For this edition we have a chat with Rucha Khanapurkar - 2012 BSc Computer Science Passout and also completed her Masters in the same achieving first and second ranks in the first and second year repectively.
She has around 2 years of experience in Software Quality Assurance engineering and was previously working with a startup, "Mindstix Software Labs".
Currently she is working with a Cyber Intelligence firm named 'iSight Partners'.
"Cyber Intelligence company, which is very niche domain but had always been on my radar, working with the security professionals is a added advantage for me because we not only are product developers but also the intelligence behind it. I have also been awarded and acknowledged as a "Best Performer" for the first quarter @ Isight Partners.", Rucha said.

Q-Hello Rucha! Tell our readers about your experience as an under-graduate student here.
I am proud to be a fergussionian and always will :)
It has been a amazing journey at fergusson, very inspiring and nuturing. The professors have been always supportive but at the same time very strict to teach us the value of time. I would take this opportunity to thank my professors- shining guided lights who really helped me be this person, without them it would have not been possible.

Q-What would you like to say to the students preparing for various competitive exams?
Gaining knowledge is a never ending process.Let it be through the curriculum taught to us in the school/Colleges or the knowledge you gain through the professional experience. I wish to do some research and analysis for which I will take step forward in the coming year.
But would definately like to add here is do not rush into getting a job, understand your likes and dislikes and accordingly choose the career path, there is also a possibility that you might discover your likes later once you start taking job offers.

Q-How do you relate your work environment with the course structure that you've had during your student days here?
I still believe we should have a more robust course structure where students can choose the subject wisely and according to their likings.
I am using languages like Java, Python, Perl, Ruby for the automation testing but apart from java, other languages should also be taught on the graduate level and we can have that learnt indepth during master's. We still need to bridge the gap between our course structure and industry value standards so when the software companies hire students they grow into a very strong and confident professional.

Q-Did you solely concentrate on the syllabi or did you also indulge in co-curricular activities and other technical pursuits apart from course work>
I was definately not a geek or a sci-fi programmer but eventually due to the exposure I had of what kind of industry I am entering into, that pulled of well for me. So before entering the Giant IT industry, my family helped me explore all of the engineering domains and what they comprise of and what kind of work will I be employed to.
Apart from the studies I have learnt Classical Music and continued to particpate in the competitions which also motivated and inspired me to do better on this front as well.

Q-What is your message to the students reading
The only suggestion I have for the students is choose you career path wisely,make sure you have all the knowledge before entering the corporate world.
Professors are the guided lights which are gifted to you, make sure you ask questions. If you are not asking questions, either you have understood everything or not even a bit :)
Good Luck!!