Remote work can enhance collaboration in several ways, thanks to modern technology and tools that enable seamless communication and teamwork. Our remote work policy at Karsun is a key component of our ability to collaborate, work together, and bring innovative technology solutions to the government agencies we serve. In fact we recently announced we were a recipient of the Monster Remote Work Top Workplace award. Here is how remote work contributes to better collaboration at Karsun.
Connecting with Diverse Talent
Remote work allows companies to hire employees from different geographic locations, bringing together diverse perspectives, skill sets, and expertise. Many companies serving the government have teams located in the Washington, D.C., area. Indeed, many of our Karsun employees are located near our Herndon, Virginia headquarters in that region. Remote work opened up the opportunity to bring in new experts and insights from our remote team members across the country. As a result, this diversity can foster more creative problem-solving and innovation. It empowers us to create teams with a mix of experiences working in the public sector. From grants experience to aviation systems experts, including these diverse perspectives better enables us to meet our customers’ mission.
Asynchronous Collaboration
Remote work often involves working across different time zones, which promotes asynchronous collaboration. Teams can work on projects at different times and continue moving them forward without needing to be in the same place or online simultaneously. Tools like project management software, shared documents, and communication platforms enable real-time updates and ensure everyone stays on track.
The asynchronous approach is also applied to our professional development resources. Karsun maintains a vast virtual training library to support our team members in continuing their technical education, building their project management and people leader skills, working toward professional certifications, and looking to grow in other topics. This mindset helps our team members learn and grow at their own pace at the time that works best for them.
Increased Autonomy and Trust Lead to Focus and Productivity
Innovation is our DNA, and that includes promoting agile approaches to our work. At Karsun we have always emphasized the importance of giving teams the power to use the collaborative approaches that work for them while providing the tools to continuously improve their process. This is the philosophy behind our GoLean platform and our CMMI Level 5 appraised software development methodology.
Remote work is an extension of the autonomy we give to our teams. We know this can lead to more empowered employees who take ownership of their work. And we celebrate these accomplishments at our monthly, virtual Innovation Town Halls.
We also know this is more productive for our teams because, in many cases, remote workers find fewer distractions compared to an office setting. Additionally, remote work can offer our team members more flexibility, leading to improved work-life balance and job satisfaction. When employees are less stressed and feel more in control of their schedules, they are more likely to collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team efforts.
Teamwork is a Karsun Core Value. We built a collaborative environment where our teams excel because we give them flexibility. Our teams are thriving and growing and we’re looking to add more members to our team! For our latest remote job openings, visit KarsunCareers.com/jobs and follow us on LinkedIn for the latest from our Talent Team!
Herndon, Virginia – Karsun Solutions announced it is a recipient of the 2024 Top Workplaces for Remote Work award, featured by Monster, a global leader in connecting people and jobs. Energage, a purpose-driven organization that builds and brands employers of choice, determines the awards through an employee survey.
The Top Workplaces employer recognition program has a 17-year history of researching, surveying, and celebrating people-first organizations nationally and across 65 regional markets. Karsun Solutions is also a 2024 Technology Industry Top Workplace. An enterprise modernization company serving government agencies, Karsun Solutions hires information technology experts and other professionals for remote roles supporting its growing teams.
The 2024 Top Workplaces for Remote Work award celebrates organizations with 150 or more employees cultivating exceptional remote working environments. Karsun Solutions earned the award based on employee feedback. Results of a confidential employee engagement survey were evaluated by comparing responses to research-based statements that predict high performance against industry benchmarks.
“These awards underscore the importance of listening to employees about where and when they can be their most productive and happiest selves,” shares Monster CEO Scott Gutz. “We know that this flexibility is essential to helping both employers and candidates find the right fit.”
Karsun has cultivated a remote-flexible work environment. Using a mindset that empowers teams to select the workplace that best supports their needs, Karsun’s collaboration, innovation and professional development resources are available to team members regardless of whether they are remote or hybrid. For the latest opportunities to Find Your Next as a member of the Karsun team, visit KarsunCareers.com/jobs.
