TA Spotlight: Karthickeyan Narasimhan

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Karthickeyan Narasimhan

Karthickeyan Narasimhan is a TA for CS 8803-O17: Global Entrepreneurship. Keep reading to learn more about Karthickeyan!

What do you do professionally?

I am pursuing my Master's degree in Computer Science specializing in Machine Learning at Georgia Tech's Atlanta campus. Before embarking on my Master's journey, I had over six years of experience as a Software Engineer, five of those years at Freshworks. I initially enrolled in the OMSCS program while working full-time and later transitioned to on-campus studies.

Why do you TA for OMSCS?

Serving as a TA for the recently introduced CS 8803-O17: Global Entrepreneurship course in the OMSCS program has been an immensely rewarding experience as I guide students on their educational journey. Driven by my passion for entrepreneurship, I deeply cherish the opportunity to engage with students from around the globe, listen to their innovative ideas, and provide constructive feedback. The TA role is genuinely enriching, enabling me to grow my own knowledge while mentoring others.

The OMSCS program is unique, bringing together students from diverse backgrounds and experiences to create a stimulating learning environment. As a former OMSCS student, I greatly benefited from the exceptional support provided by TAs during my academic journey. Eager to give back, I am dedicated to offering similar guidance to those who seek it.

Moreover, as the Global Entrepreneurship course is a new addition to the OMSCS program, I had the distinct opportunity to be involved in designing the course delivery and establishing the grading workflow from scratch. This experience has afforded me valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the course's development and implementation.

What is your advice for future OMSCS students?

The OMSCS program is a rewarding yet lengthy endeavor. It demands unwavering patience and steadfast discipline. Balancing OMSCS with full-time employment can be quite challenging, so it is essential for students to pace themselves and gear up for a long-term commitment. This approach enables you to fully assimilate the knowledge offered. Attempting to rush through the program could lead to burnout; remember, OMSCS is a marathon, not a sprint. Strive to integrate learning into your daily routine and make it enjoyable. It is crucial to maintain equilibrium among your work, social, personal, and academic lives, as well as your health. If your life becomes too hectic, consider taking a semester break and returning when you feel prepared. Opt for one course per semester, even if you have ample time available. Many courses feature open-ended assignments, allowing you to delve deeper and dedicate more time to them.

What's your best study hack?

My top study hack for the OMSCS program revolves around the adage, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together." I highly recommend forming a study group with your peers and meeting regularly, either virtually or in-person. These collaborative sessions enable you to discuss lecture content, exchange ideas, and share insights. Preparing for exams together not only reinforces the material but also provides vital moral support. This camaraderie fosters motivation, helping you stay committed to the program through to its completion. Additionally, make sure to utilize the class discussion forums effectively, as they are valuable resources for gaining insights and addressing concerns. Lastly, tackling assignments early on allows you to manage your time effectively and reduce stress.

Find Karthickeyan on...

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellokarthic/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/hellokarthic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellokarthic/