Nikhil Davangre Basavaraj’s Innovation Center internship not only helped him prepare for an AWS certification, it also gave him real-life DevOps experience. Nikhil, a Computer Science Masters student, advanced these skills while working on tools used by Karsun teams. Along the way, he built Terraform scripts, assessed costs for AWS services and developed on Karsun’s AI-Asssisted Redux Platform. Take a deep dive into Nikhil’s process and his experience during his internship in this interview.
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?
Hi all !! My name is Nikhil. I am currently doing my Masters in Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD). In my free time I like to play cricket or go for a swim. I love watching movies and anime as well.
Could you share a little bit about the project you worked on as part of this internship? What challenges does it solve? What technologies and tools are you using?
Initially, I built an Appsheet app called “Fedelivery”, which helps Government Organizations spread across the US to handle deliveries of confidential items. After this I was working with a fellow intern on implementing push notifications for the KIC Konnect app using Firebase.
Later on, I started working on DevOps tasks. My first task was to configure logging in the Application Load Balancer level in AWS using Terraform. Although it was my first time working with Terraform, with the help of my mentors, I was able to understand and complete the task successfully.
The next task that I took over was to enable Application Logging in the EKS level, where data is logged in AWS Cloudwatch from EKS using Fluent Bit. The logs in CloudWatch are to be stored for 7 days which will then be moved to an S3 bucket for further storage for 30 days. Later on, the data will be moved to Infrequent Access Storage for 60 days, and finally, the logs will be transferred to Cold/Glacier Storage for a year. I had to use Fluent Bit for log forwarding to Cloudwatch, and I wrote the script for the above in Terraform. I was successfully able to complete the task and push the code to [Karsun’s] Redux Platform.
Right now, I am working on implementing a Terraform script to deploy WAF (Web Application Firewall) to the Load Balancers on AWS. WAF protects applications from web-based attacks and hence is very crucial. I even have to do research regarding the pricing of the WAF service to help the company plan budget-wise. So far, the tasks are going well, and I am enjoying the work I am doing here at Karsun.
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?
I think the best part about working with the Karsun Innovation Center is the opportunity to solve real-world problems and get mentored by top-notch developers. I even got the opportunity to prepare for my AWS certification because of the Udemy course offered by Karsun. I like meeting with my mentor weekly to discuss various things, like what we did during the weekend or what blockers I am facing. The people are what make the company, and I am delighted to be a part of this wonderful team.
What is your biggest takeaway from your experience as an intern at Karsun?
My biggest takeaway from Karsun is the insights I received from this internship. It has helped me to grow both personally and professionally. My entry into the field of DevOps was made possible because of this internship. Initially, I had to do a lot of reading and research to get the tasks done, which helped me learn a lot.
Nikhil’s internship was completed with support from the Karsun Innovation Center and the DevOps Practice Area. The resources in our Innovation Center’s practice areas are available to all Karsun teams. Connect with Nikhil on LinkedIn to learn more about his experience.
Karsun Solutions, the Enterprise Modernization Experts, announced the rollout of Konnect Anywhere. Konnect Anywhere is an employee-centric approach to today’s adapting work environment with an emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and delivery excellence. This new approach enables multiple options for Karsun employees. Team members may remain remote, utilize Karsun collaborative workspaces in Northern Virginia, continue onsite support for specific customers or use a hybrid approach.
The Karsun Solution Headquarters is scheduled to re-open as a collaborative space in September 2021. Employees opting to spend part of their time in the office may reserve workstations using a hoteling tool included as part of the Karsun Konnect employee app. Teams may also reserve collaborative spaces. Video conferencing-equipped rooms include access to digital workplace tools created by the Karsun Innovation Center (KIC) designed to support mixed remote and in-person teams.
Karsun Teams have been remote since March 2020. Over the past year, Karsun invested heavily in digital workplace innovations to support its new remote-friendly environment. The Konnect Anywhere initiative represents a long-term commitment to supporting flexible, remote work for modern software development, cloud and data solution teams. It is also an extension of the 2021 #GrowWithKarsun program, an employee-centered professional development initiative. This program, when combined with the new Konnect Anywhere initiative, allows team members in any location to share and participate in Innovation Town Halls, Karsun Academy training workshops and Practice Areas lead by experts embedded with frontline delivery teams.
