Khoury Career Peer Advisors (CPAs) are students hired to assist other Khoury graduate students across the Northeastern network in their career preparation. These students have extensive experience, having worked in tech prior to beginning their programs and/or having been on one or more co-op or internship work experiences as a part of their program of study. They are passionate about mentoring and assisting their fellow students in career planning and preparation.

Khoury Research Peer Advisors (RPAs) mentor and advise master’s-level computer science students interested in learning more about research and research-related experiences.

How can CPAs and RPAs assist you?

Career Peer Advisors assist fellow students with:

• General career advising and discussions
• Co-op/career preparation
• Networking and LinkedIn building
• Resumé support and advice advice
• Mock behavioral and technical interviewing

In addition to providing one-on-one services, CPAs support the Khoury graduate population by assisting student groups with career preparation events, Align student recruitment, leading Align bridge career preparation series workshops, and data reporting; they also develop a variety of materials to share across the Khoury network.

Research Peer Advisors assist fellow students with:

• General mentoring about research and research-related experiences
• One-on-one research coaching and research opportunity inquiries
• Resumé support and advice
• Research paper reading instruction

CPAs and RPAs have weekly hours available for appointments. You can set up a meeting with any CPA or RPA, regardless of campus location, through Navigate.

If you have questions about the Khoury Graduate Career Peer Advisor program, please contact Thea Celestine.

Boston

Sahithi Chigurupati (CPA; she/her; direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am currently pursuing my final semester in MSCS with a background in full stack, cloud, and DevOps. My previous roles include being a software engineering intern at Nvidia for spring and summer 2024, where I worked for the cloud networking team. I was also a full stack developer at SLB for 1.5 years where I worked on enhancing deployment processes and migrating applications to microservices. As a mentor in Northeastern’s Peer Pathways Program in fall 2023, I helped new graduate students transition into the university, offering guidance on academic and career-related topics. Additionally, I served as graduate teaching assistant for cloud computing and visualization technologies courses.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
What excites me most about the CPA role is the opportunity to directly impact students’ career journeys through personalized mentorship and support. I see this as an opportunity to help fellow students achieve their career goals, much like I have been fortunate to do through my own co-op experiences. I find great satisfaction in mentoring and advising students, helping them navigate their career journeys, and contributing to student success in a supportive, impactful way.

How can you help your peers?
I can help by providing personalized support to students in their career preparation, whether it’s through resume reviews, technical interview prep, or general career exploration. My past work experience and the process that led to those opportunities have equipped me with valuable insights into the tech industry, which I’m eager to share to help students navigate the job search process with confidence. By leveraging my background in tech, I can assist students in building strong career foundations and prepare them to succeed in their co-op and full-time roles.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
The journey toward landing a co-op or full-time role can be challenging, but persistence and self-confidence are key. Focus on refining your technical skills while also developing soft skills like communication and networking. Every interaction, whether it’s at an event or a LinkedIn message, can open doors. Keep learning, stay adaptable, and take advantage of the resources available through Khoury College and the CPA program —y our future self will thank you.

Mahesh Babu Kommalapati (CPA; he/him; direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hello Huskies! I’m currently in my final year of the MSDS direct program, and I’m excited to bring a blend of academic rigor and professional experience to the role of Career Peer Advisor. During my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work as a data scientist co-op at Bayer, where I played a key role in enhancing anomaly detection capabilities to improve biomanufacturing processes. I’m also currently working as a graduate research assistant, where I’m performing impactful research. My journey in tech began with a bachelor’s in Computer Science, which laid the groundwork for my technical skills. My passion for making a meaningful impact in the tech industry drives me as I pursue exciting full-time opportunities. I’m eager to use my unique experiences to support and guide fellow students in their career journeys.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I’m enthusiastic about the opportunity to interact with fellow students and share the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained throughout my academic and professional journeys. The prospect of helping students navigate the complexities of pursuing internships and full-time opportunities brings me immense satisfaction. I’m also eager to build a stronger connection with the Northeastern community, learning from the diverse perspectives of my peers while also offering my own insights. Ultimately, what excites me most is the chance to give back to the Khoury community by providing guidance and support.

