How a 20-Year Tech Veteran and Strategic Director Upskilled with an e-PGD in AI & Data Science

This is a detailed look at how a seasoned strategic director with over two decades of enterprise technology experience chose to step back into the classroom, upskilling through the e-Postgraduate Diploma (ePGD) in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science offered by IIT Bombay with Great Learning as its edtech partner to stay ahead of the rapidly changing technological era.

Mohinder Verma’s educational foundation is formidable. With a Master’s in Computer Science and management credentials from IIM Kolkata, he has spent the last 20 years navigating the highest tiers of the tech industry. 

Having worked with high-performance, global organizations such as Microsoft, IBM, and Oracle, he currently serves as a Strategic Director at Salesforce in India, focusing on the oil and gas, energy, and manufacturing sectors.

Despite his vast experience and senior leadership role, Mohinder recognized a fundamental shift in the industry that required a return to academia. This is the story of his transition from a boardroom advisor to a dedicated learner.

The Shift: From Observing to Mastering AI

Having witnessed firsthand how technology has transformed enterprises and startups in India since the 1990s, Mohinder noted that the learning and implementing technology has drastically changed. While computer science opportunities were once limited, today’s digital era offers unprecedented access to advanced education.

In recent years, the integration of Artificial Intelligence has become impossible to ignore. It was no longer a niche concept but a core business driver.

"In the last 5 years, AI has been aggressively driven across all organizations. You believe it or not, consumers today are using AI in some way or another. Your mobile itself is listening, understanding what you like and what you don't like... I felt I needed to get more educated about that. AI is just not a buzzword, and I wanted to get deeper into it."

To move beyond and truly understand the mechanics and applications of AI, Mohinder chose to pursue formal, rigorous education.

Building Strategic AI Expertise 

To achieve the depth of knowledge he desired, Mohinder registered for the e-Postgraduate Diploma (ePGD) in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science offered by IIT Bombay with Great Learning as its edtech partner

For a senior leader handling multi-million-dollar portfolios, choosing the right course was critical. This ePGD course provided exactly what an executive of his caliber required: a structured, highly rigorous curriculum that bridges the gap between foundational data science and advanced AI applications.

Watch Mohinder Verma share his complete transformation journey:

The course is uniquely designed to help professionals not just understand AI on a theoretical level but to actively apply machine learning models, deep learning concepts, and data-driven decision-making frameworks to real-world business problems. 

Upon completion, Mohinder was able to immediately connect complex algorithmic capabilities with the strategic enterprise solutions he advises his clients on daily.

The Transition: From Boardroom Leader to Learner

Stepping back into the role of a learner required a profound mindset shift for a senior executive accustomed to leading conversations and providing strategic direction.

"Being the client adviser, my morning goes sitting in the boardroom with the customers, talking about multi-million dollar opportunities and talking in terms of execution. Being a learner, it forced me to stop giving directions and start asking more questions. I think that's a great opportunity which I sense right now."

Balancing a high-stakes career with academic requirements was not without its hurdles. Time management became Mohinder’s most significant challenge. However, the course structure and the surrounding support system made all the difference.

The Power of Community and Peer Support

A key component of the Great Learning experience is the collaborative ecosystem it fosters. For Mohinder, interacting with ambitious peers who were facing similar professional pressures became a vital source of inspiration.

"When I look at my biggest challenge, it has been time... but the great part here is we have learner counselors and a great community of peers internally, where we collaborate with each other and support each other. When I see my peers sometimes facing the same pressure, it gives me a sense of motivation. Everyone is pushing themselves to do the right thing, upskilling themselves, and keeping things very clear in terms of structuring their calendars."

A Final Word of Advice

Mohinder’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership and learning are inextricably linked. No matter how senior your position or how extensive your experience, the rapid evolution of technology demands continuous growth.

Reflecting on the changing era of the modern workplace, Mohinder offers a compelling piece of advice for professionals at any stage of their career:

"The future of work is changing a lot... Time and technology will not wait for us. If you are passionate about learning something, it is the right time to upskill in whatever you like. That’s a great opportunity for all of us, and I realized it was time that I should learn more deeply into it."

Course Overview

Below is a detailed breakdown of the course that provided the academic rigor and practical framework for Mohinder’s upskilling journey: