First-Hand Perspective on Technology and Consulting

Bharath Yedla (MEM '25) looks back on his experience touring Motorola Solutions and Accenture with his MEM classmates.

MEM students at Motorola Solutions

Bharath Yedla (MEM '25) entered Northwestern's Master of Engineering Management (MEM) program thinking he wanted to ultimately become an artificial intelligence (AI) product manager. A recent class trip to Motorola Solutions and Accenture solidified that desire.

Yedla joined classmates from MEM as well as students from Northwestern Engineering's Master of Product Design & Development Management (mpd²) program for a two-day trip to both companies’ Chicago offices.

"I wanted to gain firsthand insights into how leading technology and consulting firms operate and innovate in today's competitive landscape," he said. "Observing work cultures and hearing from professionals about real-world applications of concepts I’ve studied was an inspiring way to broaden my perspective and guide my own career aspirations in technology and product management."

Students learned about current projects at each company and networked with a variety of industry professionals.

On the first day, students heard from product managers at Motorola Solutions and toured the company's Experience Center, where they saw the latest innovations in communication technology, public safety, and connected solutions. They also interacted with AI-driven solutions and other advanced communication systems.

The next day, students visited Accenture, where they saw how the consulting firm is leveraging generative AI to transform business for its clients.

"Coming from an IT background and with a strong interest in AI, I was particularly inspired by how Accenture is using Gen AI to reshape traditional processes, improve efficiencies, and create new possibilities for growth," Yedla said. "This visit gave me a clear view of how AI is evolving in practical applications and the impact it’s having on industry standards today."

Yedla and his fellow students also joined Accenture employees in a design thinking workshop. The session provided participants with a structured, yet flexible approach to creative problem solving. Students were instructed to emphasize empathy, ideation, and rapid prototyping.

"I was able to see firsthand how design thinking fosters collaboration and drives innovation, even for complex business challenges," Yedla said. "The hands-on exercises, which encouraged us to empathize with end-users and iterate on our ideas, allowed me to deepen my understanding of customer-centered design. It was a truly transformative experience."

Yedla was struck by how what he witnessed at both companies closely mirrored lessons he learned in MEM.

In Product Management, Yedla got hands-on experience building a customer-centric product and learned what skills are needed to be an effective product manager — skills that were reinforced at Motorola Solutions.

In AI Innovation Lab, Yedla learned about an array of strategies and technologies related to AI. He also heard from weekly guest speakers in the course, including Harish Natarajan, a generative AI consultant from Accenture. Yedla and Natarajan reconnected during the Accenture site visit.

In Marketing Issues for Engineers, Yedla gained valuable insights into designing customer-centric products rather than product-centric ones.

"We were taught using various case studies that help us connect classroom concepts to real-world scenarios," he said. "These skills are essential in today’s world, a point echoed during the Accenture visit.”

All three courses gave Yedla a better understanding of what it will take to be an AI product manager. The field trips to Motorola Solutions and Accenture reinforced the knowledge learned in MEM and helped him feel more prepared to pursue his desired professional path.

"Exposure to industry environments helps students develop essential skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and communication. They also provide valuable networking opportunities with industry professionals, leading to mentorship, internships, and job opportunities that are vital for career advancement," he said. "Ultimately, these experiences build confidence in our abilities to handle real-life situations, preparing us for the workforce and empowering us to take on leadership roles."

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