How can you help your peers?
I can assist with job-hunting strategies, crafting and refining resumes reviews, constructing a strong LinkedIn/GitHub profile, preparing for technical or behavioral interviews, and conducting one-one mock interview sessions. Additionally, I can guide peers in exploring various career paths and identifying potential opportunities during their job search.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
Job searching can be overwhelming, but having a clear strategy can make all the difference — that’s why I’m here to help. Even if you have no prior work experience, don’t worry about it. I successfully landed a co-op without any prior full-time work experience. If I can achieve it, I’m sure you can, too. Most importantly, stay patient and positive; the right opportunity will come your way if you keep pushing forward. And remember, you’re not alone. We are here to support you on this journey. Embrace the process, and don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Good luck!

Vamshika Lekkala (RPA; she/her; research)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in Computer Science. My previous research experience includes working as a research student at Shepherd Lab, where I worked on control algorithms for an ankle robot.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
What excites me most about being a Research Peer Advisor is the opportunity to support and mentor my peers in their research journeys. I am passionate about helping others navigate the challenges of research. The chance to collaborate with fellow students and enhance student support programming aligns perfectly with my interest in fostering a supportive and collaborative research environment.

How can you help your peers?
I can help by leveraging my research and teaching experience to provide practical guidance on various aspects of research, from experimental design to data analysis. Whether it’s providing feedback on research proposals, suggesting methodologies, or offering encouragement, I am dedicated to helping my peers succeed in their research projects.

Additional advice about starting a research project or finding research opportunities
Research is full of challenges and setbacks, but each one is an opportunity to learn and grow.

Maurya Atulbhai Patel (CPA; he/him; direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hello Huskies! I’m currently enrolled in the MSCS program at the Boston campus, which I began in Spring 2023. I interned at State Street Corporation as a software developer intern from January 2024 to August 2024, focusing on back-end development. Before that, I completed a couple of software engineering internships during my undergrad.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I previously worked as a Student Success Guide (SSG) at Northeastern, where I helped first-year undergrad students with their studies and on-campus activities. I loved every moment of that role and wanted to continue doing similar work. Being a CPA offers the same experience with a technical focus, and I’m excited about helping others grow and seeing how far the right guidance can take students.

How can you help your peers?
I can assist with resume reviews, mock interviews, and creating strategies for landing a co-op. I can help you build connections through LinkedIn, reach out to recruiters for newly posted jobs, and tailor your resume to specific job roles. I’m here to help you showcase your skills effectively and provide constructive feedback on both technical and non-technical interviews.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
It’s okay to feel lost at times in your journey. Stay focused on your ultimate goal. I’m here to help guide you toward achieving the goals you set for yourself. Embrace challenges with curiosity and perseverance!

Ashish Pawar (RPA; he/him; research)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Before starting my MSCS, I spent two years working as a software engineer at Goldman Sachs, where I got hands-on experience with financial tech and large-scale systems. During my current program, I interned at Whoop and Palantir, working on exciting projects as a software engineer. Back in undergrad, I was a research assistant twice and managed to publish a few research papers along the way!

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
After diving into research myself for the past two years during my tenure at Northeastern as a graduate student and being a part of the Khoury Research Apprenticeship cohort, I’m excited about the chance to help others by sharing what I’ve learned and getting to hear different perspectives from them.

How can you help your peers?
I can help you figure out the research opportunities at Northeastern and share how I got started with research myself. Whether it’s finding research assistantships, joining labs, or approaching professors, I’ve been through it and can offer some tips. Plus, I can give you the inside scoop on how I got into the Khoury Research Apprenticeship program and help you navigate the same if you’re already in!

