Khoury Graduate Career and Research Peer Advisors
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
- Résumé 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
- Résumé 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
Arjun Avadhani
(CPA; he/him; CS direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hi Huskies! I’m a first-year direct-entry MSCS student with a strong background in software development, microservices architecture, and AWS services. Most recently, I completed a software development engineering co-op at Amazon Robotics, where I designed and implemented an end-to-end CRUD microservice supported by a fully CDK-managed CI/CD pipeline. Before that, I gained valuable experience as a data science intern at KPMG, contributing to the revenue assurance team. Alongside my industry experience, I currently serve as a teaching assistant for CS 3200 “Introduction to Databases,” where I help students navigate challenging concepts, build confidence in their technical skills, and foster a collaborative classroom environment.
What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
What excites me about being a CPA is the opportunity to make a real difference in a student’s career journey. I enjoy mentoring and want to use my experience to help peers navigate resume writing, technical interviews, and networking with confidence. The idea of supporting students at such a pivotal stage in their careers — and watching them grow into their goals — is deeply rewarding. Just as important, I look forward to fostering an inclusive and approachable space where every student feels supported and motivated to succeed.
How can you help your peers?
I’ve navigated the co-op process myself, from résumé tailoring to technical interviews to adjusting in real-world roles, and I can share practical strategies that worked for me. I can offer feedback on resumes and LinkedIn profiles, run mock interviews, and share insights from my own experiences in both industry and academia. My goal is to help peers translate their skills into compelling stories that resonate with employers and give them the confidence to stand out in a competitive job market.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
The search for co-ops and full-time roles can feel daunting, but it’s also one of the most valuable learning experiences you’ll have. Focus on identifying your strengths and translating them into clear, authentic stories that stand out to employers. Treat every résumé revision, application, and interview as practice that moves you forward. Don’t underestimate the power of building relationships — reach out to alumni, connect with recruiters, and take advantage of career events to expand your network. Northeastern’s experiential learning model gives us a unique edge, so lean into those opportunities to gain both experience and connections. Above all, remember that progress is rarely linear — setbacks happen, but with persistence and a growth mindset, each step brings you closer to your goal.
Karan Goyal
(CPA; he/him; CS direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am pursuing my MS in Computer Science on the Boston campus. Professionally, I bring experience as a software engineer intern at Adobe, AI software engineer co-op at Dell, and full-stack developer at Barclays. I’ve worked extensively with large-scale systems, generative AI platforms, and modern cloud-native architectures.
Beyond my professional roles, I have been actively engaged in peer support: I led a peer advising program at Dell for interns and co-ops, was a member of the placement community during undergrad where we successfully placed 600+ students, and I currently run a free Topmate community service to guide students on co-op and career preparation.
What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I am excited to create an inclusive and encouraging space where students feel comfortable discussing their challenges in career preparation. Helping others gain clarity on resumes, interviews, and technical upskilling motivates me because I’ve personally seen the impact of mentorship during transitions into industry roles.
How can you help your peers?
I can share guidance on co-op and internship searches, résumé/LinkedIn reviews, technical interview prep, and how to navigate both academic and workplace challenges. Drawing from my background in software engineering, AI, and cloud development, I can also help students understand how to connect their coursework to real-world projects and employer expectations.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
Don’t hesitate to seek support and ask questions; career journeys are rarely linear. Focus on consistent progress: apply widely, prepare strategically, and take every experience (good or bad) as a learning opportunity. Remember, resilience and networking often open doors even more than perfect preparation.
Purvaja Narayana
(CPA; she/her; MSAI direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hello, Huskies! I’m in my final year of the MSAI program at the Boston campus, and I’m excited to connect with you. Currently, I’m working as an AI developer intern at Chewy in Boston, where I focus on optimizing the veterinary journey by implementing AI agents and other smart solutions. Before joining Northeastern, I worked as a software engineer at Mercedes-Benz India for nearly two years.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
I’m excited about the opportunity to build meaningful connections with my peers and to be a supportive resource as they navigate academics and campus life. I’m passionate about creating an inclusive environment where every student feels welcome, valued, and supported.
How can you help your peers?
As an international student who has been through the co-op process myself, I know how challenging it can feel at times. I can support you in refining resume and LinkedIn, drafting effective cold emails, and preparing for coffee chats to build stronger professional connections. I also enjoy supporting peers with technical interview preparation, from practicing coding problems to reviewing problem-solving strategies, and showing how AI tools can enhance the process. In the end, my goal is to make sure you’re ready to walk into interviews with confidence and truly shine.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
Applying for jobs is important, but focusing on strengthening your technical skills will help you stand out even more. Don’t worry if opportunities don’t come immediately; the right job will come at the right time. Be patient, keep putting in the work, and trust the process. Remember, you are the main character of your journey, so move forward with confidence.
