Dallas Software Developer Says Master's Degree Helps You Stand Out
Ratheesh Devadoss is a senior software developer for Avalon Consulting, LLC in Plano. Avalon Consulting, LLC is big data consulting firm that focuses on transforming data into business results through a variety of technologies. The company services several Fortune 500 companies. Devadoss develops software using various technologies including Java, Opentext, Ingeniux, and Liferay. He earned his bachelor's degree in electronics and communication engineering from Anna University's Thiagarajar College of Engineering in India and his master's degree in information technology and management from the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD).
Why did you pursue a master's degree?
"In my country (India), each year thousands of qualified engineers who graduate may or may not end up getting a job. Luckily, I got a job as soon as I graduated. After having worked for two years, I thought to stand out of the crowd and to enhance my knowledge in the field, I had to pursue a master's degree."
What would you tell someone who is considering returning to school to earn a master's degree?
"Go get that degree while you still can. It is never too late. No matter how older you are, go for it. It is totally worth your time."
What was the biggest challenge you faced when pursuing your master's degree?
"New country, new culture, it was pretty much a new environment. Getting adjusted to it was a challenge but the folks at UTD were very friendly and helped me overcome that."
What was the biggest reward for earning the master's degree?
"The kind of respect you get from your peers, the kind of talent you meet inside the classroom, it elevates your career professionally and it helps you attain personal growth. Since, I am a foreign national, I had limited time left in my student visa to get a job. Getting a job offer from Avalon Consulting was one of the biggest rewards."
Robin D. Everson is a native Chicagoan who resides in Dallas, Texas. Her appreciation for art, food, wine, people and places has helped her become a well-respected journalist. A life-long lover of education, Robin seeks to learn and enlighten others about culture. You can find her work at Examiner.com
