Beyond the numbers

When Vivek Kovvuru moved from India to pursue a Master of Science in Information Systems at Central Michigan University, he was not just looking for a degree. He was following a path that had been shaped in part by his sister’s advice. “Back in the day, SAP was a big deal,” Kovvuru said. “My sister encouraged me to pursue a specialization in SAP. CMU was one of the schools that stood out.” 

He began his search in 2013, looking for graduate programs that offered SAP excellence. CMU’s SAP program, which gives students hands-on experience with enterprise resource planning software used in global businesses, made the short list. After carefully comparing the curriculum and the program's focus on real-world application, Kovvuru ultimately chose CMU over other universities, confident it provided the most direct path to the skills he wanted.    

Learning that lasts

Kovvuru’s time at CMU laid the foundation for his current role as a lead data engineer at HP. His responsibilities include helping marketing and R&D teams make better decisions through data analysis and forecasting. The systems he builds are designed to be scalable and fault-tolerant, something he traces directly back to the fundamentals he learned in class. 

“I built my core skills at CMU,” he said. “Concepts like data modeling, understanding database architecture, and system design were essential. Even the inventory management system I developed for my final project using SAP ABAP helped me earn the Dow Chemical SAP Excellence Award.” 

Although his career has shifted away from SAP specifically, the fundamental concepts have stayed relevant.  

“These technologies are wrappers over the core principles you study,” he said. “Even my understanding of cloud systems began with coursework at CMU.” 

From classroom to real-world decisions

In the world of data, Kovvuru asserts that trust is everything. He views the different roles as a collaborative system built on responsibility, which he often explains with a restaurant analogy.  

“Data engineers work in the background, sourcing the essential ingredients. The analysts are the chefs who prepare them, and the dashboards are the finished plates served to the customer—the executive,” he said.   

Just as a great meal depends on fresh ingredients and skillful preparation, Kovvuru believes an effective data system demands accuracy, ethics, and collaboration at every stage. This is especially true when working with large-scale systems and sensitive information.  

“A customer trusts the entire kitchen, even the parts they cannot see,” he said. “In the same way, an organization puts its faith in the data systems engineers build, making clear communication and thoughtful decision-making the bedrock of that trust.” 

Mentorship and mindset

For Kovvuru, guiding others is not just a passion but a fundamental part of his own growth. His journey as a mentor began in India, where he volunteered with Make a Difference, a nonprofit for underprivileged children. The experience was formative, sharpening his communication skills and cementing his desire to help others navigate their own paths.   

That commitment has found new expression today, as he formally mentors engineers at work and volunteers his time on platforms like ADPList and LinkedIn. When he recently spoke at a CMU data visualization session, it was a chance to offer the same kind of practical insight he found so valuable, helping students connect classroom concepts to a professional career.   

For international students looking to start their careers, his advice is simple: communicate and network.  

“I learned that you can't just stay in your shell and expect things to happen. You have to be willing to talk to people and ask for help, and the welcoming environment at CMU makes that so much easier,” he said. “My network was crucial; it got my foot in the door for the interviews that ultimately launched my career.”   

Finding peace and purpose

Outside of work, Kovvuru nurtures a creative side. He enjoys filmmaking and photography, with a special interest in capturing candid moments within landscapes.  

“My favorite shots are of people connecting with nature—those quiet moments when they seem completely lost in the beauty of a landscape,” he said.  

This drive to create also extends to his technical skills; he builds side projects, including a wellness app for his family.  

“Work often restricts you to one ecosystem,” Kovvuru explained. “Building side projects gives me the freedom to experiment with new ideas and technologies.”  

Kovvuru and his wife share a passion for travel and food. Their adventures often inspire a shared weekend ritual: discovering new cuisines on the road and then recreating their favorite dishes together at home. 

Beyond success 

If given the stage for a TED Talk, Kovvuru would call it “Beyond Success.” It’s a concept he’s reflected on deeply, recognizing that the definition of success is not a fixed point but a moving target.  

“At one point, success was getting a job. Then it was a promotion. Later, it was getting married,” he shared. “Success evolves, but being at peace is what matters most. You don’t have to be on cloud nine all the time.”   

For Kovvuru, success is no longer measured in singular achievements but in the constant, quiet work of growth. It is a continuous journey of finding peace through learning, achieving, sharing, celebrating and staying grounded.