Ritika Kumar
(CPA; she/her; DS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am an Align student in the MS in Data Science program at the Boston campus, beginning in Fall 2023. Most recently, I completed my co-op at Bevi on the Business Intelligence team, where I led projects such as building an AI-powered customer call summarization pipeline, developing a churn-prediction model, and enhancing Bevi’s internal RAG-based chatbot. In addition, I serve as chair of the NU Boston ACM-W student chapter and director of events for SHEROS of Color, where I’ve had the opportunity to build community and mentor peers.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
I’m excited about the chance to share my experiences and help other students feel confident navigating the co-op search. As someone who has benefitted greatly from peer support, I want to give back to the community and be a resource for others. I also look forward to building connections within the Khoury community and learning from everyone’s unique journeys.
How can you help your peers?
I can help by reviewing résumés, practicing interview prep, sharing strategies for technical projects and applied coursework, and providing insights from my co-op and leadership experiences. I also love talking about how to position academic projects as industry-relevant skills.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
The co-op search can feel overwhelming but remember it’s a process of growth and discovery. Use your projects and coursework to show applied skills, lean on your network for support, and stay open to feedback. Rejection is just redirection toward a better fit. You’ve got this! Every step you take moves you closer to the right opportunity.
Mahadharsan Ravivhandran
(CPA; he/him; DS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hi Huskies! I am in the final semester of the MS in Data Science Align program. Most recently, I completed a data analyst internship at Waste Management (WM), where I worked on client data schema consolidation, validated Snowflake pipelines, and improved dashboard performance. In addition to analytics, I contributed to backend data engineering and helped design a roadmap for an AI-driven project. Previously, I completed a data analyst Co-op at Formlabs, where I supported the manufacturing team by developing data-informed solutions for anomaly detection, cost-cutting, and process optimization initiatives that improved yield and efficiency. I also bring prior experience as a data engineer at Cognizant. Altogether, I see myself as a holistic data professional with experience spanning data engineering, analytics, and data science.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
What excites me most about being a CPA is the opportunity to be the kind of support I wish I had during my own co-op search journey. I know how isolating and overwhelming the process can feel, and I believe that the right guidance at the right time can make all the difference. For me, the most inspiring part is not just helping students land opportunities, but empowering them with confidence, clarity, and resilience to grow through the process. Making even a small impact on someone’s career journey and then seeing them succeed is what excites me the most.
How can you help your peers?
As a CPA, I can help with résumé reviews, strategies for both technical and behavioral prep, and breaking down the nuances of the job search. This includes tailoring applications, optimizing LinkedIn, and sharing practical tips to increase your chances of landing interviews. I can also share my personal approaches for preparing for co-op interviews on how to anticipate questions, structure answers, and leave a strong impression.
Beyond that, I aim to help students think strategically: identifying the right opportunities and learning how to stand out in a crowded pool. I can also guide students on upskilling in ways that align with their career goals.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
The co-op search can feel overwhelming but remember it’s a process of growth and discovery. Use your projects and coursework to show applied skills, lean on your network for support, and stay open to feedback. Rejection is just redirection toward a better fit. You’ve got this! Every step you take moves you closer to the right opportunity.
Remember, you just need one yes! Do not feel discouraged if others seem ahead, everyone has their own pace and journey. What truly matters is whether you are a little better than you were yesterday. Apply your learnings consistently, because consistency is what compounds into results. Break the process into small, manageable steps, and keep going even when it feels tough. Rejection is not a reflection of your worth or ability, it’s just part of the journey. Stay persistent, stay curious, and know that you are never alone in this process. I come from a Mechanical Engineering background and have met my own expectations in data so far; I believe that with persistent effort, anyone can achieve their goals.
Nayonika Sen
(RPA; she/her; MSCS direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am pursuing my MS in Computer Science on the Boston campus. My recent research includes developing NDIF (National Deep Inference Fabric) for large-scale LLM inference and exploring data visualization aligned with human aesthetics. I have also gained industry experience as a software engineer.
What aspects of being a RPA excite you?
I look forward to mentoring fellow students, inspiring curiosity, and helping them transform classroom knowledge into impactful research.
How can you help your peers?
