Neil Bhutani

Since graduating in 2017 with a joint honours degree, Neil Bhutani has utilised his knowledge of law and politics to forge a varied international career. He has recently taken on a new challenge as the Associate Director for Technology and Digital Economy at the UK-India Business Council.

Tell us about your career path since graduation. 

After graduation, I was called to the Bar by the Honourable Society of Gray's Inn in London. I then had the opportunity to work in several sets of barrister's chambers and with various public and private sector organisations, including Viacom 18 in Mumbai and the UK’s House of Commons.

As a senior government relations advisor for a Singapore-based government relations firm I have dealt with some of the largest multinational companies to address key political and legal issues with regards to trade and investments in the Asia Pacific region. I have also advised on government affairs and public policy work to assist governments across the region in using technology for investment and development goals.

Most recently, I have taken position as Associate Director for Technology and Digital Economy at the UK - India Business Council, where my work involves managing the public policy and legal aspects of technology regulations. The organisation has been supported by the UK government to enhance bilateral trade between the two countries.

What does a typical work day look like for you? 

A typical day in my work involves advising British companies on a broad range of government affairs, tech policy and legal work in India. It also involves advocating for the interests of these companies before the Indian government for various legal and geopolitical issues that affect their business and investment interests.

I often provide leadership to the UK and Indian governments on how to shape their policies towards each other in the technology, trade and investments space.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far? 

A professional highlight is my advocacy campaign with The All Party Parliamentary Group on Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in the House of Commons.

I was tasked with disseminating the 2016 UK Chief Medical Officers guidelines on prenatal drinking across UK midwifery units, whilst garnering support from MPs across the political spectrum.

The campaign was a success and resulted in 14 MP visits, a backbench business committee debate in the House of Commons, and a parliamentary motion backed by 22 MPs in the Scottish Parliament.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career? 

The University provided lots of opportunities to put what we were learning into practice with the Kent Law Clinic, internships, and mentoring available to all.

Additionally, the Kent Innovation and Enterprise Hub unlocked my entrepreneurial spirit and motivated me to register my ideas with the Indian government's Startup India programme.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work? 

There is no one way to approach a career in Politics and/or Law. Your degree will open doors to a broad range of opportunities, so utilise the Careers and Employability Service who can offer you expert guidance on your options.

Remember to follow the process, stay determined, and do not give up.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent? 

All the nights I would head out to parties directly from late night study sessions in the Templeman Library.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent? 

Nothing; my time at Kent was a good balance of work and fun. I thoroughly enjoyed it all!

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics? 

Yes. The University has a good alumni outreach programme which helps international students, like me, stay connected when overseas.

What are your future ambitions? 

Ultimately, I hope to become a leading figure in world politics.