From coder to communicator: A journey beyond the classroom

When Shiva Karthik Rallabandi first applied for a student writing position with the College of Business Administration, his resume stood out – not because it was packed with writing credentials, but because it wasn’t. Rallabandi is a Master of Science in Information Systems (MSIS) student, with a focus on business data analytics and cybersecurity. His application was unexpected, but compelling. Unlike many others, he’d written his cover letter with care and personality, without overly relying on AI tools. That thoughtful effort – and a curiosity about a technical student pursuing writing – earned him an interview and, soon after, a spot on the CBA’s student communications team.

Since then, Rallabandi has proven himself as a dedicated and insightful team member. He consistently meets deadlines, volunteers for assignments, and isn’t afraid to step outside of his comfort zone to attend events or interview faculty, staff, and peers. His ability to observe, synthesize, and reflect has made him a strong writer and a trusted voice in student storytelling.

But his journey hasn’t been without challenges.

"It was very difficult initially. We all have that fear of how people will respond when you're new in a different country," Rallabandi said. "But I realized unless I talk to people, I won’t learn anything. So, I stepped forward – and everyone was welcoming."

Originally from India, Rallabandi chose CMU because it offered the right mix of affordability, academic quality, and reputation in ERP and SAP. "CMU was at the top of my list," he said. "It had strong research opportunities, a peaceful environment, and a vibrant multicultural student body – plus, its strengths in business data analytics and cybersecurity aligned perfectly with my goals."

 Since arriving, he’s immersed himself in more than just coursework. Rallabandi has participated in clubs like cybersecurity and data analytics, taken part in competitions like process mining with Infosys, and worked closely with faculty like Professor Lu Ming, who Rallabandi says is especially responsive and helpful.

"Before coming to CMU, I was not very talkative," he said. "Now, I understand how important communication is – for learning, for interviews, for everything."

His advice for other international students? Come with purpose and be proactive.

"Know your purpose before you arrive. Research the assistantships and opportunities early. And don't wait for opportunities – create them. Talk to professors, join clubs, go beyond the classroom," he said. " Don't sit like a rock, work like a clock."

He also encourages students to take advantage of CMU's many underused resources.

"The library has study rooms that I book daily," he shared. "It’s my favorite study spot – quiet, productive, and reminds me of the conference rooms at my previous workplace."

Rallabandi plans to graduate in December 2025, and he's using every moment until then to grow, learn, and build connections. His dream is not defined by a single role, but by meaningful work – whether that’s in business analytics, software development, or something new altogether.

“When Karthik applied to join our writing team, I was intrigued – a technical student with an MSIS background doesn’t usually seek out storytelling roles,” said CBA director of marketing and communications Alisha Toyzan. “Since then, he’s been reliable, open to feedback, and willing to engage in the full process, from interviewing to editing. I appreciate his attention to detail and his willingness to stretch his skills.”