About Karsun Solutions
Transform your career with the company transforming possible for the government. Join the workplace where the only limit to your potential is the limit of your curiosity. Thrive in a community that empowers software development, cloud and data experts. At Karsun, explore every possibility and turn your bold ideas into reality. Expand your career potential with dynamic development resources like Karsun Academy and sponsored technical certification courses. And joining a growing enterprise means as we grow, so do your career opportunities. Take your career to the next level and play your part in powering new possibilities for federal agencies. Join us at KarsunCareers.com.
About Energage
Making the world a better place to work together.TM
Energage is a purpose-driven company that helps organizations turn employee feedback into useful business intelligence and credible employer recognition through Top Workplaces. Built on 18 years of culture research and the results from 27 million employees surveyed across more than 70,000 organizations, Energage delivers the most accurate competitive benchmark available. With access to a unique combination of patented analytic tools and expert guidance, Energage customers lead the competition with an engaged workforce and an opportunity to gain recognition for their people-first approach to culture. For more information or to nominate your organization, visit energage.com or topworkplaces.com.
For many organizations, an Amazon Web Services (AWS) Competency is table stakes. In fact, Canalys released a report revealing that organizations with AWS Specializations, including competencies, unlock $315 billion in customer spending. Moreover, 87% of customers surveyed ranked specializations among the top three selection criteria. For the Amazon Partner Network (APN) partners that achieve these designations, it signifies their expertise, commitment to industry best practices, and ability to deliver solutions seamlessly on AWS. For competency partners, it also presents new opportunities to leverage AWS resources to empower their customers as they migrate to the cloud and accelerate technology adoption.
Migration Incentives
An AWS Competency more than differentiates partners based on their expertise and experience. It also opens up new opportunities to support customer modernization efforts. A 2022 Canalys Partner Ecosystem Multiplier study found that for every dollar of AWS infrastructure sold, there is up to $6.40 available to partners to deliver services to customers.
For example, Karsun achieved its AWS Migration Competency in 2021. As a result of this designation, Karsun teams could use AWS Migration Acceleration Program (MAP) resources. This comprehensive program packages best practices, tools, expertise, and financial incentives to make cloud adoption easier. When applicable, Karsun implements these financial incentives as part of its Cloud Runways toolkit, which accelerates cloud migration through fit-to-purpose transformation playbooks. These enable incremental migrations that adapt to unique customer requirements and constraints.
Technology Acceleration
A government information technology contractor with more than a decade of experience serving U.S. government agencies, Karsun achieved its Government Competency status in 2019. The competency differentiates AWS Partner Network (APN) members serving government agencies with deep domain expertise in security and compliance, in addition to innovative cloud solutions that leverage AWS services.
In a recent video, Karsun Innovation Center Senior Vice President Badri Sriraman shares his experience integrating emerging technology with the resources available to AWS government competency partners. Filmed at the AWS Washington, D.C. Summit Government Competency Leadership Circle, Sriraman discusses how his team used tools from AWS to accelerate Karsun’s AI toolkit, ReDuX AI. Powered by AWS Bedrock, ReDuX AI uses analysis generative AI to perform code analysis, provide recommendations, and generate code for teams working on mainframe modernization projects. To learn more about ReDuX AI, visit GoReDuX.AI.
AWS Government Competency Accelerates AI Research and Development
Karsun Innovation Center Badri Sriraman shares his experience at the AWS Government Competency Leadership Circle at the 2024 AWS Summit Washington, D.C.
In addition to migration and technology benefits, competency partners have access to specialized training, industry events, and support from AWS experts. Partners with AWS Specializations have a wealth of opportunities to support their customers’ modernization ambitions. Overall, the partners that have obtained AWS Competencies significantly enhanced their ability to deliver high-quality AWS solutions.
Karsun is among those partners using the full range of resources available to it as it serves its agency customers. It elevates agency capabilities through modern software development, cloud, data, and AI solutions. Its cloud portfolio offers a full suite of solutions, including hybrid architecture, platform buildout, and application migration. It has AWS Government, Migration, and DevOps Competencies and is a Well-Architected Partner. To dive into Karsun’s complete cloud solutions portfolio, visit https://karsun-llc.com/solutions/cloud-solutions/.
