Soehl Mathew Abraham

Profile

What are your motivations for applying for the role?

I have been part of the Heriot-Watt community since 2015, beginning with my foundation programme and continuing through undergraduate and master’s studies, to now working at the University to enhance the student experience. Alongside supporting current students, I see great value in building stronger connections with our alumni worldwide.

Many of us have wanted to share our experiences, support future graduates, or connect with each other in meaningful ways. With this in mind, I am standing for this role to help strengthen our alumni network and create opportunities for meaningful engagement across our community.

What skills and experience would you bring to the role?

Leadership: I served two consecutive terms as Student Council President at the Dubai Campus, where I represented student voices in high-level university committees and managed a team of officers to support the student body. In my second term, I guided the Council through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of student representation while strengthening my ability to lead effectively and support my team in a critical time. These experiences have equipped me to manage diverse teams for projects and initiatives, and I continue to build on my leadership skills in my professional work.

Communication: Strong communication has been central to my journey at Heriot-Watt. As Student President, I liaised with senior leadership to ensure student voices were heard, hosting town halls, gathering feedback, and presenting it at high-level committees—developing skills in clarity, diplomacy, and confidence. In my current role, I continue to apply these skills, from supporting students daily to representing the University externally. A highlight was serving on a committee chaired by HRM King Charles III, where I contributed to discussions on Commonwealth universities. These experiences have strengthened my ability to communicate effectively and ensure meaningful feedback, particularly in enhancing the alumni experience.

Networking: Networking is a vital skill for this role, and one I have actively developed throughout my journey. Building meaningful connections has supported my responsibilities at work and opened doors to new opportunities. From securing partnerships that benefit students to creating memorable events on the Dubai Campus, these successes were possible by engaging with the right people. I believe the same approach applies to the Watt Club—where relying on and supporting each other can lead to achieving great things together

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

1. Building on Alumni Success: While we have made progress in recognising alumni achievements, I believe we are still only scratching the surface. Many graduates have accomplished remarkable things yet remain under-recognised. To address this, I would like to see a more intentional approach—such as dedicating themed weeks to celebrate alumni from each campus, creating engaging video content with notable graduates, and developing a stronger record of alumni accomplishments. By showcasing these successes more widely, we not only celebrate our community but also inspire current students and strengthen the pride and visibility of Heriot-Watt graduates worldwide.
2. Strengthening the Watt Club Identity: The world’s leading universities are known for alumni who take pride in their association. While the Watt Club is the oldest alumni association in the UK, I feel many students and graduates do not fully connect with this legacy. To change that, we need to enhance the value of membership by expanding its benefits and relevance. I would work with the University and wider community to understand what graduates truly value, ensuring they look forward to joining and engaging with the network. This stronger identity would also encourage alumni to support fundraising and philanthropic initiatives that give back to the Heriot-Watt community.
3. Alumni and Student Engagement: Many of our alumni are eager to engage with current students, and I believe this connection can be greatly strengthened. Beyond existing initiatives like job opportunities, I would like to see Watt Club members more actively involved in student life—whether through talks, mentorship, or supporting student startups. These interactions not only enrich the student experience but also deepen alumni pride and involvement. As President, I would aim to build on these successes and create new pathways for alumni to engage meaningfully with our student community.