Feature Stories 2025: Aditya Sahu MS '25: AI engineer at Amazon

Less than six months after graduating with his master's degree in computer science from UMassD, Aditya Sahu MS '25 is now working as a software development engineer in artificial intelligence at Amazon in New York City. Sahu’s story is one of persistence and proof that with preparation, support, and community, it’s possible to reach even the most ambitious goals. 

His UMassD experience comes full circle this fall when he returns to campus on November 22 to pay it forward and share his experience and advice for the job search with current students.  

Why UMassD? 

Among the many schools in Massachusetts Sahu applied to for graduate school, he says UMassD stood out because of its affordability and the low student-faculty ratio. 

"I was also able to secure a teaching assistantship under Professor Adnan El-Nasan that helped me financially." 

Sahu says that his UMassD experience offered multicultural exposure, lifelong friends, and an education that set him up for success in the next chapter of life.  

Support and preparation for the job search 

For many students, the post-graduation job hunt can be daunting. International students face additional challenges due to visa restrictions and evolving geopolitical conditions. In the face of these hurdles, Sahu sought the support of campus resources and got the support he needed to land his current role. 

"UMassD was an enormous help in preparing me for finding my job. The Career Center conducted events like networking workshops, mock interview sessions, salary negotiation workshops, career fairs, and many more. 

"The International Student & Scholar Center folks were super helpful in keeping me updated with the international student visa guidelines and conducted several social events that helped me keep in touch with my international peers." 

Beyond career preparation, campus life offered balance, Sahu says. "The library was my favorite spot on campus. And I definitely miss playing tennis in the summer and going to the gym. Back then, I didn’t have to wait for the weekend to have fun. UMassD hosted fun events throughout the academic year so that I was able to focus on my academics and career growth without burning out!" 

Life after graduation 

In his current role, Sahu says he frequently applies the concepts he learned as a student at UMassD. "Challenging courses taught by distinguished faculty helped me gain a deeper understanding of computer science topics and eventually solve technical problems. I still get to apply them even today at my workplace. 

"The best part of my job is the ability to innovate and bring new solutions to life." 

Advice for students on the job search 

In addition to taking advantage of the resources UMassD has to offer, Sahu has the following advice for students about to enter the job market:  

• Stay consistent. Don't lose hope, regardless of the state of the job market. 
• Keep networking.  Attend networking events, keep in touch with contacts, and stay active in your community. 
• For computer science folks: Study Leetcode + System Design and join discord channels for mock interviews. 

Hear more about Sahu's new career at Amazon on November 22. See the Career Center for more details.