Each summer, we welcome a new intern class to our Karsun Innovation Center. These Intern Innovators experimented with automation, discovered how to leverage artificial intelligence for software development, and worked with experts from our emerging technology research and development team. In this interview, Visvajit Murali, a computer science student, shares his experience innovating with the enterprise modernization experts while finding his next.
Finding His Next: From College to Contributing in Innovative Environments
First, please tell us about yourself. Where are you going to school? What are you studying? What do you like to do in your free time?
Visvajit: My name is Visvajit Murali, and I am currently a student at the University of Virginia, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. In my free time, I enjoy coding personal projects, exploring new technologies, and staying active through track and field. I also love spending time with friends and family, and volunteering in my community.
What do you want to do after this internship? What are your career goals?
Visvajit: After this internship, I plan to continue my studies while seeking opportunities to apply my skills in real-world settings. My career goals include becoming a proficient software developer, specializing in full-stack development and machine learning. I aim to work in innovative environments where I can contribute to impactful projects and continuously grow as a professional.
Automation, Containerization, and Web Application Development
Could you share a little bit about the project you worked on as part of this internship? What challenge does it solve? What technologies and tools are you using?
Visvajit: During my internship at Karsun Solutions, I worked on enhancing application features and user experience by automating tedious tasks. I utilized technologies such as PostgreSQL for database management, Spring Boot for back-end services, and Docker and Podman for containerization and deployment. Furthermore, I worked with AppSheet and AppScript to optimize workflows and user experiences. This experience allowed me to work on both front-end and back-end technologies, contributing to the development and maintenance of web applications.
Cultivating Continuous Learning and Curiosity
What is your favorite part about working with the Karsun Innovation Center? Is there a weekly meeting or ritual you enjoy? The opportunity to learn more or get a new certification?
Visvajit: My favorite part about working with the Karsun Innovation Center is the collaborative and supportive environment. I particularly enjoy the “Show Don’t Tell” meetings where we discuss the work we have completed over the last two weeks. These sessions are inspiring and provide valuable insights into the work KIC conducts. Additionally, the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and potentially earn new certifications has been incredibly rewarding.
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience as an intern at Karsun?
Visvajit: The biggest takeaway from my experience as an intern at Karsun is the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. The fast-paced environment and exposure to cutting-edge technologies have taught me to stay curious and proactive in expanding my skill set. Additionally, the teamwork and mentorship I’ve experienced have underscored the value of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.
Visvajit worked alongside Karsun Innovation Center experts throughout his internship program. Discover how Karsun experts are modernizing for every next in our Innovation Center, and as they use our ReDuX AI toolkit.
Our Karsun Innovation Center (KIC) Interns explore complex modernization problems, experiment with emerging technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), and engage with experts on our research and development team. Every summer, we feature our interns’ work on the Karsun website. In this interview, Computer Science student Samhita Kumar shares her experience with the AI code pairing tools included in Karsun’s ReDuX AI, front-end design using component libraries, and task management automation.
Finding Her Next: Software Development, Cryptography and AI Innovation
First, please tell us about yourself. Where are you going to school? What are you studying? What do you like to do in your free time?
Samhita: I’m Samhita, a rising sophomore at Yale University studying computer science. In my free time, I enjoy reading, visiting museums, and baking. I’m also part of my school’s moot court team and love learning about Constitutional law.
What do you want to do after this internship? What are your career goals?
Samhita: I hope to build on the skills I’ve acquired while here, and to apply my knowledge to real-world problems. I aim to pursue opportunities in software development and cryptography, and to continue working with new innovations like ReDuX.
Full Stack Development and Generative AI
Karsun’s ReDuX AI uses generative AI to make code, data, and access control recommendations. In addition to their work exploring the use of AI for modern software development, we also challenged our interns to identify and propose enhancements to our AI toolkits. Samhita applied her full stack development skills to this challenge.
Could you share a little bit about the project you worked on as part of this internship? What challenge does it solve? What technologies and tools are you using?
Samhita: I have primarily been working with KIC’s ReDuX AI code pair tool, AppPilot. I used Java SpringBoot, PostgreSQL, Podman, Testcontainers, Nx, React, and Jest to build a full-stack project while testing AppPilot. My front-end design pulled in several component libraries such as Metrostar Comet. I also created a Task Manager project with CRUD functionality and user accounts to strengthen my understanding of the technology stack. Finally, I helped find and resolve defects within AppPilot.