Additional advice about starting a research project or finding research opportunities
Be curious, start early, reach out to professors, network with peers, be open to learning, tailor your approach and most important — trust the process!

Yiming Zhu (CPA; she/her; Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am in my final year of the CS Align program. Prior to joining Northeastern, I did my undergrad in accounting and first master’s in arts administration. This summer, I interned as a technology summer analyst at Morgan Stanley.

What aspects of being peer advisor excite you?
What excites me most about the CPA role is the opportunity to directly impact fellow students’ career trajectories. The thought of guiding and empowering students as they navigate their co-op and job searches, especially those who might be experiencing imposter syndrome or adjusting to a new career path, is incredibly rewarding. I am particularly passionate about leveraging my own experiences of career transition and adaptation to a new cultural environment to assist others in overcoming similar challenges.

How can you help your peers?
I aim to provide customized support, focusing on peers’ specific needs and challenges. Whether it’s reviewing resume, mocking interviews, providing professional advice, planning job search strategy, helping manage stress, or offering insights into navigating visa-related issues as an international student, my goal is to ensure that my peers feel supported and confident.

Additonal advice about career prep or job-searching
Navigating your career path or co-op search can often seem daunting, especially if you’re shifting careers or adjusting to a new academic and cultural environment. My advice is to embrace these challenges as opportunities for growth. Remember, every professional was once a beginner, and feeling uncertain is a natural part of the journey.

Portland

Meghana Chillara (CPA; she/her; DS direct entry)

Current program and previous experience
I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Data Science, a journey that has challenged me to push my boundaries and grow in unexpected ways. My experience as a machine learning data analyst and senior software engineer has equipped me with the technical expertise and problem-solving skills necessary to navigate the fast-paced world of tech. Additionally, leading the Indian Student Association has allowed me to channel my passion for community-building and leadership.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
What excites me most about being a CPA is the opportunity to inspire and empower my peers. I’ve been through the highs and lows of job searching and career development, and I know firsthand how daunting it can be. I’m eager to use my experiences to guide others, helping them to see that with persistence and the right strategies, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve their goals. There’s nothing more rewarding than watching someone gain confidence and succeed.

How can you help your peers?
I’m here to offer not just practical advice but also to be a source of encouragement and support. Whether you’re refining your resume, preparing for a big interview, or just feeling overwhelmed by the process, I’m here to help you stay focused and motivated. My goal is to help you see your own potential and to provide the tools and insights you need to reach it.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
Your journey might be tough at times, but every step is bringing you closer to where you want to be. Embrace the challenges as they come, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Remember, resilience and a positive mindset are key. Believe in yourself, stay determined, and know that every effort you put in today is an investment in your future success. You’ve got this!

Rahil Jhaveri (CPA; he/him; DS direct entry)

Current program and previous experience
Hello Huskies, I am a MS Data Science student and have 3+ years of professional experience working for JPMorgan Chase, AlphaGrep, and Quantiphi prior to starting my master’s here at Northeastern. Currently I am a data science and AI co-op at WEX Inc. Over these years, I have gained valuable skills in data science, data engineering, and analytics, and have also developed business acumen, particularly in the financial technology sector. My diverse background and unique skills would enable me to help and support students in their journey of finding their dream role.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
Having been on a co-op and internship search for two semesters, I have been helped by previous CPAs, co-op advisors, industry professionals, my mentors, and professors. Their help, knowledge, and wisdom have been invaluable to me. It is exciting for me to share insights, tips, and tricks I have picked up from multiple people. I can be there for anyone looking for their desired role and help them get that role. I truly enjoy seeing people succeed and helping them achieve their goals. That’s the best part about being a CPA

How can you help your peers?
I can support them right from applying to the jobs till the final round of interviews. I offer job search strategies, resume review, conducting mock interviews (both technical and behavioral), and regular check-ins to stay on track. For students on F1 visa, I can help them build and structure their profile to ensure they showcase relevant skills. Apart from that, I can also help them in utilizing online tools such as Simplify, BigInterview, etc. for effectively approaching job searching and applying with a curated resume.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going.”

