Jyothi Devabhathula

Meet Jyothi, the first in her family to attend university, paving the way for aspiring young women in technology around the world. From India to Hertfordshire, and now to a global offshore engineering company, her journey is one of innovation, determination, and ambition.

Blending technology and engineering

After completing her Master’s, Jyothi began her professional journey as a Computer Aided Engineer at Subsea7, a leading offshore installation company in the oil and gas industry. ‘My role is exciting because it blends engineering, innovation, and technology. We support offshore operations and engineers by developing advanced tools and solutions that streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and enable faster project execution. By leveraging modern technologies, we aim to make complex tasks simpler and help our teams deliver safely and effectively in challenging environments.’

The hands-on technical skills Jyothi developed at Herts, from programming and data analysis to software development, have proven crucial in her role. ‘The course provided a solid foundation in advanced computer science concepts, which I now apply daily in developing engineering tools and solutions,’ she says.

Her placement experience, supported by the university’s dedicated placements team, was equally transformative. ‘It gave me the industry experience and helped me transition smoothly into a professional environment and adapt to working life in this country, especially as I am from overseas.’

Herts felt like home

Jyothi’s decision to study at Herts was driven by both academic ambition and a sense of belonging. ‘I chose Herts because it felt like the right place for me, not just for the course, but for the overall experience. The campus had such a welcoming atmosphere, and I loved the open spaces that made it feel calm and inspiring.’

She was particularly drawn to the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) and the supportive teaching environment. ‘The faculty were approachable and supportive, especially during my project and internship. I will forever remember my professors who guided me during those hard times,’ she says. ‘It wasn’t just about academics; it was about feeling part of a community where I could grow.’

Her time at Herts is filled with special memories, from quiet study sessions surrounded by greenery to laughter shared with friends. But one moment stands out above all. ‘If there is a moment I cherish every time I hear the word HERTS, that’s my Graduation Day, where I was the Graduate Thanker and spoke on behalf of my class.’

Inspiring the next generation

Now excelling in her career, Jyothi continues to set her sights high. ‘As I progress, my ambition is to acquire deep knowledge across engineering and technology, become highly efficient in applying that expertise, and use it to drive innovation and continuous improvement,’ she explains. ‘I aim to lead initiatives that optimise processes, integrate advanced technologies, and create measurable value for the industry.’

Her advice to current students is simple but heartfelt: ‘Have the fulfilling experience during your time at University, do not miss out on anything from studies to sports, from volunteering to partying, from the LRC areas to the cafeteria, from little breaks to day outs. Every little thing teaches you the way to survive, and there is a lesson to be learnt in every corner of the University.’

As a first-generation university graduate from India, Jyothi is proud to represent young women from low-income backgrounds who dream of transforming their futures through education. ‘Moving from my motherland to a completely new place was a big step, but Herts made me feel at home. That sense of belonging kept me going through every challenge and helped me be confident all through. This journey wasn’t just about education alone; it was about me becoming a stronger and better person.’

Jyothi would like to mention, ‘I am forever grateful to my family and well-wishers who supported my educational journey.'