Flexibility, Adaptability, and Innovation
What is your favorite part about working with the Karsun Innovation Center? Is there a weekly meeting or ritual you enjoy? The opportunity to learn more or get a new certification?
During our biweekly “Show, Don’t Tell” meetings, I’ve been able to learn about the projects that the Karsun Innovation Center is working on. It has been amazing to explore so many different technologies and to see the different approaches that can be taken to address blockers.
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience as an intern at Karsun?
It is definitely the importance of flexibility. I’ve gained so much practical experience and observed how unexpected issues can arise at any moment. To tackle these challenges, I learned to remain adaptable and prepared for anything. This approach has proven incredibly helpful, and it’s one I will definitely carry forward in my career.
Samhita worked alongside Karsun Innovation Center experts throughout her internship program. Discover how Karsun experts are modernizing for every next in our Innovation Center by accelerating transformation with the ReDuX AI toolkit.
Each summer, a new class of interns joins our Karsun Innovation Center to explore the application of emerging technologies to modernizing complex legacy systems. Pravalika Gollapudi, a Master’s student, joined this year’s cohort. She experimented, tackled new challenges, developed dashboards, and worked with center experts. From full stack development to future technology expert, Pravalika shares how she hopes to find her next solving real-world problems.
Finding Her Next: Creative Ideas into Impactful Solutions
First please tell us about yourself. Where are you going to school? What are you studying? What do you like to do in your free time?
Pravalika: My name is Pravalika Gollapudi, and I’m pursuing my Master’s in Computer Engineering (Computer Systems) at Arizona State University. In my free time, I love playing badminton to stay active. I’m also passionate about coding, as it allows me to turn creative ideas into impactful solutions.
What do you want to after this internship? What are your career goals?
Pravalika: After this internship, I aim to dive deeper into software development, becoming a skilled full stack developer with a strong focus on AI and ML. I’m excited about roles that allow me to create innovative projects, blending backend, frontend, and intelligent systems to solve real-world problems.
Dashboards and Data
Could you share a little bit about the project you worked on as part of this internship? What challenge does it solve? What technologies and tools are you using?
Pravalika: During my internship, I tackled several projects that addressed key challenges. I developed a CRUD application with Java (backend) and React (frontend) to streamline data management and improve user interaction. Additionally, I built a React dashboard to display applicants and ensured its reliability using Jest tests, addressing challenges in data presentation and application stability. I also conducted data quality analysis, identifying and resolving inconsistencies to maintain accurate and consistent data, thus overcoming problems related to data integrity and reliability.
Professional Certification and Collaboration
What is your favorite part about working with the Karsun Innovation Center? Is there a weekly meeting or ritual you enjoy? The opportunity to learn more or get a new certification?
Pravalika: My favorite aspect of working with the Karsun Innovation Center is the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals and gain insights into the corporate world. This experience is invaluable as it helps me refine my teamwork and communication skills. I particularly enjoy the bi-weekly “Show Don’t Tell” meetings, where team members present their progress over the past two weeks. These sessions are not only engaging but also provide a platform for shared learning and inspiration. Additionally, preparing for the AWS Developer certification has been a rewarding challenge. It’s fantastic to be able to apply my knowledge in practical scenarios, enhancing both my skills and my understanding of the field.
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience as an intern at Karsun?
Pravalika: My biggest takeaway from my internship at Karsun is the value of hands-on experience in a collaborative environment. Working alongside seasoned professionals has taught me how to navigate complex projects, communicate effectively, and contribute meaningfully to a team. The practical application of my skills, coupled with the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, has significantly deepened my understanding of the industry. Additionally, the emphasis on continuous learning and professional growth at Karsun has reinforced the importance of staying curious and proactive in my career development.
Pravalika worked alongside Karsun Innovation Center experts throughout her internship program. Discover how Karsun experts are modernizing for every next in our Innovation Center, among our data solutions teams, and as they use our ReDuX AI toolkit.
Interviewing virtually has become increasingly common. It is a standard practice in remote-flexible workplaces like Karsun. Given the competitive remote work environment, it is more important than ever to be well-prepared before starting your interview.