Armaan Sait (CPA; he/him; direct entry)

Current program and previous experience
Hey Huskies, as a current student in the final year of the MSCS direct program, I bring a unique blend of academic excellence and professional experience to the role of career peer advisor. Prior to my graduate studies, I served as a data engineer at Tiger Analytics for two years, honing my technical skills and gaining valuable industry insights. Also, I am interning at Vantage Risk, further strengthening my practical knowledge, and understanding of the field. This diverse background equips me with the expertise to effectively guide and support fellow students in their career journeys.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to interact with students from diverse backgrounds and assist them in navigating their paths towards internships and full-time employment opportunities. Empowering others and sharing my knowledge and experiences to help them achieve their career goals is a source of great fulfillment for me.

How can you can help your peers?
I offer comprehensive support in various areas, including resumé review, job-hunting strategies, and conducting mock interviews. For students on F1 visas, I can provide guidance on structuring their resumés effectively to highlight their unique strengths and qualifications. Also, I will help identify potential internship opportunities and provide valuable resources and tips to prepare for technical and non-technical interviews.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
The journey toward securing internships or full-time positions can be challenging, but persistence and resilience are key. I encourage you to actively network, highlight your skills, and have confidence in your potential. Remember, each rejection or setback brings you one step closer to success. Embrace the process and know that I am here to support you every step of the way. With dedication and the right guidance, the perfect opportunity is within your reach.

Funmi Somoye (CPA; she/her; Align DS)

Current program and previous experience
I started my career as a document controller in construction and engineering. I also worked as a project manager/coordinator in the same industry. I had my first training in data science with General Electric, South Africa and fell in love with it. Prior to coming to the Northeastern, I worked as a data analyst and data scientist in the finance, banking, and telecoms industries in Europe and Africa.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I enjoy helping people meet and exceed their goals. I am very excited for the opportunity to guide my peers with the best resources to be successful in their future tech career.

How can you help your peers?
Peers can come to me for anything from deciding a career and a career plan to discovering their choice positions in companies they love, and helping them present the best version of themselves for those positions.

Seattle

Yanting Lai (CPA; she/her; Align)

Current program and previous experience
Hey Huskies! I am currently in my final year of the CS Align program, and I am excited to be a witness of your career journey. Before joining the Align program, I worked as a marketing operation analyst at EcoFlow Shenzhen. During my study at Northeastern, I followed my passion in sport and wellness and completed my internships at Peloton Interactive as well as S2N Health as a full-stack engineer. This summer, I interned at Amazon focusing on building scalable distributed systems.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I am particularly excited about helping students navigate the challenges of securing internships and full-time roles, as I remember how transformative this guidance was for me. Having been in their shoes, I understand the stress and uncertainty that can accompany this journey. The support I received from my previous CPA and classmates made all the difference, and now, I’m eager to offer that same encouragement and insight to others. I see this role as an opportunity to pay forward the mentorship that shaped my own path and to inspire confidence in others as they pursue their professional dreams.

How can you help your peers?
I provide support in building effective networking strategies, optimizing LinkedIn and GitHub profiles, and enhancing personal branding. My assistance includes resumé reviews, as well as mock interviews focusing on both technical and behavioral questions. Additionally, I offer guidance on stress management, goal-setting, and prioritization to help students navigate their career paths with confidence.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
When the tech layoffs happened in 2022, I never imagined I would have landed a big tech internship in 2024. It happened just when I was about to give up. Sometimes, opportunities arise when you’re at your lowest. If you’re feeling stressed, that’s OK — remember, you can fail many times in your job search, but you only need one chance to succeed.

