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What brought you to CPS and what were you hoping the experience would give you?

My path to CPS began with a foundational machine learning program through UpGrad, where I learned SQL, Python, and core ML models. That exposure sparked a deeper curiosity and made clear I wanted to go further.

At the same time, I was watching the technologies I’d relied on in my data engineering career lose ground to rapidly evolving demand — particularly toward agentic AI. I didn’t want to be left behind. A Master’s in Applied AI felt like the right bridge: a way to deepen my skills and evolve alongside the industry, layering cutting-edge capabilities on top of my existing foundation so I could remain competitive and position myself for where the market is headed.

What is the moment, class, conversation, or experience that stands out most from your time at CPS?

The co-op course opened my eyes to something I hadn’t fully appreciated before: the importance of networking. Building genuine professional connections, I came to understand, is just as essential as building technical skills — especially in a competitive field.

What made my time at CPS truly memorable was the broader knowledge evolution that came with being an international student. Exposure to different cultures, perspectives, and ways of approaching problems reshaped how I collaborate and think. And getting to engage directly with professors (beyond lectures, in real conversations about the field) gave me insights I carry with me to this day.

How has being part of CPS changed you — professionally, personally, or both?

I came in as a data engineer looking to stay relevant in a shifting market. I’m leaving equipped with applied AI skills aligned with where the industry is heading — and with a fundamentally different approach to problems. I now think with an AI-first mindset, looking for ways to leverage intelligent systems rather than defaulting to traditional methods alone.

Personally, the transformation has been just as significant. My confidence has grown in ways I didn’t anticipate. Whether it’s speaking in a room of professionals, presenting ideas, or networking across backgrounds, I do it now without the hesitation I used to carry. The person who started this program was capable. The person finishing it is confident, adaptable, and ready for what’s next.

Is there a person — student, faculty member, advisor, or colleague — who made a meaningful difference for you at CPS? Tell us about them.

Without question, my advisor Naomi Cottrelle. She has been a steady, guiding force throughout my time at CPS, and I feel genuinely lucky to have had her in my corner.

One conversation stands out: when I was deciding which direction to take my master’s, Naomi took the time to understand my background and thoughtfully guided me toward Applied AI — recognizing it as the right fit for where my career needed to go. That single conversation set the course for everything that followed.

Her support went beyond advising. When I started attending technical events across the country, she made sure I knew about university reimbursements that could support my involvement. She also championed me for the Rockstar Student recognition, quietly noticing my work and ensuring it didn’t go unrecognized. That kind of advocacy is rare, and it made a real difference.

The university gives you the path, but it’s up to you to design how you get there. Show up. Stay curious. Push beyond comfortable. That’s where real growth happens.

Krithika Murugesan

What do you want the Class of 2026 to know as they step forward from here?

The university gives you the path, but it’s up to you to design how you get there.

Don’t limit yourself to what the coursework covers. The AI and tech landscape moves faster than any syllabus can keep up with. Take ownership of your own learning. And recognize the position you’re in: Boston is one of the country’s top educational and tech hubs, and Northeastern sits at the center of it. Meetups, conferences, industry talks, and networking opportunities are happening around you constantly. That exposure is something many professionals would envy.

Show up. Stay curious. Push beyond comfortable. That’s where real growth happens.