Our Karsun Talent Team hopes every candidate has the opportunity to present their best self on the path to finding their next. Today, as part of our series on remote jobs, we are sharing our best virtual interview preparation tips. If you are preparing for a virtual or remote interview, consider these tips.
How Can I Prepare for a Remote Job Interview?
There are several strategies to help you succeed in the virtual format. Set up your technology and space well in advance, practice and prepare your responses and send a follow-up note are all common recommendations. We have expanded on these tips for remote job seekers. By preparing well and paying attention to these details, you’ll present yourself as a confident and competent candidate in virtual interviews.
Setting Up Your Technology and Equipment
The first step in preparing for any virtual interview is using reliable equipment. Test your camera, microphone, and headphones to make sure everything works smoothly. Next, test Your technology. That includes checking your internet connection. Finally, you should familiarize yourself with the platform or website used by the company performing the interview. Do not wait until your appointment to install new software. Whether it’s Zoom, Microsoft Teams, or in the case of an interview with a Karsun hiring team, Google Meet, make sure you know how to use it before the interview.
Setting Up Your Space
Plan ahead and set up your space in advance of your remote interview. Create a professional environment by having a quiet space and all materials nearby. In addition to locating a room with minimal background noise and distractions, make sure you inform household members. Let others in your home know you will be interviewing to avoid interruptions. And while many of us like to keep our phones on our desks, please, silence your phone and disable notifications on your computer to avoid distractions.
As part of preparing your environment, you may also want to consider the room you will use. Check your lighting and position yourself so that your face is well-lit. A lamp behind your camera can help. A clean, uncluttered background looks more professional and reduces distractions.
Finally, have your materials ready. Prepare notes on your experience or other common interview questions. It can also be useful to prepare questions for the interviewer. Place these nearby, but avoid reading directly from them during the interview.
Dress and Act the Part
In addition to preparing your technology and interview space, you should plan to dress professionally. Wear appropriate attire as you would for an in-person interview. Avoid overly bright or busy patterns. And remember you should dress for your full body, not just the top half, in case you need to stand up during the interview.
Acting the part is critical too. If you are not used to video interviewing, it is a good idea to practice eye contact and body language. Practice looking at the camera, not the screen. This creates the illusion of eye contact and makes you appear more engaged. When it comes to your body language, good posture conveys confidence. Consider using hand gestures sparingly. While these can aid communication, too many gestures can be distracting on screen. You may also want to practice to see what gestures are visible to your camera and on screen.
Practice, Practice, Practice
The final interview preparation steps are to plan your answers and practice with mock interviews. When you prepare your answers, practice common interview questions. Be ready to discuss your experience, skills, and why you’re a good fit for the role. Many companies, like Karsun, use common formats for your examples. Prepare your examples using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to create structured answers that match these formats.
Once you have planned your responses, practice mock interviews with a partner. Work with a friend or use online tools to simulate the virtual interview experience. Get feedback, then improve your answers.
Following Up
Sending a follow up note to thank the interviewer for their time is still a best practice. When interviewing virtually for a remote job, consider sending a thank you email. Remember, your interviewer may also be remote and they may not be able to receive mail at the address published on a company’s website. Instead, send a personalized thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role.
Karsun Solutions is the place where enterprise modernization experts from every background can find their next. To help candidates looking for their next remote job, throughout this month we are sharing our top remote job tips. Previously we shared our tips for avoiding remote job scams. We hope you join us as we share more tips and if you are looking for your next, check out our remote jobs at https://www.karsuncareers.com/jobs.
Our Karsun Innovation Center hosts future technology experts every summer for our annual internship program. Computational Modeling and Data Analytics student Namrata Hari joined this year’s class to advance her data science skills while diving into complex, innovative projects. In this interview, she shares her experience in the Innovation Center environment, contributing to center projects and uncovering her path to finding her next.
Finding Her Next: Data Science to Social Impact
First please tell us about yourself. Where are you going to school? What are you studying? What do you like to do in your free time?
Namrata: Hi, I am Namrata! I am a rising sophomore studying Computational Modeling and Data Analytics at Virginia Tech, with a minor in Computer Science and Mathematics. During my free time, I enjoy dancing, singing, and watching movies.
