Extracurricular Activities:Indian Student Association
What career or personal update would you like to give to your fellow Florida Tech Panthers alumni?
Post my masters in Florida Tech, I have had opportunities to work in multiple industries and companies gaining vast industrial knowledge for over 8+ years. The time I spent in Florida Tech was unmatchable with the theoretical exposure to various subjects and the off campus friends I made for life. What I learnt in Florida Tech was beyond textbook knowledge. I learnt skills that were useful in my work experience. Presentation skills, public speaking, networking, writing meaningful synopsis - all of which are applicable to any industry you go into. I also had the opportunity to do unique projects one of which I remember was based on speech recognition which amplified my critical thinking ability. I also met my life partner in Florida Tech so it will have a special place in my heart considering we have a very young 8 month old daughter now.
How did your time at Florida Tech help get you to where you are today?
Florida Tech was my first exposure to the American culture and education system. This experience helped shape my understanding about the college and industrial functioning society in America. Being an immigrant, Florida Tech gave me tremendous opportunities to feel at ease via various events along with a very objective track on teaching. The courses were streamlined in the most optimal way for understanding and application. Overall, I believe Florida Tech was my gateway for building confidence so that I am able to be part of this society while contributing to it's and my success, while building some lifelong relationships.
What is your favorite Florida Tech memory?
Packing my bags for the day and spending time in library has to be my best memory of Florida Tech. Regardless of the activity, exams, assignments, studying, reading books, etc.., library was my second home.
Was there a mentor or professor who had a big impact on you personally and/or professionally?
I think Dr. Kostanic and Dr. Kepuska had be the professors who did leave an imprint in my memory for long. Dr. Kostanic for some reason had a reputation of being the toughest professor and everyone that I knew were afraid to get into his class. Luckily I wasn't aware of this and took 2 of his classes and thoroughly enjoyed his teaching style. I took speech recognition as one of my course under Dr. Kepuska and it was a delight. The way he mentored us for our group project was remarkable and for that I am grateful.
Please share any advice you have for current Florida Tech students.
This time won't return. While I understand that being competitive is important, the friendships and relations you will build will last longer in memory than the grades you achieved in your mid-term. Also, try to gain practical application based knowledge as much as possible from each course that you take rather than just focussing on the theoretical part of the subject.
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