Tharun Kumar Reddy Polu

I'm a



About Me

> I am a software development engineer with a strong educational background and 2+ years(consolidated) of experience. I am pursuing a Master of Engineering in Computer Software Engineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, with expected graduation in December 2024, and I hold a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communications Engineering from JNTU, Hyderabad, India.

> Throughout my career, I have worked with various programming languages, including Java, Python, C/C++, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL, HTML, CSS, and Bash. I have experience with frameworks and tools such as Django, Spring, ReactJS, NodeJS, Git, GitHub, Postman, and the ELK stack, among others. I am familiar with databases like MySQL, MongoDB, PostgreSQL, Redis, DynamoDB, SupaBase, and CosmosDB, and I have implemented Agile, Scrum, and TDD methodologies.

> In my current role as a Software Development Engineer (GRA-II) at the University of Maryland, I collaborate with a team to enhance data pipelines, achieving a 45% improvement in SQL query performance through Python and REST APIs. I designed a data-sync system using AWS services and Salesforce CRM, reducing manual data entry by 80% and enhancing data accessibility. Additionally, I reduced CRON job run time by 30% using an in-house developed algorithm and integrated a Google email notification service, saving hours of synchronization checks monthly.

> During my time at Major League Hacking, I developed a weather-based trip planning application, which received positive feedback from mentors. As a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services, I designed microservices and REST APIs, integrated Kafka for faster processing, and automated testing processes, reducing manual efforts by 70%. At Tech Mahindra, I developed backend REST APIs, improved database operations by 75% with Redis caching, and enhanced API security with Spring Security’s OAuth2.

> I have led and contributed to projects like MathQuest, a scalable LMS on AWS; Graduate Market Place, an online marketplace for students; and Librarian Bot, an automated library management system. My achievements include high rankings in coding contests and fellowships, reflecting my dedication to software engineering.

> I have experience in project management, team collaboration, and mentoring, and I have used tools like Jira, Terraform, GitLab, and Confluence. My experience extends to data streaming and big data technologies such as PySpark, Kafka, Hadoop, Hive, and Sqoop, as well as Azure, AWS, and GCP services, demonstrating my broad skill set. My focus on continuous learning and high standards in software engineering is evident in my work.

Versatile Software Engineer: Integrating Advanced System Design and Cloud Computing Solutions.

I specialize in combining the fields of Software Engineering and System Design, using my knowledge to create stable architectures and improve cloud computing solutions.

  • Highest Degree: Master's Degree
  • University: University of Maryland, College Park
  • Specialization: Computer Software Engineering

Software engineering professional with over 2 years of experience, seeking to advance my career by utilizing my expertise in system design and cloud computing. Proficient in software development, system architecture, and cloud-based solutions.

PEER MENTORSHIP FACTS

As a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Maryland, College Park, who secured multiple prestigious assistantship offers (2 research, 1 teaching, and 2 grader) in the first semester, I leverage my diverse experiences (from failure to success) to provide personalized mentorship to fellow students for free of cost. Through the sessions, I share insights to aspiring graduate students on securing coveted academic opportunities, developing a strong research acumen, honing essential skills for success, excelling in current roles, and preparing for future endeavors, empowering you to unlock your full potential and thrive in your academic journey.



Happy Students

Bookings

Reviews

4.9/5

Average Rating


Feedback

Prem Malde

Topmate Client

Tharun has been very helpful and an honest advisor. He answered all my queries patiently, gave me the genuine information and guidance. I would suggest anyone going for studies abroad in any uni/country to connect with him. He is really creating an impact. Thank you.

Srujana Maddula

Topmate Client

Tharun is so generous and honest in providing helpful insights. I am glad that I got to have a talk with him. He talked about college, opportunities for students, and job prospects. I appreciate his initiative to help upcoming students with anything they need.

Sravani Reddy

Topmate Client

I had a fantastic time discussing my career queries in Software Engineering with Tharun. The session was immensely helpful and insightful, offering me valuable guidance and clarity on my career path. Tharun's expertise and supportive approach were greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance!

Bhanu Prakash

Topmate Client

I scheduled a 10-minute appointment, but our conversation extended to 40 minutes. This is sufficient to tell how patient he is. Any doubt that we ask, he answers them very politely and shares all his experiences with us. The best person I spoke with, on topmate till now.

Divya Kurien

Topmate Client

It was amazing to connect with Tharun. He cleared my doubts regarding UMD SE masters program and gave me overall picture of the same. He was friendly and his insights were helpful.