Ziling Li (CPA; she/her; Align)

Current program and previous experience
I am in my second year in the Align program and just about to finish my second internship. Before this, I majored in international relations in BFSU, and worked as product manager, policy researcher, and consultant.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I am excited to support my fellows in their career journeys and hear their stories. Having navigated the challenges of transitioning into tech, I understand the importance of a reliable guide.

How can you help your peers?
I will be willing to offer advice in career advice, resumé reviews, job search strategies, and mock interviews. Particularly, I focus on showcasing each individual’s unique strengths to captivate potential employers.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
It is always darkest before the dawn. Don’t hesitate to reach out for support.

Zihan Xu (CPA; he/him; Align)

Current program and previous experience
Before joining the MSCS program, I was a technical consultant for the Erie County Department of Environmental and Planning. I earned a master of sustainability leadership from the University at Buffalo. Last summer I did a software development engineer internship for the Amazon AWS AuroraDB team. And this spring I did a co-op for Zambezi Animal Welfare Services as a web engineer.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
At Northeastern, my identity positively influenced my experiences by connecting me with a diverse group of peers who broadened my understanding of various challenges and successes. Learning about my classmates’ efforts to transition to new fields, I saw how some struggled with their decisions and the demands of succeeding in a competitive tech market. While these challenges sometimes cast a shadow over our achievements, they also fostered resilience. To encourage students facing similar transitions, I would highlight their accomplishments and courage, reminding them of their progress, like successfully completing rigorous bridge courses, or praising their bravery in making significant life changes to join this program.

How can you help your peers?
I can offer support with resumé improvement, job-hunting assistance, and mock interviews.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
Unlike people with other various backgrounds (science-related majors, done CS courses previously, no need for sponsorship, first semester with 700+ leetcode records, etc.), I literally have no buffer for this new field of study. If I can achieve something, I am sure you can get it too, and that’s why I am here to help you.

Silicon Valley

Rhea Qiu (CPA; she/her; Align)

Current program and previous experience
Currently enrolled in the Align MSCS Program, I bring a background in product management following my graduation from the University of Toronto. Transitioning into computer science, I have undertaken a few different software engineering internships to further develop my skills.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I am excited for the opportunity to share my own experiences and knowledge, while also learning from the experiences of fellow students. Additionally, I look forward to assisting students in navigating their job search process, offering guidance, and providing valuable perspectives to support their career journey.

How can you help your peers?
I can assist with resumé reviews, mock interviews, general advice, and guidance.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
Stay confident, trust the process, and embrace the journey. Dive in wholeheartedly and give it your all. Remember good things take time, but rest assured, things will work out for you.

Shu “Susie” Xu (CPA; she/her; Align)

Current program and previous experience
Previously, I majored in law with two years of education law experience in Palo Alto.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
The rewarding aspect of being a CPA is the opportunity to engage with diverse students, aiding in their career design and fostering continuous learning, as well as learning from different students and helping them learn more about career design.

How can you help your peers?
I offer support in resumé review, job-hunting strategies, and conducting mock interviews. Let me help you present your best self professionally.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
Persist with resilience. Network, showcase your skills, and believe in your potential. The right opportunity is on the horizon.

Thanda Myo Win (CPA; she/her; Align)

Current program and previous experience
As I enter my final semester in the Align MSCS program, I have completed two consecutive co-ops in the tech industry. Originally, I transitioned to computer science from a background in economics and pre-medicine and along the way, I have gained valuable experience in advising both high school and college students.

What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I’m passionate about supporting peers by identifying areas for improvement in their resumés, offering insights on where to focus their efforts during the MSCS program, and providing job-search and networking advice.

How can you help your peers?
Having faced challenges in my own career transition, such as being an international student and navigating the ups and downs of the job search, I understand the obstacles others may encounter. I’m here to offer empathy, provide guidance, and connect individuals with resources that can support them along their journey.

Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
The job search can feel overwhelming but each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goal. Focus on continuous improvement—polishing your resume, expanding your network, and preparing for interviews. The right opportunity will come with persistence and preparation.