Megna Rajagopal

Profile

What are your motivations for applying for the role?

I am happy to accept the role of President of The Watt Club Council because I have a deep faith in the power of alumni groups to inspire, network, and share from one another. My Heriot-Watt experience impacted not only my career as a clean-energy professional but also ingrained within me the principles of global citizenship and leadership within communities.

I'd like to be able to give something back by establishing links between alumni and the University, enabling future graduates to benefit from an engaged, dynamic network. I think that this role provides the opportunity to bridge generations of graduates.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

I have over five years of industry experience in the renewable energy sector, including leading market research and developing the largest solar and storage project database in the MENA region. Along with technical expertise, I also possess governance, mentoring, and community-building experience through initiatives such as Women in Energy Storage and WiRE Expedition.

I am skilled at coordinating with various stakeholders, preparing technical publications, and supporting organizational strategy. Having completed the Global Sustainability Engineering degree at Heriot-Watt, I understand the global-minded nature of the University and the multi-cultural environment. My ability to connect individuals, lead projects transparently, and create diverse networks allows me to restore The Watt Club and represent alumni all over the world with vision and integrity.

What would be your top three priorities during your term as President?

My primary agenda would be to;

1. Enhance alumni connectivity through developing open platforms for mentorship, knowledge exchange, and networking between countries and industries.
2. Consolidate the Club's international profile through maintaining active local alumni chapters and engaging international graduates on an equal basis with the University.
3. Align the Club's work with Heriot-Watt's objectives, encouraging co-operation on sustainability, innovation, and student development. Together, these would make The Watt Club more than a community of belonging and pride, but a source of professional growth and active contribution towards the future of the University.