What do you want to do after this internship? What are your career goals?
Namrata: After completing this internship, I aim to participate in professional events and conferences to enhance and sustain my networking skills. My career aspiration is to become a data scientist focusing on complex data projects that extract valuable insights and foster social impact.
Building the Future of AI Accelerated Modernization
In addition to researching and developing solutions with emerging technologies, the Karsun Innovation Center builds toolkits for our teams using these evolving solutions, industry best practices and under guidance from industry experts. One of these toolkits is ReDuX AI, a set of tools and practices for AI accelerated modernization. As part of her internship, Namrata worked with the team developing future enhancements to this toolkit.
Could you share a little bit about the project you worked on as part of this internship? What challenge does it solve? What technologies and tools are you using?
Namrata: Throughout the initial weeks of the internship, I focused on developing a task management application using Java Spring Boot and React. This project has been valuable in preparing us for upcoming tasks.
Namrata: The primary focus of my work during this internship has been testing ReDuX AI. Working within teams, we were assigned stories to complete through the use of AppPilot. During this project, we utilized Nx, Spring Boot, Postgres, Flyway, Podman, React, Comet, and Jest. Throughout this process, we were able to assess the memory, user interface, and overall user experience of the AI bot. Upon completing this project, we began addressing the defects we had previously identified.
The Innovation Center Environment
What is your favorite part about working with the Karsun Innovation Center? Is there a weekly meeting or ritual you enjoy? The opportunity to learn more or get a new certification?
Namrata: My favorite part about working with KIC is the supportive environment that I am constantly surrounded by. I enjoy seeing the work done on the projects I always hear about during our daily stand-up meetings in Show Don’t Tell. The questions asked during Show Don’t Tell helped me learn and develop my skills by showing me what questions should be asked and how to answer them. I appreciate being in an environment where I can always learn something new, no matter what.
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience as an intern at Karsun?
Namrata: My biggest takeaway from my experience at Karsun is understanding industry dynamics. I had the opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the inner workings of the field, including observing how various challenges are tackled and identifying best practices. This experience has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and expertise in the industry and has significantly contributed to my professional growth and development.
Namrata worked alongside Karsun Innovation Center experts throughout her internship program. Discover how Karsun experts are modernizing for every next in our Innovation Center, among our data solutions teams, and as they use our ReDuX AI toolkit.
With many companies offering remote positions, the opportunities to take advantage of unsuspecting job seekers continue to rise. In fact, aided by AI, job scams have surged 118% from 2022 to 2023, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. These scams often attempt to gain money, learn personal details or other information to commit identity theft, or access your computer for malicious activity.
Job sites like Indeed or FlexJobs list some of the most common job scams and strategies for avoiding them. Avoiding fake remote job scams requires a cautious approach. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
- Research the Company: Always research the company offering the job. Check their official website and LinkedIn page, and read reviews on sites like Glassdoor or Indeed. If a company seems to lack a credible online presence, it may be a red flag. Our job postings are available at Karsun-LLC.com and KarsunCareers.com. Karsun employees will only attempt to contact you from email addresses using @karsun-llc.com at the end of the email address, such as talent@karsun-llc.com.
- Verify Email Addresses: Legitimate companies usually use their own domain names for email addresses. Be wary of employers contacting you from generic email services like Gmail or Yahoo.
- Be Wary of Upfront Payments: Legitimate job opportunities will not require you to pay fees or purchase equipment upfront. Avoid any job that asks for money to start.
- Check Job Descriptions: Job listings with vague descriptions, poor grammar, or unrealistic salary expectations could be signs of a scam. Genuine employers provide detailed job descriptions with clear requirements and responsibilities.
- Use Trusted Job Platforms: Use reputable job search platforms that verify employers and job postings. Platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor have systems in place to reduce fraudulent listings.
- Avoid Quick Job Offers: If a job offer comes with little to no interview process, it’s likely a scam. Legitimate employers will take time to vet candidates through interviews and assessments.
- Watch for Personal Information Requests: Be cautious if a potential employer asks for sensitive information like your Social Security number or bank details early in the process. Provide such information only after confirming the job offer’s legitimacy.
- Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off about a job offer or a company, trust your instincts and proceed with caution.