Sravani Reddy

Topmate Client

I had a fantastic time discussing my career queries in Software Engineering with Tharun. The session was immensely helpful and insightful, offering me valuable guidance and clarity on my career path. Tharun's expertise and supportive approach were greatly appreciated. Thank you for your assistance!

Abhinav Tembulkar

Topmate Client

Tharun's unique style of guiding students with his personal experiences and struggles is outstanding. His advice is very helpful for prospective masters students.

Richita Goli

Topmate Client

Hi Tharun! It was great talking with you about reframing and pitching more ideas for my resume and LinkedIn profile. Hope to see you again :)

Dhruv Desai

Topmate Client

We had an amazing talk! Tharun cleared all my doubts and gave even information than I was expecting. All of this will make my decision to select the university more concrete. I would 100% recommend people to book sessions with Tharun.

Aishwarya Chamakuri

Topmate Client

The session with Tharun was really helpful in understanding graduate and teaching assistantships, as well as other on-campus job options. Tharun explained the application process, requirements, and what’s expected in each role in a way that made everything much clearer. I also appreciated his practical tips on how to stand out when applying . It was great to hear his advice on networking too. Overall, it was a valuable session that left me feeling more confident about applying.

Shruti Goyal

Topmate Client

Had a very insightful conversation. Tharun was very helpful with his advice, and his suggestions.

Tarun Bhargav

Topmate Client

The call with Tharun was outstanding. He went above and beyond to share his experiences and provide valuable advice, even extending the conversation beyond the scheduled time. I am grateful for it.

Vivek Chaurasia

Topmate Client

I had a wonderful time during our Quick Talk session. Your insights were incredibly helpful and addressed all my doubts related to my profile. Your expertise and clear communication made the session very valuable. I truly appreciate your time and effort, and I look forward to applying the advice you shared. Thank you for a great session.

Bharath

Topmate Client

Tharun has been an invaluable guide in my university selection journey. His friendly and optimistic demeanor put me at ease, and he patiently listened to all my queries and concerns. Tharun’s expertise helped me clarify my doubts, and he went above and beyond by suggesting several alternative options for me to consider. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with his assistance, and I highly recommend Tharun to anyone seeking guidance in their educational pursuits.

Pamuleti Pullagura

Topmate Client

Tharun is having deep understanding on various technologies and the patterns associated with it. His strong skill set and willingness to learn new skills, procedures are impressive and these all are key asset to reach greater heights.

Anuraag

Topmate Client

Suggesting the juniors via a call not just by leaving message but guiding them in a right direction was inspirational and motivates me also to do the same.

Vikranth Reddimasu

Topmate Client

I loved the session with Mr Tharun Kumar. He was very insightful, and friendly. I loved and inspired from his initiative of helping the upcoming grad students for UMD and I am very grateful for his invaluable time, and patience!

Syed Mohd Umair

Topmate Client

Tharun was incredibly helpful in identifying the mistakes and caveats in my resume, providing me with valuable feedback to enhance it. Thank you so much, Tharun, for your assistance!

Skills

With a skill set encompassing software engineering, system design, and cloud computing, I have experience in tackling technical challenges and delivering solutions. Skilled in Java, Python, AWS, and Kubernetes, I have developed applications, optimized system architecture, and leveraged cloud technologies for deployments. Additionally, my experience extends to microservices architecture, CI/CD pipelines, and container orchestration, enabling me to build systems. Having worked in an Agile Scrum environment, I have analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and project management skills, allowing me to deliver results and contribute to the success of any software engineering project.

HTML HTML
CSS CSS
JavaScript JavaScript
Python Python
Java Java
C++ C++
Rest APIs Rest APIs
GraphQL GraphQL
Mulesoft Mulesoft
MySQL MySQL
PostgreSQL PostgreSQL
MongoDB MongoDB
SupaBase Supabase
Spring MVC Spring MVC
NodeJS NodeJS
Django Django
ReactJS ReactJS
AngularJS Angular
ELK Stack ELK Stack
Postman Postman
Salesforce Salesforce
AWS AWS
Azure Azure
Google Cloud Google Cloud
Kafka Kafka
Redis Redis
Git Git
Jenkins Jenkins
GitHub Actions GitHub Actions
Terraform Terraform
Docker Docker
Linux Linux
SonarQube SonarQube
Jira Jira

Resume

I am pleased to share an overview of my professional journey, highlighting my proficiency in advanced system design and cloud computing as a versatile software engineer.


