“SJSU is where I learned that growth is communal, every achievement here is shared.”

Ayush Sunil Gawai, a first-semester graduate student in Applied Data Intelligence at San José State University, is a dynamic professional and engaged student with a passion for building community in the tech world. A recipient of the Global Spartan Scholarship, Ayush’s work focuses on data engineering, AI, and automation – building intelligent systems that bridge people, processes, and technology.

Prior to coming to the U.S., Ayush got a Master’s degree in Computer Applications (MCA) from Shri Ramdeobaba Kamla Nehru Engineering College in India and worked in data engineering, analytics and AI systems. He also founded the online marketplace Sneakstore.in – igniting an interest in business development, marketing and social media. 

Wanting to further develop his acumen as a start-up founder and interdisciplinary professional, Ayush was drawn to SJSU’s graduate program because of its extensive research opportunities, strong academics and roots in Silicon Valley. This combination of intellectual rigor and industry alignment sets SJSU apart: “The best thing about San José State,” he says, is “that they are constantly updating the program” to align with industry trends, new research methods, and the most up-to-date academic standards. 

Expanding Opportunities Through Networking

But the most important thing he has learned since coming to SJSU is the power of networking, and he is always eager to attend events, such as public panels and social mixers, that speak to his interests and goals. He has never regretted pursuing an opportunity to connect with other students and professionals, because every event is an opportunity for learning and meeting new people. Plus, he says, he gains valuable insights and connections that “I couldn’t have gotten from ChatGPT and the Internet.” 

Networking has also led Ayush to exciting opportunities. In addition to his studies, Ayush is a Graduate Research Assistant under Professor Guannan Liu – a position he received after meeting Dr. Liu and a Women in Data Science event, where she presented her work studying Human Machine Intelligent Systems. This position is giving him valuable insight that complements his industry experience. “Research has taught me to appreciate the process, not just the outcomes,” he says, because “every iteration is a lesson.”

Compounding Experience with Curiosity

Ayush has been invited to present at events such as a recent CIDS strategy retreat.

When it comes to getting involved, Ayush’s philosophy is to turn “curiosity into contribution.” If he is interested in a skill, topic or opportunity, he seeks avenues for putting his skills to use. Recently, he accepted a position as a Graduate Student Assistant for Social Media and Outreach with the College of Information, Data and Society (CIDS), where he combines his passion for networking with his creative skills in graphic design to promote CIDS events and opportunities.

He is active in the tech world off-campus as well. In October, he applied and was accepted as a participant in CalHacks 12.0, an annual Hackathon and technology expo – the world’s largest at the collegiate level. This, too, was a lesson in community-building and networking. As a solo participant, he says, “I went alone, no plan, no team.” But he was eager to learn and open to new connections and “came back with collaborators, mentors, and direction.”

Ayush’s enthusiasm and dedication have not gone unnoticed; Ayush was recently invited by Dr. Mehrdad Aliasgari, Dean of CIDS, to represent students at a department-wide retreat discussing the future of CIDS curriculum and how the College can implement best practices around key issues such as AI and data ethics. 

The retreat allowed Ayush to contribute to key conversations about how the CIDS community, and SJSU as a whole, should navigate a rapidly changing social and technological landscape. By bringing together students, faculty and staff, the retreat exemplified intergenerational and interdisciplinary community-building and problem-solving – a perfect representation of Ayush’s graduate school experience: “SJSU is where I learned that growth is communal, every achievement here is shared.”

Advice for Students 

By balancing academic rigor, professional endeavors and community engagement, Ayush demonstrates how students can make the most of their SJSU experience. His advice for other students? “Be focused, be consistent and try to be involved everywhere. Recognize that every new experience and relationship is a learning opportunity and a chance for growth: personally and professionally. “Every opportunity I’ve had,” he reflects, “came from being involved, staying curious and showing up.”