As part of this commitment Karsun will also continue its virtual recruiting program. As one of the region’s fastest growing companies it is hiring nationwide for both IT and development roles. From job fair to interview a Talent Acquisition specialist will guide prospective candidates throughout the virtual recruitment process.
Karsun currently hosts several Virtual National Open House events throughout the year. Prospective team members may receive information about upcoming virtual events by registering for the Talent Community located at KarsunCareers.com. Candidates may also browse the careers site for positions ranging from Full Stack Developer to Cloud Data Architect.
About Karsun Solutions
Karsun Solutions is a fast-growing, innovative, enterprise modernization firm recently named a Technology Industry Top Workplace and one of the Best Places to Work in Washington D.C. Its teams deliver modern software development, cloud and data solutions to customers at government agencies such as DHS, FAA and GSA. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Washington Business Journal, and Inc. all recognize Karsun Solutions among the fastest-growing companies in the Washington, D.C. region. It is an established firm with a DCAA Approved Accounting System and CMMI Level 5 – DEV appraisal, plus both the AWS Government Competency and AWS Migration Competency designations. It also holds ISO 9001, ISO 20000 and ISO 27001 certifications.
When our leadership revealed its vision for the next decade at the start of 2020 they could not anticipate the challenges of a global pandemic. Nevertheless, even then Karsun had already created the infrastructure to allow our teams to grow remotely together. This year we celebrated continued recognition as one of the fastest-growing companies in the country. As we scaled in this remote environment we also affirmed our commitment to team member development welcoming new intern cohorts, sponsoring professional development programs, and introducing virtual training programs.
Longtime Programs Adapt to Virtual Work
Through New Remote Program Interns Grow with Karsun
Through our Karsun Innovation Center (KIC) Internship Program each of our interns has a voice in the future of our company. These interns support the Research and Development teams rolling out new tools and processes across our organization. Interns learn and grow during their time with us. Shadowing team members in our Innovation Center and customer delivery teams, they participate in cross-functional projects, sharing their insights with teams across the company.
Coffee with Leadership Goes Online
Launched in 2017, Coffee with Leadership is a longstanding monthly tradition at Karsun. During this open discussion, executive leadership hosts a small gathering with frontline team members. In this open forum anyone may share their experiences, make suggestions or discuss opportunities to improve work at Karsun. This year saw a transition to a remote format for Coffee with Leadership and the addition of a second monthly Brunch with Leadership group expanding the diversity of feedback across management levels. We included these breakfasts in Karsun’s new remote environment to ensure all employees have the opportunity to contribute to our vision for growth.
DataOps NoVa Launches Virtual Series
Hosted by Karsun’s Data Practice, DataOps NoVa is a monthly Meetup designed to introduce best practices and tools to the data, analytics, and IT community. Its DataOps 101 series was among the last of Karsun’s in-person training events at our Herndon, Virginia headquarters. This first series included discussions and demonstrations from DataOps vendors and an introduction to data encryption using middleware components presented by our Innovation Center.
After taking a short break from in-person events, the Meetup returned virtually in August. The new series will cover topics like data fabric, analytics foundations for MLOps, and vendor demos. The new format also allowed the team to expand outside Virginia hosting data experts from around the world. These new virtual sessions are published on the DataOps NoVa Meetup Page.
Karsun Leaders Grow Through Industry Groups and Fellowships
Karsun Executives Recognized as Industry Leaders
As Karsun celebrated its tenth year in operation and its tenth year supporting the American Council for Technology-Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) our President, Terry Miller, was recognized in part for his leadership within the organization. In March 2020 Miller was named to FCW‘s prestigious Federal 100 list. This list includes 100 men and women who personify what’s possible in federal IT. He also served as the 2019 Industry Chair of ACT-IAC’s highly regarded Partners Program. This training and professional development curriculum pairs “rising star” leaders from government and industry. New under Miller’s leadership, the group formed three challenge teams to provide direct solutions to government agencies (GSA, NASA, SBA). He is also a graduate of the Partners Program and was the Chair of the Management of Change (MOC) event in 2013.