Summary

Tharun Kumar Reddy Polu

With a Master of Engineering in Computer Software Engineering and experience in Java, Python, and a range of development tools, I have developed software solutions that improve system efficiency and reliability. My experience in Agile-Scrum methodologies enables me to adapt to changing project needs, collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, and deliver results through iterative development.

Education

Master of Engineering in Computer Software Engineering

2023 - 2024

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

  • GPA: 3.8/4.0
  • Relevant Coursework: Software Engineering, Hacking of C Programs and UNIX binaries, Data Structures and Algorithms, Software Design & Implementation, Reverse Software Engineering, Fundamentals for Artificial Intelligence and Deep Learning Framework, System and Software Requirements, Software Testing & Maintenence, Cloud Security

Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics & Communication Engineering

2017 - 2021

Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, India

  • GPA: 8.23/10.00
  • Relevant Coursework: Computer Programming in C, Java Programming, Computer Networks, Digital Communications, Switching Theory and Logic Design, Business Economics and Financial Analysis

Achievements & Extra Curricular Activities

  • 2024 | Attained 12.6K views, 6.3K reads(average) with 650+ followers and official writer for 7 publications on Medium. Check out my Medium profile
  • 2024 | Solved over 350+ coding problems on Leetcode, ranked among top 12% with contest rating of 1700+. Check out my Leetcode profile
  • 2023 | Achieved top 0.1% on Topmate.io, offered peer mentorship to over 105 students with an average rating of 4.9/5. Check out my Topmate profile
  • 2023 | Selected for a pod of 15 remote developers for MLH Prep Fellowship out of 30000+ applicants. Check out pod portfolio
  • 2022 | Ranked top 50 out of 5,500 software developers in Microsoft's Power to You Coding Contest.
  • 2021 | Placed in top 1% nationally(India) in TCS Digital Cadre coding challenge among over 150,000 participants.

Internship Experience

Software Engineering Intern

May 2024 - August 2024

Develop For Good

  • Worked as Lead Backend Developer for America SCORES Bay Area's Project

  • Developed and implemented new backend REST APIs for web registration app using MuleSoft, Java, DataWeave and Salesforce Data Cloud

  • Proposed and enabled RAML-based validation for all backend flows to automate request errors detection, eliminating communication overhead between frontend and backend engineers.

Software Engineering Prep Fellow

Mar 2023 - Apr 2023

Major League Hacking Inc., New York, NY (Remote)

  • Selected from over 30,000 applicants and worked in a team of 15 remote engineers to develop a weather-based trip-planning web application using Meta (formerly Facebook)'s ReactJS, NodeJS, and OpenWeatherMap API.

  • Engineered a weather-based trip planning full stack web application end-to-end utilizing the ReactJS, NodeJS, Jekyll, earning a commendable 4.7/5 endorsement from project mentors.

  • The core application features real-time weather data modules for over 75 locations using OpenWeatherMap API, enhancing travel efficiency by 20% with personalized recommendations and packing tips for the users.

Software Engineering Intern

Mar 2021 - Jul 2021

Tech Mahindra Ltd., Hyderabad, India

  • Developed and maintained robust backend REST APIs for a healthcare management dashboard using Java and Spring Boot.

  • Enhanced database operations efficiency by 75% by incorporating Redis caching on server side and introduced CRON Jobs.

  • Improved REST API security by 40% through the implementation of Spring Security’s OAuth2, ensuring data transit compliance.

Professional Experience

Software Development Engineer(GRA-II)

Apr 2023 - Present

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

  • Collaborating with a 5-member engineering team to update the data sync pipeline, supporting over 6 million attribute updates using Python, integrated APIs, and incorporated database partitioning, resulting in 57% SQL query performance boost

  • Implemented a data-sync system designed to migrate records utilizing AWS S3, DynamoDB and Salesforce CRM, reducing manual data entry by 88%, maintaining data integrity and logging, and improved data accessibility by data analytics team.

  • Reduced CRON jobs run time from 12 hours to ~35 minutes using the Last Successful Run(LSR) algorithm developed in-house and saved 5 hours/month for synchronization jobs status checks by integrating Google email notification service.

  • UMCP OCS Team Student Staff 2024-2025
  • UMCP OCS Team Student Staff 2023-2024

Graduate Teaching Assistant

Jan 2023 - Apr 2023

University of Maryland, College Park, MD

  • School: Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
    Semester/Term: Spring '23
    ENTS 625 - Management and Organizational Behavior in the Telecommunications Industry
    BMGT 467 - Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    Instructor: Dr. Clarence Wesley

  • Assisted in the delivery of course content for ENTS 625 and BMGT 467, supporting Dr. Clarence Wesley, resulting in a 20% increase in overall student satisfaction and a 15% improvement in average grades through structured tutorials and interactive sessions.