I can guide students in approaching faculty, scoping research problems, and leveraging open-source tools. My experience with distributed systems, ML deployment, and visualization research allows me to share both technical and practical insights.
Additional advice or encouragement
Start small, stay curious, and do not fear uncertainty. Research is about exploration. Seek mentors, build on your strengths, and remember that persistence is more valuable than perfection.
Arlington
Arth Patel
(CPA; he/him; CS direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am pursuing an MSCS on the Arlington campus, which I began in fall 2024. Most recently, I worked as an AI intern at The Verse, where I collaborated with the WalkXR AI team to research and design AI/ML-driven features for immersive XR and gaming experiences. This role allowed me to merge technical problem-solving with creativity while contributing to innovative projects at the intersection of artificial intelligence and interactive media. Prior to that, I interned as a software development engineer at Tech Robo Solutions, where I developed algorithms for path planning and obstacle detection, and at the PDEU Innovation and Incubation Center, where I automated internal workflows and provided technical support for workshops.
What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I am excited about the opportunity to support fellow students in navigating their career and co-op journeys. Having explored both traditional software roles and emerging areas like AI, I understand the importance of building a professional narrative that reflects both technical and personal strengths. Being a peer advisor allows me to share the strategies, experiences, and encouragement that helped me, while learning from the unique journeys of my peers.
How can you help your peers?
My goal is to provide practical, actionable guidance on résumé building, mock interviews, and LinkedIn optimization, while also sharing insights into exploring interdisciplinary career paths. With experience in both research projects and industry internships, I can help students highlight their strengths and connect academic learning with real-world applications.
Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
The co-op and job search can feel overwhelming but remember that progress comes step by step. Each application, networking conversation, or interview is an opportunity to grow and refine your approach. Stay resilient, embrace feedback, and trust the process. Remember you have unique strengths that will set you apart.
Oakland
Yongqi “Ashley” Ou
(CPA; she/her; CS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hi everyone! I am in my second year of the MSCS Align program at the Oakland campus, having transitioned into tech after completing my degree in business sdministration. My professional background includes experience in data center operations at Amazon Web Services, as a solutions analyst at Cathay Pacific, and most recently as a software engineering intern at Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies, where I worked on cloud-native services with technologies like Go and Python.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
A mentor’s guidance was pivotal in my own career transition, and I’m passionate about paying that support forward. I want to help create a welcoming environment where students can feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences, and navigating their career development together.
How can you help your peers?
I can offer support with resume feedback, networking strategies, and preparation for both technical and behavioral interviews. Having navigated a career transition myself, I can share practical advice on building professional connections and making the most of career fairs and tech events. I am also passionate about creating new resources and workshops for our community and look forward to collaborating on events that help students succeed.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
The job search can be challenging, but please remember that you don’t have to figure everything out on your own. Every conversation and connection are steps forward. Don’t hesitate to reach out and build your support system; it can make all the difference in your journey.
Portland
Akash Dhande
(CPA; he/him; MSDS direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I’m in the final year of the direct entry MS in Data Science program in Portland. Before grad school, I worked as a computer vision engineer at Adagrad AI in Pune and am currently a computer vision intern at Survue in Portland. I also have prior leadership experience as an engineering lead for a Formula Student team, where I collaborated with a team of 60 to design and build racecars.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
I’m most excited about creating a supportive environment for students who are navigating the challenges of co-op and career prep. Sharing my journey and lessons from industry and internships is a way for me to give back, while also helping peers approach opportunities with more confidence.
How can you help your peers?
I can help by sharing practical strategies for preparing for interviews, managing technical projects, and staying organized during high-pressure timelines. I also bring experience from both industry and research settings, which I hope to use to mentor students exploring different career paths.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
Treat the career search as a process: set small, consistent goals instead of trying to do everything at once. Use rejections as opportunities to refine your approach, and remember that persistence usually pays off with the right fit. Staying proactive and seeking feedback can make all the difference. y of starting a job search, I understand how important it is to get real, experience-based guidance from someone who’s been through it recently. Helping someone feel less stuck and more confident about their next step is something I find really rewarding.
How can you help your peers?
I can help by sharing my own experience, what worked, and how I adjusted along the way. I can offer targeted support for résumé reviews, mock interviews, and concrete strategies for both behavioral and technical interview prep. Based on my internship and co-op experience, I aim to help students think more clearly about how to present themselves, navigate uncertainty, and make progress in their job search and career development.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
Career prep and the co-op search can feel especially overwhelming in today’s competitive environment. But what matters most is staying consistent and treating it as a learning process. Every small improvement adds up. Just keep moving forward and the momentum will build.
