Santosh Kutty’s journey from being an international student at Lawrence University to a Partner at Deloitte exemplifies how a liberal arts education, strategic career moves, and adaptability can lead to remarkable professional success. Here are the key takeaways from his reflections on his journey.
As an international student, Santosh initially faced challenges adjusting to a new environment but soon thrived. Lawrence’s liberal arts education played a pivotal role in his development. By designing his own major that blended computer science, communication, and teamwork skills, he gained both technical expertise and the soft skills critical for professional growth. This unique combination of analytical thinking and interpersonal abilities has been instrumental throughout his career.
During Santosh’s time at Lawrence, computer science wasn’t a fully established major. Undeterred, he collaborated with professors to curate a personalized course load tailored to his long-term goals in technology. His initiative in designing a CS-centric curriculum reflects the
As Vice President of Lawrence International Club, Santosh developed leadership and networking skills that would prove invaluable in his career. This role taught him the importance of building connections and fostering inclusive communities—lessons he carried into his professional life.
Santosh’s path to Deloitte was shaped by his rich educational background and professional experiences. After completing a master’s in computer science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and an MBA from Northwestern University, he amassed a decade of experience before applying to Deloitte. A key moment in his journey was leveraging his Lawrence connections; a friend from his college days recommended him for a position at Deloitte, showcasing the enduring value of networking.
As a Partner and the US L&A/Group Insurance Technology Practice Leader at Deloitte, Santosh has spearheaded groundbreaking projects in insurance technology. His leadership highlights include:
- Developing Deloitte’s LifeTech 3S Modernization Method to help insurance carriers drive growth and efficiency through agile technology investments.
- Leading large-scale transformation projects for global clients, including implementing systems like PEGA, SAPIENS, and FINEOS across multiple countries.
- Collaborating with diverse teams across geographies to deliver tailored solutions for complex challenges in the insurance and financial sectors.
Santosh’s passion for his role at Deloitte stems from its dynamic nature. No two projects are the same, and interacting with diverse clients keeps the work engaging and fulfilling. For Santosh, the constant evolution of challenges and opportunities makes every day exciting.
Santosh emphasized that finance and insurance companies value adaptability, communication, and networking skills in addition to technical expertise. For undergraduates, particularly international students, networking is crucial. Santosh advises actively attending events, building genuine relationships, and maintaining connections over time. These efforts can open doors to unexpected opportunities, as they did for him.