  • Achieved a 30% increase in class interaction for over 120 students by implementing a digital participation tracking system. Utilized advanced data analytics to monitor and encourage active participation through real-time feedback, interactive polls, and engagement metrics, leading to a more dynamic and involved learning environment.

Software Engineer (TCS Digital)

Jul 2021 - Dec 2022

Tata Consultancy Services Ltd.(TCS), Hyderabad, India

  • Architected 10+ REST APIs, scalable microservices and backend web services on Azure from the ground up employing Java, and Spring boot which imports data from over 30 finance systems, processes required information for end users and 200+ brokers.

  • Integrated kafka into microservices, achieved 35% faster broker notifications processing and enhanced inter-process communication.

  • Collaborated with QA and support teams to troubleshoot issues with services and backend software, quickly resolve these issues, and boost software performance, which resulted in a 30% reduction in downtime.

  • Created and automated testing of over 50+ test scripts using Tricentis Tosca, Selenium, and JUnit, decreasing manual testing and validation efforts by 76% and contributing to FinTech customer success.

  • Got promoted to TCS Digital and base salary increased to 2X in just 5 months of joining the organization post clearing the "Elevate Wings" program (an internal cadre elevate program with a series of programming, cognitive assessments, and interviews) and one among 500 employees to clear the program out of 130000+ employees in TCS.

Projects

In my portfolio, you will find a diverse array of projects showcasing my expertise in software engineering, data engineering, and full-stack development. From architecting scalable microservices and designing robust backend APIs to developing interactive web applications, each project exemplifies my commitment to creating efficient, reliable, and user-friendly solutions. I leverage cutting-edge technologies and best practices to deliver high-performance systems and compelling user experiences.


MathQuest - Online Learning Management System(e-LMS)

Graduate Market Place

Librarian Bot

The Hobby Hub

Resume GraphQL API

Phish Detect Pro

Codepath WEB102 Projects(Spring 2024 Cohort)

Tweety - Virtual Voice Assistant

Weather based Trip Planning Application

The Reptilian Game

Smart Agriculture System using Iot

Motion Sensor Home Security System

Lab Attendance System using Web App and RFID

blogs

In my blog, you will find a collection of articles that delve into the complexities and innovations of software engineering and large-scale distributed systems. I provide you with curated information extracted from my own experiences in the field of Software Engineering, specifically focusing on large-scale distributed systems. You'll also find content related to navigating life in the US, offering a unique blend of technical insights and personal experiences. Whether you're an experienced engineer, a curious student, or a tech enthusiast, my blogs offers a deep dive into the world of distributed systems, scalability, and system reliability, all through a lens of curiosity and continuous learning.




Avg. Views

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Followers

Stories



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Top 25 Generative AI Terminologies You Must Know

Master the Key Concepts to Excel in Generative AI with Clear Explanations, Real-World Applications, and In-Depth Resources

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Optimizing Data Flow: Inside the OCS Tech Team's System Design (HLD)

Discover how the Python team at Robert H. Smith School of Business efficiently syncs student, employer, and contact data across platforms through batch processing and database management.

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Essential Load Balancing Algorithms to Master for System Design Success

Unlock the Key Load Balancing Techniques with Explanations, Real-World Applications, and In-Depth Learning Resources

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What is the Off-By-One Error (OBOE)?

Uncovering the Common Bug That Trips Up Programmers and the Best Practices You Can Use to Avoid the Error.

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What is Vitess? Role, Features and Advantages

Explore the Technology Behind YouTube's Ability to Handle 2.49 Billion Users

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Top 20 Network Protocols You Must Know in System Design

Master Key Network Protocols to Excel in System Design Interviews with Explanations, Practical Examples, and Resources

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MLH Fellowship - My Journey from Selection to Graduation

Achieving Excellence through Dedication and Learning - A Detailed Chronicle, Lessons Learned, and Advice for Future Fellows

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MLH Fellowship — My Journey from Application to Selection

Unlocking Success with Strategic Preparation — Insights, Tips, and a Personal Guide for Aspiring Fellows

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Understanding Cache Eviction Policies

A Comprehensive Guide to Cache Eviction Strategies with Algorithms, Pseudocode, and Use cases in Real-world systems

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How I Secured Multiple Graduate Assistantships in My First Semester: Part 3

Crack cold emailing: strategies, effective techniques, best practices, and a template for Aspiring Graduate Assistants

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How I Secured Multiple Graduate Assistantships in My First Semester: Part 2

Crafting an Impressive Cover Letter — Tips, Tricks, and a Free Editable Template for Aspiring Graduate Assistants

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How I Secured Multiple Graduate Assistantships in My First Semester: Part 1

Unlocking Opportunities with a Powerful Resume — Tips, Tricks, and a Free Editable Template for Aspiring Graduate Assistants

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Top 50 System Design Terminologies You Must Know

Master the Essential Terms to Ace Your System Design Interviews with Explanations, Examples, and Comprehensive Resources.

