Chirag Tolani
Chirag, a Postgraduate Taught Student in MSc Advanced Computer Science, was matched with Arun, an Independent Consultant at Digital Projects. Over the course of their mentoring relationship, they discussed the UK tech sector, including consulting, product, and AI, and how to best position himself to apply for relevant opportunities.
Following their mentoring relationship the two of them entered into a professional collaboration, where Chirag led on the early technical development of the platform Citizenly.
You can also see the testimony provided by Chirag's mentor Arun Malhotra.
What motivated you to take part in the mentoring programme?
Coming from several years of consulting experience in the Middle East and moving to Manchester for my master’s, I wanted a clearer understanding of how the UK tech sector operates. The mentoring programme felt like the easiest way to learn directly from someone with real industry insight, build the right network, and shape a realistic plan for the next stage of my career.
Any worries or concerns before entering the mentoring relationship?
My only concern was whether I’d be paired with someone who understood both my background and my ambitions. I worried that mismatch would limit what I could gain. Once I met Arun, those concerns disappeared immediately — the conversations were relevant, grounded, and focused from the very first session.
Do you feel you and your mentor were a good match, and in what ways were they able to offer guidance?
Yes — very much so. Arun’s experience across tech, consulting, product, and AI gave me a perspective I couldn’t have accessed elsewhere. He helped me understand how my consulting experience translates into the UK market and how to position myself for more specialised AI- and data-focused roles.
What did the mentoring relationship look like once you were matched?
The conversations were easy but always purposeful. We had a shared understanding of what we wanted to achieve, which made the sessions productive. As we spoke more, our discussions naturally moved into deeper topics within AI — my core area — and that shared interest laid the foundation for the collaboration that followed.
What skills or insight did you gain that you wouldn’t have gained elsewhere?
I gained a practical, unfiltered understanding of how the UK tech job market works in reality — the expectations, the hiring patterns, and the language employers respond to. The mock interview Arun arranged gave me feedback I wouldn’t have received anywhere else, especially on how to translate my Middle East consulting experience for UK roles. The programme also helped me see where my AI background could create real value.
How has participating shaped your future career plans?
It helped me map out a clearer route into AI and product-driven roles. I’ve been able to refine my long-term goals, prioritise the right skills, and align my project work with areas that actually matter in the industry. It also pushed me to think more creatively about the kind of work I want to build — which is part of how the Citizenly collaboration began.
Have you stayed in contact beyond the programme, and how has the relationship developed?
Yes. The relationship evolved naturally into a professional collaboration. I’m now leading the early technical development of Citizenly, the platform we’re building through Digital Projects, and my work on the AI side has shaped the direction of the product. What started as mentoring has become a genuine partnership with shared ownership of the outcome.
What advice would you give to anyone considering the programme?
Treat the mentoring sessions as a real conversation, not a script. Ask the questions that genuinely matter to you and be open about your goals. If you give the relationship room to evolve, it can lead to unexpected opportunities — and far more value than you expect.
