Student Profile – Shivam Hasurkar
Shivam Ravindra Hasurkar is a master’s student in software engineering, specializing in enterprise technologies. Growing up in Kolhapur, India, Shivam has journeyed far, both geographically and academically, as he immerses himself in the culture of Silicon Valley and the opportunities it provides.
Growing up surrounded by computers and smartphones, Shivam’s curiosity for software was sparked at a young age. This interest guided him toward a degree in Computer Science and Engineering, three internships, and a position at Persistent Systems in Pune. There, he focused on legacy C++ for 5G and voice protocol projects, even earning a Bravo Award for his efforts.
In addition to his academic and professional achievements, Shivam’s interests extend beyond his studies. He won the LAHacks hackathon in the AI track, serving as Vice President of the Indian Student Organization at SJSU, and hosts a podcast called Unboxing Stories, which has listeners in over 14 countries.
This past summer, Shivam interned at @Adobe on the Premiere Pro team, tasked with the “Import as Proxy” feature. Working with Adobe’s complex 25-year-old C++ codebase was a challenge, but Shivam completed the project knowing it would be used by thousands of Premiere Pro users. Adobe’s collaborative and inclusive culture left a profound impact on him, and seeing employees who have worked there for decades spoke volumes about the company’s positive work environment. “It was incredible to see how Adobe places such a high value on collaboration and respect for diverse perspectives,” he says. Currently, Shivam is working part-time at FetchAI, developing AI agents.
Shivam landed the internship with Adobe by connecting with an SJSU alumni on LinkedIn, who referred him for the role, giving him a leg up in the pool of candidates. Shivam’s advice to other students is, “Don’t give up. Rejections are a part of the process, but consistency and strategic applications make a huge difference.”
Reflecting on his journey, he urges students to explore different career paths to discover what resonates most, sharing that his opportunities have often come from simply reaching out and taking a chance. “If you don’t ask, the answer is always ‘no,’” he says.
With a wealth of experience from multiple internships and two full-time jobs, Shivam wants to work on products that blend customer needs with technical innovation. “I want to use my programming skills to solve real-world problems in a way that’s user-centric,” he shares. With a long-term vision to design solutions that make a meaningful impact. As he continues to grow, he is an example for those who dream big and work hard, can turn those dreams into reality.
National Native American Heritage Month
National Native American Heritage Month, celebrated each November, honors the history, cultures, and contributions of Native Americans while also acknowledging the complex legacy of land issues that Indigenous people have faced. This month provides an opportunity to recognize Indigenous resilience, creativity, and leadership throughout history and today. It serves as a time to learn about the cultural heritage and histories of Native American tribes, their traditions, and the impactful roles they have played in shaping the nation.
National Semiconductor Technology Center coming to Bay Area featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa
California has been chosen to host the National Semiconductor Technology Center, bringing a major boost to America’s semiconductor capabilities right in the heart of Silicon Valley. Supported by the CHIPS and Science Act, this new facility in Sunnyvale will connect top-tier tech talent, research, industry partnerships, and more importantly present opportunities to SJSU engineering students.
Fun Fact on Nov 7
1893: women got the right to vote in Colorado, U.S, this is the second state to grant women this right
1916: Jeannette Rankin became the first woman elected to the United States Congress
1989: Douglas Wilder became the first elected Black governor in the United States.
1989: David Dinkins became the first elected Black mayor of New York City.