Also early in 2020, the College of Engineering Guindy Alumni Association of North America (CEGAANA) named Karsun CEO Sundar Vaidyanathan its 2020 Chairman of the Board. Sundar is committed to making the organization a self-sustaining entity. His ultimate goal is strengthening collaboration between students, the college and the alumni network.
Satish Alluri Graduates from Selective Fellowship Program
Meet Satish Alluri, the Deputy Program Manager for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Grants Management Modernization initiative. He graduated in 2020 from the selective ACT- IAC Voyagers Professional Development fellowship. In September we spotlighted this longtime Karsun team member. Over the course of his career he grew from a Senior Business Analyst to a leader in both our DHS FEMA and GSA programs. Learn how Satish grew with us here.
Karsun Concludes 2020 with Virtual Team Recognition Events
Both our FEMA and KIC celebrated successes transitioning from in-person to virtual work through team recognition at the end of 2020. While our FEMA program hosted team lunches, our Innovation Center recognized our Karsun Academy and Practice Area mentors during an Innovation All Hands event in November.
As an organization Karsun Solutions also celebrated with a holiday lunch in December 2020. Every team member had lunch delivered to them as Karsun looked back on contract wins, team events and other small victories throughout the year. It was a final opportunity for our leadership to say “Go Team Karsun! Thank you for all your hard work!”
As we adapt to government recommendations regarding COVID-19, maintaining the safety of prospective candidates and Karsun staff is our top priority. As a result, our Talent Team and hiring managers have moved to remote work. In addition to protecting our team members, we also want to ensure public safety. As of this week, we are either postponing or moving Karsun hosted events online until further notice.
Subsequently, our job interviews are also moving to a virtual format. Our Talent Acquisition Specialists will provide instructions when scheduling upcoming interviews. Candidates may also connect directly with our team on LinkedIn. Simply click the pictures in the upper right-hand corner for the LinkedIn information for each of our Talent Acquisition Specialists or email talent@karsun-llc.com.
Hiring in Oklahoma and Virginia
We are still hiring for both our Oklahoma and Virginia locations! Even in this uncertain time, we are filling roles across our organization. Our teams are growing to serve customers at agencies like FEMA, FAA, and GSA. Outlined below are some of our most recent hot jobs. Each week we share these top openings here on our website. We will continue sharing those opportunities here as they are available.
- Java Full Stack Developer – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Data Architect – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Service Delivery Lead – Herndon, Virginia
- Integration Lead- Herndon, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
- API Developer – Herndon, Virginia
About Karsun Solutions
Karsun Solutions is a fast-growing, innovative enterprise modernization firm. Recently awarded Best Company Culture by Comparably.com, its teams deliver modern software development, cloud, and data solutions to customers at government agencies including the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Aviation Administration and General Services Administration. Leveraging GoLean, Karsun teams drive digital transformation and help its government customers Do Extraordinary. Learn more at Karsun-LLC.com.
Team members from Karsun Solutions recently joined together to support children’s education at a fundraiser for the Organization to Provide EducatioN (OPEN). Held near its Herndon, Virginia headquarters, Karsun Solutions was the event sponsor for the annual OPEN Rasika concert. Through this event, Karsun enabled critical educational opportunities for disadvantaged children in India. Performing in nearby Sterling, Virginia the Rasika concert brought together musicians from across the United States in support of the non-profit OPEN organization. The program was compered by film star Anu Hasan.
Founded in 2003, the 501(c)(3) charity has granted more than $950,000, benefiting more than 33,000 children and 105 schools. OPEN provides educational opportunities to children and young adults in India. These educational projects include scholastic aid, supplemental classes and the funding of libraries and other extracurricular programs. The organization is primarily funded through individual and corporate donations, employer-matching contributions, and biennial fundraisers. To donate or learn more about the valuable education work performed by OPEN visit openindia.org.
