For Pavan Kumar Kodali ,“Kent felt like home”. He even stated, that he,“could stay in Kent forever.” Pavan graduated from the School of Digital Sciences at Kent State University with a Master’s Degree. While enrolled, his concentration was Telecommunications and Networking. As of now working he is on contract with 3M in Austin, Texas as a web developer. Pavan came to the program with a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from India.
At his time in Kent, Pavan stated that, “[I] worked in Eastway Café and Market as a student manager. They told me I was the first international student manager in Dining Services! I still miss my manager there.”
While maintaining a job, Pavan mentions, “I managed to achieve a 3.6 GPA, and managed to study here and there,” he laughing stated. One of his favorite Professor's [Samba], “made it easy to achieve good grades.” Pavan stated, “I particularly enjoyed his way of teaching, and it was fun to ask questions and get answers right away.”
In coming to Kent State University and working hard, Pavan was able to network with organizations, companies, and professors. Pavan states, “[it] is a struggle to find a job, especially being an international student and because I need visa sponsorship from my employer.” Although it is harder to receive a job as an international student, being able to network at events provided in the School of Digital Sciences and Kent State University proved to be beneficial when looking for a job. Pavan advises new students to, “have fun”. He even stated, “I would really like to come back to Kent, and I am trying to find jobs in the area.”