☕ Before We Chat

Hi, I'm
Tharunya.
Let's talk tech
& careers.

Please read this page before booking, it'll make our time together way more valuable. I promise it's short.

Book a Session → See What We Can Cover
A little about me
MS @ Colorado State Nokia Alumna AB InBev Alumna Co-founded Cynxt Google #IamRemarkable GDSC Lead- 800+ students

I'm a software engineer & data person with experience across Nokia (NLP), AB InBev (data analytics), and my own cybersecurity startup Cynxt. I'm finishing my MS in Computer Information Systems at CSU.

I mentor because I was that person who needed someone to talk to, especially as a first-gen international student navigating tech spaces where I was often the only one who looked like me.

800+
Students led at GDSC
500+
TEDxSIST attendees
3
Industry backgrounds
1st
Global CyberPeace winner
Ground Rules
A kind reminder 👋

I'm always excited to connect, but to respect both our time, here's what I ask before you book.

📋
Come prepared.
Have 2-4 specific questions or topics ready. Vague = wasted time for both of us. The more specific you are, the more I can actually help.
📅
Communicate cancellations.
Life happens, totally okay. Just give me a heads-up. 24 hours is ideal, but even an hour before is better than a no-show.
🔍
Check the BobaTalks resources first.
BobaTalks has a fantastic resource hub. Your question might already be answered, save our chat for things you actually need a human for. Also check out the BobaTalks Discord →
💬
Review common questions.
I'll be updating a Common Q&A Bank over time. Check there before booking, if your question's there, you don't even need to wait for a slot!
What We Can Talk About
Topic guide

Be as specific as possible. I recommend coming with 2-4 focused questions, we only have limited time and the more targeted you are, the more value you'll get out of our chat.

✅ Great topics for our chat
International student mentorship & navigating the US
Adjusting to life in the US, cultural navigation, building community from scratch, and the first-gen immigrant experience in tech
Breaking into tech & the job search
Entry-level roles, career pivots, networking without connections, and cracking the US job market
Resume & ATS optimization
Review, restructuring, tailoring for specific roles. Check BobaTalks resources first!
Interview prep: behavioral, phone screen, HR & technical
STAR framework, common behavioral questions, what recruiters actually look for, and how to calm your nerves. Question bank and salary negotiation guide by Christina Warmbrunn
Tech career paths & role transitions
SWE, APM, DevRel, Data, Solutions Eng, Cybersecurity. I've actively researched all of these and can speak to them concretely
Product management & product thinking
APM programs, breaking into PM, product strategy basics, roadmapping, and how to position yourself as a product-minded engineer
Grad school decisions (MS in tech, CS, CIS)
Is grad school worth it? Funded vs self-funded? What I'd do differently
Building things & side projects
Startups, hackathons, how to show technical work when you don't have corporate experience
Community building in tech / DevRel
Led GDSC with 800+ members, TEDx with 500+ attendees. Community organizing is my thing
Being underrepresented in tech spaces
Navigating spaces as a woman, as an international student, as someone without a "traditional" path
Long-term ongoing mentorship
Open to building a longer mentorship relationship if there's a good fit. Let's start with one session and see where it goes
🚫 What I don't cover
Financial or salary advice
I'm not qualified to give personal financial guidance
Work visa / immigration / OPT/CPT legal specifics
I can share my experience as an international student, but I am not an immigration lawyer. Please consult an actual expert
Referrals or job placements
I can't refer you into companies or guarantee any outcomes. I can help you get yourself there though
Anything requiring NDA / confidential info
I won't share confidential details from former employers. My opinions are my own.
UI/UX design, product design, gaming industry
Not my area. Please find a mentor who specializes here. I'd rather be honest than waste your time.
What to Expect
How our calls are structured

No surprises. Here's exactly what happens in each session so you can show up ready.

15 MIN
Quick Unstuck Session
For one specific question, a stuck point, or a gut-check.
1
Min 0-2: Quick intro, who you are, what you're working on in one sentence.
2
Min 2-12: Your question(s), I'll respond directly with perspective, resources, or reframes.
3
Min 12-15: One clear action item you can take after the call. That's what we end on.
📌
Best for: "Should I apply to X?", "Is this resume section working?", "What should I do about Y?"
30 MIN
Deep Dive Conversation
For bigger questions, career direction, or multiple topics.
1
Min 0-5: Context setting, where you are, where you're trying to go, what's blocked.
2
Min 5-22: Focused conversation on your 2-3 topics. I'll push back, share perspective, and give you real talk.
3
Min 22-28: Synthesis, what are your actual next steps? We get specific.
4
Min 28-30: Anything you didn't get to + wrap-up.
📌
Best for: Career pivots, job search strategy, grad school decisions, resume + positioning review.
Important Disclosures
Please read before booking

Ready to chat? ☕

You've read the deck. You know your topic. Now pick your session type and book your slot.

Book 15 Min → Book 30 Min →

The booking form has a few questions. Please fill them out with real context, vague answers may result in cancellation.