Hear from MS Alumni

Name: Mirko Mantovani

Year of graduation: 2020

Employer: Google

Position: Senior Software Engineer

What’s great about your job?
My job allows me to make impactful changes to products used by billions of people around the world. It also provides me with a great work-life balance so I can cultivate additional hobbies and passions outside work.

Why did you choose UIC?
I was presented with a unique opportunity to pursue a double degree from Politecnico di Milano and UIC. I was amazed by the presentation about UIC’s campus and in particular EVL with its next-generation visual technology.

What was the most valuable student organization you joined, and why?
Unfortunately I did not join any student organization during my time at UIC. However, I was often involved in extracurricular activities and research at EVL.

Would you recommend the UIC CS department to new applicants, and why?
I highly recommend the UIC CS department to new applicants. The professors and courses are fun and highly engaging, the career advisors and the dean care about students and their success.

What is the most unusual great thing you’ve done in the past year?
Participated in a 7am rave party with Bryan Johnson at the “Don’t Die Summit”.

Name: Nikita Thakur

Year of graduation: 2023

Employer: University of Illinois Cancer Center

Position: Research Data Analyst

What’s great about your job?
I apply cutting-edge data science and analysis to critical healthcare challenges. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work in machine learning, data engineering, and data analysis directly contributes to improving cancer care and potentially saving lives.

Why did you choose UIC?
UIC offered an exceptional computer science program with a strong focus on data science and machine learning. The blend of theoretical foundations and practical applications in the courses, coupled with Chicago’s vibrant tech scene, made it the perfect choice for my career goals.

What was the most valuable student organization you joined, and why?
While not a traditional organization, my work as a Graduate Research Assistant at the UIC Engineering Makerspace was invaluable. I gained hands-on experience with 3D printing and laser cutting, while also participating in events like Engineering Olympics. This role allowed me to work closely with various Engineering student organizations, developing both technical and leadership skills by mentoring other students.

Would you recommend the UIC CS department to new applicants, and why?
Absolutely! UIC CS offers a diverse curriculum led by world-class faculty. The program’s focus on hands-on projects and research, like my experience in the Visual Data Science course, equips students with in-demand skills. Plus, strong industry connections open doors to valuable internships and job opportunities.

What is the most unusual great thing you’ve done in the past year?
I helped create and teach a JavaScript class for Devi-Labs, introducing coding to women and gender non-conforming individuals with no prior experience. It was fulfilling to use my CS skills to empower absolute beginners from underrepresented groups in tech.

Name: Amulya Boyapati

Year of graduation: Fall 2022

Employer: Apple

Position: Software Engineer

What’s great about your job?
Working at Apple as a Software Engineer has allowed me to collaborate with various teams across Apple, like Apple Pay, Siri, Apple Maps, and Vision Pro. My role in the data platform team focuses on solution engineering, where I get to work with evolving technologies daily—whether it’s Big Data services like Spark and Flink or machine learning platforms like Ray. The constant learning and challenge of solving complex problems keeps me engaged and excited.

Why did you choose UIC?
I chose UIC because of its flexible, practical-focused curriculum. Courses like CS 529 and CS 440 provided hands-on projects that bridged the gap between classroom concepts and real-world applications. Additionally, UIC’s location in the heart of Chicago gave me access to numerous job opportunities, and the university fosters a highly diverse student community.

What was the most valuable student organization you joined, and why?
I didn’t participate in any student organizations, as I was pretty much occupied with my GA all the 3 semesters, and internships and jobs search.

Would you recommend the UIC CS department to new applicants, and why?
Yes, I would. I’ve already referred several friends who are either studying or have graduated. The department’s focus on practical learning, exemplified by the hands-on assignments, and the availability of funding opportunities make it a great choice, especially for international students aiming to advance their careers.

What is the most unusual great thing you’ve done in the past year?
One standout achievement was diving into new technologies like Gen AI, MLOPS and applying them to high-impact projects at Apple. Staying at the forefront of tech trends has been both challenging and rewarding, helping me make meaningful contributions at Apple.

Name: Harsh Mishra

Year of graduation: Spring 2023

Employer: Aston Villa Football Club

Position: AI & Machine Learning Engineer

What’s great about your job?
Working at the intersection of Machine Learning & Soccer has always been my dream. My job gives me the opportunity to use my skills in the field I’ve been really passionate about.

Why did you choose UIC?
Being a university in the heart of a major city like Chicago, was the major attraction for me.

Would you recommend the UIC CS department to new applicants, and why?
Yes, especially because of the options & the freedom that the department offers the students, in terms of the courses on offer. Students get the option to directly work with professors and work on their project or thesis, while also getting the option to choose a course work path.

What is the most unusual great thing you’ve done in the past year?
I got a chance to present my research on Corner Kicks in Soccer, in the OPTA Forum Conference, in London, in February 2024.

Name: Jaykumar Kakkad

Year of graduation: 2024

Employer: Fiserv

Position: Java Developer (contract position)

What’s great about your job?
Working at Fiserv, a global leader in financial services, allows me to contribute to large-scale projects that have a significant impact on major financial institutions. The size and scope of Fiserv’s operations present incredible learning opportunities, and being part of a talented team provides continuous professional growth.

Why did you choose UIC?
I chose UIC because of its strong reputation in Machine Learning research, an area I’m deeply passionate about. UIC’s emphasis on diversity and inclusion also aligned with my values, offering a supportive and welcoming environment for students from all walks of life.

What was the most valuable student organization you joined, and why?
The most valuable organization I joined was the Study Group hosted by the CS department. It brought together students from various academic backgrounds, fostering the exchange of ideas and perspectives. It enhanced my research insights by encouraging collaborative learning and intellectual diversity.

Would you recommend the UIC CS department to new applicants, and why?
Absolutely. The UIC CS department offers cutting-edge research opportunities that push the boundaries of learning. The supportive faculty, diverse student body, and challenging coursework create a stimulating environment that encourages both personal and professional growth.

What is the most unusual great thing you’ve done in the past year?
Under the mentorship of Professor Sourav Medya, I published a research paper that garnered over 40 citations within a year. Also, I completed and published my master’s thesis. Both achievements made me proud as they contributed to the advancement of knowledge.