OPEN is one of several organizations regularly supported by Karsun Solutions. Karsun’s support of this event is one of many ways the company strives to connect local IT leaders with the global community. Mentorship within local organizations and schools is part of Karsun’s commitment to developing the next generation of IT leadership.
In addition to outreach organized by Karsun leadership, employees also form their own teams to support charitable organizations. The Karsun Solutions Business Development team regularly supports Bridges to Community. This international development organization supports housing initiatives in Nicaragua and the Dominican Republic. The Karsun Running Club previously supported AIMS India. Locally, Karsun’s Herndon headquarters hosts a neighborhood beautification/Adopt-a-Highway team.
About Karsun Solutions
Karsun Solutions is a premier IT modernization firm delivering a portfolio of services to its federal and commercial customers. Its core competencies include Modern Software Development, Cloud Solutions, and Advanced Analytics. The organization’s quality, development, and information security practices include CMMI Level 5 DEV, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000:2011 and ISO 27001:2013 certifications.
The Karsun Solutions Executive Team recently joined Federal News Radio’s executive editor Jason Miller on his Views from the Corner Office program. During the interview, CEO Sundar Vaidyanathan, Chief Architect Kartik Mecheri and Chief Operating Officer Terry Miller share how IT modernization is opening the door for disruptors. They reveal insights on the state of the federal market, innovation-centric procurement trends, and opportunities for growing small businesses.
The Show Don’t Tell Approach to IT Modernization
When discussing the state of the federal market, both Sundar and Kartik highlight the role of small, innovative disruptors. Kartik, in particular, identifies the ability of such organization to quickly adapt and demonstrate IT modernization requirements. For Karsun Solutions these include expanding opportunities within the commercial cloud and artificial intelligence space.
The Karsun team commends the trend toward innovative procurement processes. Reflecting on Karsun Solutions recent growth the team adds, the organization benefits from matching opportunities to competencies. In describing the approach, COO Terry Miller notes, “what we’re really seeing that’s very different is ‘prove it to me, come in and do a demonstration to show me exactly … what your capabilities are.”
Views from the Corner Office brings together federal executives, lawmakers and other industry experts for insights into trends and challenges facing the Federal sector. The thirty-minute Views from the Corner Office program offers a private industry glimpse into public sector contracting. If you missed the original broadcast listen in here. Alternatively, tune in throughout October to hear the interview on WFED 1500am.
About Karsun Solutions
Karsun Solutions is a premier consulting firm delivering a portfolio of enterprise modernization services to its federal and commercial customers. Its core competencies include Modern Software Development, Cloud Solutions, and Advanced Analytics. Its proprietary GoLean® software development methodology combines Agile, Lean, Kanban and DevOps practices throughout the software development lifecycle. The GoLean.io Software-as-a-Service provides a lean management tool-kit combining the best of these practices.
Karsun Solutions is a rapidly growing IT consulting firm headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. In August, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of our FAA SSD program. This program alone added an additional 150 people to Team Karsun and we are still growing! We were also recently recognized for the fourth year in a row among the Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies. Our recruiters are actively hiring developers, data scientists and more for our teams in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and the Washington, DC metro area. Now, in addition to our weekly virtual chats and open house events, Karsun Solutions is launching our Virtual Networking series.
Register for our Women in Information Technology Virtual Happy Hour
We are kicking off with a Virtual Networking Happy Hour for Women in Information Technology on October 25th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. ET. Register in advance and upload your resume for easy access during the event. Then drop in to chat with us on October 25th from your desktop or mobile device.
Karsun Solutions virtual events are a great opportunity to interact directly with our team members. Learn about our growing community and culture of innovation. Network with team members from our Modern Software Development, Cloud Solutions, and Advanced Analytics practices.
Speak One on One with the Karsun Talent Team
Participating in one of our virtual events is also a quick method to get your resume in front of our hiring managers. Participants in our recruiting booth chats have dedicated 10 minutes sessions. During each session, participants may speak one on one with a member of our Karsun Talent Team.
