connected. UVCE has already produced many successful tech leaders and as it continues to evolve, it is steadily progressing toward becoming a strong hub for future-ready talent.
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