Anushka A. Doshi
(CPA; she/her; CS direct entry)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I’m pursuing my MS in Computer Science on the Portland campus. Before grad school, I worked as a software engineer at JP Morgan Chase for 2.5 years, where I built large-scale financial systems in the investment banking domain, automated workflows, built enterprise scale APIs and mentored junior engineers. Currently, I’m a founding software engineer co-op at WellSort, a mental wellness startup, where I’ve been working on full-stack development, scalable cloud infrastructure, and secure data handling from ground up. I’ve also served as a teaching assistant for the Systems Design course at Khoury College and led Career Commons technical interview prep sessions.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
What excites me most is the chance to sit down with peers, listen to their stories, and remind them they’re not alone in this process. I know firsthand how overwhelming co-op applications and technical interviews can feel (I’ve had both wins and setbacks along the way). The idea of turning my own experiences into something that makes someone else feel more confident and supported really motivates me. I’m especially looking forward to creating a space where students feel comfortable asking questions, practicing interviews, discussing networking strategies and celebrating small wins together.
How can you help your peers?
I bring the perspective of working in both a large-scale enterprise at JP Morgan Chase and a fast-paced startup at WellSort. From building critical financial systems to designing new features and digital platforms from scratch, I’ve developed strong expertise in software engineering, system design, and full-stack development. I’ve also served as a teaching assistant and led technical workshops, where I learned how to simplify complex topics and support peers by adapting to different learning and communication styles. Whether it’s mock coding interviews, technical concepts, or career strategies and networking, I’m happy to share insights that combine diverse industry experience.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
Don’t think of your career search as only chasing posted opportunities; sometimes the most meaningful roles are the ones you create. My current co-op at WellSort came from pitching myself and showing the value I could add — not from an application link. Whether you’re applying to big companies or startups, remember: your skills, perspective, and initiative can open doors that don’t even exist yet. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and don’t be afraid to take a less traditional path (that’s often where the best opportunities are).
Seattle
Ziling “Lena” Li
(CPA; she/her; CS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I am currently in my final semester of the Align program. I previously interned at Stripe and Experian as a software engineering intern. Before transitioning into computer science, I majored in international relations at BFSU and worked as a product manager, policy researcher, and consultant.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
I am really 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 am willing to offer advice on career advice, résumé reviews, job search strategies, and mock interviews. Particularly, I focus on showcasing everyone’s unique strengths to captivate potential employers.
Additional advice or encouragement
Every game is winnable.
Sihe “Martin” Chen
(RPA; he/him; MSCS direct entry)

I’m an MSCS student at Khoury Seattle with prior research in computer security and three years of industry experience in autonomous driving before transitioning to computer vision. As an RPA, I’m excited to share insights from both academia and industry to support peers in exploring research and connecting it to real-world applications. Having been in the position of figuring out how to start and navigate research myself, I’m happy to answer questions and help others find opportunities that fit their interests. My advice is that research can be challenging, but persistence pays off. Don’t hesitate to reach out; I’m here to help.
Kehan Xiao
(CPA; she/her; CS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
I’m currently a student in the MSCS Align program, which I began in spring 2023. I recently completed a summer internship as a software engineer, focusing on backend development and GenAI infrastructure in the applied ML space. Before that, I completed a co-op at a startup where I developed an LLM-based product. I’ve also served as a teaching assistant at Northeastern, supporting students through office hours and one-on-one guidance.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
What excites me most about being a CPA is the opportunity to mentor other students in a way that’s grounded in shared experience. I’ve interviewed with many different types of companies, revised my approach, and learned through iteration. As a student who’s gone through the uncertainty of starting a job search, I understand how important it is to get real, experience-based guidance from someone who’s been through it recently. Helping someone feel less stuck and more confident about their next step is something I find really rewarding.
How can you help your peers?
I can help by sharing my own experience, what worked, and how I adjusted along the way. I can offer targeted support for resume reviews, mock interviews, and concrete strategies for both behavioral and technical interview prep. Based on my internship and co-op experience, I aim to help students think more clearly about how to present themselves, navigate uncertainty, and make progress in their job search and career development.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
Career prep and the co-op search can feel especially overwhelming in today’s competitive environment. But what matters most is staying consistent and treating it as a learning process. Every small improvement adds up. Just keep moving forward and the momentum will build.