Speaking directly with a recruiter is easy. Enter our Women in Information Technology Virtual Happy Hour anytime during the event. Get in line at our designated Recruiting Booth. Once you move to the front of the line you will be invited to talk directly to a Karsun recruiter or hiring manager. After your chat, if you are ready to learn more about Karsun Solutions, connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or YouTube.
Karsun Solutions – The Enterprise Modernization Experts
Established in 2009, Karsun Solutions LLC is in the business of solving problems. We are a premier IT consulting firm. Our teams deliver a portfolio of services including Modern Software Development, Cloud Solutions, and Advanced Analytics. We are one of the few small businesses that manage multiple $100 million-plus contracts as a federal prime contractor. Our premier customers include the General Services Administration, Federal Aviation Administration, US Department of Homeland Security, Smithsonian and Government Accountability Office.
Employees and their children recently joined together at Karsun Solutions’ Herndon, Virginia headquarters for their annual Take Your Child to Work Day. Each year the Karsun Events Council, an internal team lead by employees across programs, selects an event theme. This year students were asked to demonstrate teamwork and imagination by planning a multi-day trip to a destination of their choice. Demonstrating their public speaking and presentation skills, they pitched their travel plans to their parents at the end of the day.
Students formed teams and worked together to build their complete travel plan. Acting as mentors throughout the day, Team Karsun joined the students to teach classes on brainstorming, budgeting, and planning. Teams also learned about the planes that allow them to travel to far off destinations. Staff taught additional classes on everything from paper airplanes to weather.
Meanwhile, employees led informative sessions on Karsun Solutions’ enterprise modernization work. Karsun’s executive team gave a brief introduction to Karsun Solutions. Then teams supporting both our General Service Administration and Federal Aviation Administration programs spoke on travel-related programs supported by Karsun. Tammie Bowman spoke on GSA’s City Pairs program and led a question and answer session. An FAA session was led by Debbie Richards. As the day closed student teams presented their plans to the Karsun team. Students completing the program received a certificate along with a Karsun giveaway bag.
Take Your Child to Work is one of several yearly traditions at Karsun Solutions. Here fun is a core value! The Karsun Event Council plans and hosts monthly employee events in addition to Karsun’s wellness events and informative brown bag seminars. Take Your Child to Work Day is one of our two yearly traditions celebrating Karsun families. The yearly picnic is held every June. To learn more about life at Karsun visit our Employee Events page or join our recruiters for our weekly chat event.
Karsun families returned to Ticonderoga Farm for our annual company picnic. This year the Karsun crew and their families were treated to snow cones, sweets, and a fajita fiesta! After lunch Co-Founder and Chief Architect, Kartik Mecheri and COO, Terry Miller said a few works then announced Jay Kondapalli as the new CAMEO Small Business Program Manager. Adults and children alike could then choose between a variety of activities on the farm including face painting, relay races, a cricket match, hayrides and more. Families formed teams to complete a farm-wide scavenger hunt. Scavenger hunt prizes were awarded by the GoLean.io and Karsun Innovation Center team.
The company picnic is one of two yearly events Karsun holds to celebrate families. In April Karsun hosts Take Your Child to Work Day. This year’s event emphasized Digital Citizenship and Internet Safety. Work-life balance and personal growth are key components to Karsun’s corporate culture. To learn more about Karsun culture, events and employee opportunities visit our Karsun Careers Page.
On Monday, April 24th 2017 Karsun Solutions celebrated the opening of its fifth office location. The new space adds much-needed capacity as Karsun continues its steady development. During the event, Karsun’s CEO, Sundar Vaidyanathan, said a few words reflecting on the organization’s expansion only a year after opening its fourth office space in April 2016. The Karsun Executive Team answered questions about the company’s vision for the future and upcoming opportunities for employee personal growth.
The new space adds much-needed capacity as Karsun continues its steady growth. The organization was recently added to Washington SmartCEO’s Future 50 list. Companies are selected based on a three-year average of employee and revenue growth. In support of this buildup Karsun’s Talent Acquisition Team is currently filling positions in Herndon, Virginia. To learn how to Do Extraordinary check out Karsun’s Employee Events, Karsun Innovation Center, Karsun Academy and Corporate Awards.