Meet Gagandeep Singh Pahuja: Forging a Global Future in Technology Management

Gagandeep Singh Pahuja is enrolled in an NYU Tandon Management of Technology master's program with a uniquely global experience that gives students the option to pursue their first-year coursework at NYU London and then travel to New York for the completion of their degree. We sat down with him to discuss the program, his desire to understand the world, learning from past setbacks, and his ambitions for the future.

Where did this global ambition and specific interest in project management come from?

From the beginning, I’ve always wanted to see the world beyond the boundaries of a single nation, so the opportunity to study in both London and NYC aligns perfectly with my goals. The specific career interest clicked for me when I was watching a product launch online. I was completely infatuated with the title of the person explaining it: Project Manager. In that moment, I saw a path that combined leadership, vision, and execution.

For those who aren’t familiar with the Tata Group, what was it like to work for them after earning your undergraduate degree?

It was a foundational experience. Working for a company with such a massive scale and legacy teaches you things you can't learn in a classroom. It’s where I got my first real taste of complex, large-scale operations and the importance of structured processes. It was an amazing place to start my career and understand how a global powerhouse functions. At the same time, it helped me clarify my own path — it showed me that I was drawn to the faster, more agile side of technology and innovation, which ultimately led me back to entrepreneurship and this program.

Tell us more about your interest in entrepreneurship.

For me, entrepreneurship is the ultimate form of problem-solving. It’s not just about starting a business; it's about seeing a gap in the world and having the courage to build a solution from nothing. I’ve tried and failed twice. Those failures were tough, but they were the most valuable lessons I’ve ever had. They were a masterclass in what I didn't know about management, scaling, and strategy. That’s precisely why I’m here. I’m not just interested in the idea of being an entrepreneur; I’m learning the skills to become a successful one.

Why did you choose NYU and the Management of Technology program specifically?

NYU’s curriculum was the one that aligned most with my personal and professional vision. After my previous experiences, I knew I needed to learn the specific skills I was missing. The Management of Technology program is perfect because it aligns with my short-term goal of becoming a project manager and my long-term goal of one day building my own company. It directly addresses the gaps in my knowledge and prepares me for the future I want to create.

You’re clearly very driven — what fuels your journey?

My main goal is to learn how successful people think and to define what success really means for me, which is a deep sense of personal satisfaction. I want to build something on my own or lead a high-end project from end to end — to have my name on something I can be proud of, whether that's a groundbreaking product or my own company one day.

What has been a standout class that has really changed your perspective?

My favorite class has to be Data Visualization. It completely forces me to think outside the box. It’s changed my perspective on how to tell a powerful story using data, which is an essential skill for any leader or innovator.

It sounds like you're building a global community, too. Tell us about your life beyond the classroom.

Absolutely. I'm currently the Secretary at the Anime Society and a committee member at the Indian Society, both at the London School of Economics. It’s been an amazing way to build relationships with a diverse group of people. My goal is to use these experiences to create content for new students. I want to share my story to help them understand on a personal level how studying abroad can shape their future and help them navigate their own journeys.

Volunteerism has been important to you. Can you tell us a little about that?

For me, volunteering is a fundamental way to stay grounded. It’s easy to get completely lost in academic and career goals, especially on a demanding track like this. My volunteer work has always reminded me of the importance of service and empathy. It’s a direct way to make a positive impact and provides a sense of purpose that goes beyond just a resumé. It reinforces my core goal of not just building a company, but building something that adds real, tangible value to people's lives.

What advice would you give a prospective student considering the MOT program?

Be bold and embrace the full experience. Don’t just be a student; be an explorer. This is especially true if you're on the global track — use London and New York City as your second classrooms. Get involved in societies, even at other universities like I did with LSE. Most importantly, don’t be afraid of your past setbacks or failures. This program is the perfect place to deconstruct them, learn, and build yourself back up. Be curious, be resilient, and focus on building genuine relationships, not just networks.

A journey like this is never taken alone. Who are the key people who have supported and inspired you?

From the very beginning, I’ve had help from my Godfather, and I want to dedicate everything I accomplish to him. For this journey abroad, the constant support and trust from my family has been my foundation. I’ve also been guided by my college senior and mentor, Vasudha Mishra, a fellow international student I really look up to. I’ve gotten this far because of her support and example. She is doing really great things, and I want to become like her.