The pursuit of knowledge. That’s what brought Pavan Kumar Dondapati to UNH Manchester. After hitting a wall in his career, he knew obtaining a master’s degree, and shifting his area of expertise from electrical engineering to information technology, would provide him with a breadth of opportunities.
Dondapati grew up in Ongole, a city in the Prakasam district of the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. While his hometown is known for its beautiful beaches, he always wanted to go abroad to explore other countries and experience their cultures. After learning more about UNH Manchester and the Master of Science in information technology program, Dondapati knew he’d found the perfect fit.
“The university provided opportunities to grow in the professional world by concentrating on the latest technologies,” Dondapati said. “Along with the coursework, the Career and Professional Success office made a big difference as it helped me create a strong resume and cover letter and helped hone my interview skills.”
This professional preparation is what Dondapati credits with helping him secure a full-time job prior to graduation.
Dondapati states that his journey to UNH Manchester has been all about making tough decisions during some crucial phases of his life and career, which makes him uniquely suited to offer advice to incoming students, both international and domestic.
“The main piece of advice I’d give to incoming students is always be ready to learn, adjust and grab any opportunities that come your way,” Dondapati said. “Never be scared of failures as they teach you how to handle situations better in the future.”