- Seek Recommendations: Ask for referrals from friends or professional networks who have worked remotely. They may provide leads to trustworthy companies.
- Report Suspicious Listings: If you encounter a job scam, report it to the platform where it was posted and relevant authorities, like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in the United States.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can better protect yourself from falling victim to fake remote job scams.
Finally, if you’re looking to join our team, you should know our current job openings are available at Karsun-LLC.com and KarsunCareers.com. If you receive an email from one of our recruiters, Karsun employees will only attempt to contact you from email addresses using @karsun-llc.com at the end of the email address, such as talent@karsun-llc.com.
Recording live from the AWS Summit Washington, D.C., Karsun’s Badri Sriraman sits down with John Gilroy and the Federal Tech Podcast to discuss all things AI, accelerating legacy systems modernization and hyperlocal contextualization. Badri is the Vice President of the Karsun Innovation Center. Here, teams work to eliminate or reduce friction for the agencies modernizing their legacy systems. As part of that work, they developed ReDuX AI, a toolkit using AI resources to address common issues related to modernizing these older, more complex legacy systems. Throughout the interview, Badri and John discuss the costs and security risks associated with staying on current systems and the opportunity for AI to provide insight through hyperlocal contextualization to tackle these challenges.
Addressing the O&M Problem
The interview begins by acknowledging the drag aging infrastructure has on these agencies’ enterprise systems. The issue becomes intractable when operations and maintenance (O&M) costs become so high they take up the budget that would otherwise be used for modernization and systems enhancements. A 2023 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report examined the 10 critical systems it identified most in need of modernization. Some of those systems were over 50 years old and, in total, cost the government upwards of $337 million annually to operate and maintain.
In addition to the O&M costs, complex relationships between different systems components, older programming languages like COBOL, and outdated documentation all contribute to the difficulty of modernizing mission-critical legacy systems like those studied. As Badri reveals in the interview, artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to address many of those concerns. Moreover, those same AI tools may accelerate the transition, further reducing O&M costs as agencies move away from these legacy systems.
Eating the Elephant
In the interview, Badri shares a key component of Karsun’s AI-accelerated modernization methodology, hyperlocal contextualization. In a traditional modernization project, teams typically take an incremental approach. To “eat the elephant,” teams go one step at a time, optimizing as they modernize to reduce costs. The analysis required to peel away each part of the legacy system could slow down modernization to a yearslong process in highly complex systems. Throughout the process, these teams must untangle how different parts of the system integrate and work together.
Alternatively, using AI teams still move incrementally, avoiding the pitfalls of Big Bang Modernization. However, they also use AI to identify and map these relationships within legacy systems. This AI assistance helps those teams move at a rapid pace. Working together with the human team and stakeholders, the AI can quickly create a fuller understanding of the system, its impact on the mission and provide new insights into optimization opportunities during the modernization process. This analysis is the first step in using AI for hyperlocal contextualization.
The Security Imperative
An equally pressing concern is rising security threats. The 2023 GAO report found among the chief concerns for these aging systems were outdated hardware and security vulnerabilities. The same processes that help modernization teams optimize to reduce O&M costs can also be used to move from less secure systems to more secure systems based on industry standards and best practices.
Jumping in with Hyperlocal Contextualization
With more advanced large language models (LLMs), AI tools cannot only write the code but also review, debug, and make recommendations. Powered by AWS Bedrock, ReDuX AI not only takes the insights from its eat the elephant analysis but also makes recommendations to Karsun developers using the context generated from those insights. Plus it can then incorporate best practices and security policies into those recommendations. Using a tool like ReDuX AI, the security optimization recommendations are customized to the complexities found in that legacy system, resulting in a modernization process designed to optimize costs and security. Badri discusses this hyperlocal contextualization in greater depth in the interview.
The future is bright. In a 2019 report, the GAO shared agencies provided 94 examples of successful modernization initiatives over the five years studied. While some of the most challenging projects remain, AI tools, like those used by ReDuX, create a future where the remaining mission-critical systems modernize a possibility. Check out the full interview at www.theoakmontgroupllc.com/ep-161-how-to-overcome-the-challenge-of-legacy-systems/ or visit GoRedux.AI to learn more.