Silicon Valley
Yiqing “Robyn” Jiang
(CPA; she/her; CS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hi Huskies! I’m currently pursuing my MSCS through the Align program. I originally studied environmental engineering and did some research work but along the way, I discovered my passion for computer science and decided to make the transition. Since starting the program, I’ve interned at TikTok and Bloomberg, where I worked on backend infrastructure and learned a lot about building large-scale systems. I’m also a teaching assistant for CS 5001, where I’ve had the chance to support students from many different backgrounds as they begin their CS journey.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
Being new to CS and new to the US as an international student, I know how challenging it can be to navigate a new field and a new environment at the same time. What excites me most about being a CPA is the opportunity to give back to the Khoury community and support students who may be facing similar challenges. I want to share what I’ve learned from my own journey and help other students feel confident and encouraged as they explore their own career paths.
How can you help your peers?
I can help my peers by sharing practical, firsthand guidance from my own career journey, including resume building, tackling online assessments, preparing for interviews, networking both in-person and online, and making the most of internships. Having completed internships at TikTok and Bloomberg, I can offer insights on how to succeed during internships and turn them into long-term opportunities.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
The job search can feel like a long and sometimes uncertain process, but every step — whether it’s a networking conversation, an application, or an interview — is progress. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, seek feedback, and use the resources available to you. Building resilience and staying consistent will pay off, and remember, you don’t have to go through it alone!
Xinrui “Richard” Yi
(CPA; he/him; CS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hey Huskies! I’m a current MSCS Align student with a distinctive background that bridges civil engineering and computer science. My journey includes recent internships at Astreas Performance developing AI-powered health optimization platforms and at Voc.ai building enterprise AI customer service solutions.
What sets me apart is my previous experience as a design and software engineer at China Railway Major Bridge Institute, where I managed large-scale infrastructure projects while developing workflow automation tools. As head teaching assistant for CS 5001, I’ve mentored students through intensive programming foundations, combining technical expertise with teaching skills. My cross-disciplinary background gives me unique insight into career transitions and the challenges of pivoting between technical fields.
What aspects of being a CPA excite you?
What energizes me most is helping students see how their diverse backgrounds — whether in engineering, business, or other fields—can become competitive advantages in tech. I’m particularly enthusiastic about mentoring on technical interview preparation, resume optimization for career changers, and building confidence in students who may feel they don’t fit the traditional CS mold. There’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing my peers achieve their career goals and knowing I played a small part in their success journey.
How can you help your peers?
I can offer comprehensive support across the entire career preparation journey:
Technical skills development: Guide students through hands-on projects and help them build portfolios that demonstrate real-world problem-solving abilities, drawing from my experience with full-stack development, AI/ML, and cloud deployment.
Resume and application strategy: Help students effectively translate diverse experiences into compelling tech narratives, especially those from non-traditional backgrounds. My civil engineering experience taught me how to present complex technical work to different audiences.
Interview preparation: Conduct mock technical interviews and behavioral sessions, sharing strategies I’ve learned from landing roles at both startups and established companies. I can help with system design, coding challenges, and articulating technical projects clearly.
Industry insights: Provide perspective on different tech sectors (AI/ML, enterprise software, cloud infrastructure) and help students understand role expectations and growth trajectories.
Additional advice about career prep or job searching
“Effort is the reward”— every line of code you write, every technical challenge you tackle, and every networking conversation you have is building your expertise and confidence, regardless of the immediate outcome. Your unique background is an asset, not a limitation, and the tech industry values problem-solvers above all else. Start preparing early, build real projects, and trust the process — consistent effort will develop the skills that serve you throughout your career. You’ve got this!
Vancouver
Axel Qian
(CPA; he/him; CS Align)

Current program and previous work/leadership experience
Hello, Huskies! I’m in my final year of the MSCS Align program at the Vancouver campus and couldn’t be more excited to follow your professional journeys. I originally studied business administration at the University of Amsterdam and later transitioned into computer science, where I’ve completed several software engineering internships to sharpen my skills.
What aspects of being a peer advisor excite you?
I’m looking forward to sharing my own experiences and insights, while also learning from my classmates about everything from refining résumés to combining existing skills with new computer science knowledge and navigating the job market.
How can you help your peers?
I’ve been in your shoes — transitioning careers as an international student and juggling the highs and lows of the job hunt. My goal is to share what I’ve learned and connect you with valuable resources to make your journey smoother
Additional advice about career prep or job-searching
Securing internships or full-time positions can feel like an uphill battle, but perseverance and resilience will guide you through. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed at times — just remember that every “no” gets you one step closer to the “yes” that truly matters.