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Introducing Tharun's Blog Book

Exploring the Intricacies and Innovations of Software Engineering and Large-scale Distributed Systems.

Certifications

These certifications, coupled with my extensive experience detailed in my resume, underscore my unwavering commitment to mastering cloud technologies, software development, and system architecture. All of which demonstrate my dedication to continuous learning and professional excellence in the ever-evolving tech landscape.


  • Tags:
  • All
  • Microsoft
  • AWS
  • Harvard
  • TCS
  • CodePath
  • Udemy
  • Coursera
  • Misc.

AWS Solutions Architect - Associate

Amazon Web Services

AWS Cloud Practitioner

Amazon Web Services

AZ 204

Microsoft

AZ900

Microsoft

PL 900

Microsoft

Codepath WEB102

Codepath

Codepath TIP103

Codepath

Harvard CS50X

Harvard

Matlab

Coursera

ION

TCS

Guvi Python

Guvi

MySQL

Udemy

HTML CSS

Udemy

JS

Udemy

Microsoft

Coursera

University of Michigan

Coursera

IoT

Misc.

PCAP

Misc.

Applause Award

TCS

Fresco Play Miles Award

TCS

On the Spot Team Award

TCS

On the Spot Team Award

TCS

On the Spot Award

TCS

On the Spot Award

TCS

Testimonials

Throughout my career, I have been honored to receive recommendations and accolades from peers, mentors, industry leaders, colleagues, and clients. These acknowledgments highlight my expertise, commitment, and significant contributions to software engineering and career development. I greatly appreciate the trust and confidence that have been placed in my abilities, and I remain dedicated to consistently achieving outstanding results in all my professional pursuits.

Abdul Rehman Shaik

Data Analyst

I had the pleasure of working with Tharun as a Graduate Assistant at the Smith School of Business, and I can confidently say he is an exceptional teammate and an incredibly talented Python developer. Tharun's dedication to teamwork and his proactive approach foster a collaborative environment where everyone feels supported and motivated. During our time together, we were responsible for creating Python scripts to automate and synchronize data transfer between two career platforms, a project critical in removing redundancy and minimizing human error. Tharun's coding skills, attention to detail, and ability to write clean, efficient, and well-documented code were instrumental in the successful execution of this task.

Anji Reddy Surasani

Automation Test Lead

Tharun is amazing at his job. He is good with clients, does what ever it takes to help colleagues and get things done. Good at software development and quick learner. Gained technical knowledge in short span of time.

Naseeb Ur Rahman Khan

Software Engineer(TCS Digital)

Tharun has always been a tech enthusiast with a wide range of technical skill sets. He has good problem solving and communication skills. He is committed to his work and is a good help to his fellow team mates. He is a quick learner and active participant throughout the project.

Reginald Amedee

Software Engineer

Tharun is a detailed oriented software engineer who adds a lot of value to any team. We worked on a travel application as part of our project for the Major League Hacking Prep program. I was requested to implement a feature which allowed a user to see the weather in a specific span of time. Tharun helped me debug a problem which involved an error message not showing up when a user requests weather data that is not available. He helped me evaluate this issue by looking at my code and suggesting resources that I didn't know of at the time. It was a genuine pleasure working with him and I would happily work with him again!

Alfeo Raymond

Software Engineer

Having worked with Tharun for three weeks, I can confidently say that he is an exceptional team player, a skilled critical thinker, and a dedicated professional who never rests until the job is done. Tharun's work ethic is truly admirable. He is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the highest standards. His unwavering commitment to excellence has been a valuable asset to our team. In short, I wholeheartedly recommend Tharun as a software engineer.

Beatrix Cendana

UI/UX Designer

I had the pleasure of meeting Tharun during our participation in the MLH Fellowship this year, and it was truly inspiring to connect with such a dedicated developer. Tharun consistently demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills, actively offering assistance to anyone facing challenges within the project. I recommend Tharun as both a mentor and a great software developer to any company or organization.

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