Every other week we spotlight an OMSCS TA, so you can get to know who's behind the screen. Here are four questions for Apurva Bhosle, who TAs CS 6475: Computational Photography.
What do you do professionally?
Along with being an OMSCS student, I am currently a full-time senior software engineer working with flight software in the aerospace industry. In my previous positions, I was involved in working with in-flight entertainment and computer vision software products.
Why do you TA for OMSCS?
Being a TA for OMSCS is a way for me to give back to a community that has helped me out so much during my time as a graduate student. I think it allows for greater engagement for both the students as well as the TAs, especially since the program is online. My first class in the OMSCS program was Computational Photography (CS 6475), and I had an amazing experience! This is why I decided to TA for CS 6475, so I can help make the experience of future students an amazing one, too!
What's your advice for future students in OMSCS?
My biggest advice for future students is focus on learning and understanding the content more than the grades. Yes, grades are important, but learning the content well is more fulfilling and rewarding at the end. A big mistake I made early on in my graduate career was taking too many classes while doing my full-time job. I had a horrible semester, and I ended up feeling burnt out. I would suggest making slow but steady progress and not try to race to the finish line. You will have a much more pleasant experience!
What hobby or activity are you looking forward to getting back to once you're done with OMSCS?
I am honestly looking forward to the little things that I haven't been able to do like cooking and reading. I have bought so many novels and cookbooks over the past few years, which I haven't even been able to touch because I'm always either working or studying for school. A long-term goal that I have always had but could not pursue during OMSCS is getting my private pilot's license. That is something I can finally start looking into after OMSCS.
