Kaushik Avancha’s journey from student to professional is a testament to the transformative
power of education and the opportunities available at Wichita State University. As
a proud alum, he attributes much of his career success to the resources, experiences,
and support he received during his time at WSU.
Recently, he secured a role as a Production Scheduler at Starport Technologies, part
of MCC, a leading label manufacturing company. In this position, he is responsible
for overseeing and optimizing plant operations, analyzing performance metrics, and
ensuring seamless coordination across multiple departments. "It’s a position that
not only challenges me but also allows me to leverage the skills and knowledge I cultivated
at WSU," Kaushik reflects.
His time at Wichita State played a crucial role in shaping his professional path.
As a student-athlete on the university’s cricket team, he developed teamwork and leadership
skills that have proven invaluable in his career. He was also a finalist in the Shocker
New Venture Competition, an experience that fostered a problem-solving mindset and
an entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, his academic journey included serving as
a Research Assistant under Dr. Mehmet Barut, chair and program director, where he
contributed to a published paper on harnessing battery energy storage for peak-hour
commercial sales. His applied learning extended further with an internship as an Inventory
Analyst at Vantage Marketing, where he gained practical experience in supply chain
management and analytics.
The resources at Wichita State provided invaluable support throughout his journey.
"Attending career fairs gave me the chance to connect with top industry employers
and showcase my potential," he shares. The university’s strong emphasis on hands-on
learning equipped him with practical skills in ERP systems such as M1, Radius, and
SAP, which are essential in his current role. Supportive faculty and staff played
a pivotal role in refining his career goals, offering mentorship and guidance that
helped build confidence and preparedness for the professional world. Additionally,
the focus on continuous learning enabled him to stay competitive in his industry,
earning a Six Sigma Green Belt certification and a master’s degree in Supply Chain
Management.
Beyond technical proficiency, WSU instilled in him essential qualities such as adaptability,
perseverance, and collaboration—traits that have been instrumental in his transition
from student to professional in a leading global organization. His journey exemplifies
the impact of Wichita State’s commitment to student success, and he hopes to inspire
others to take full advantage of the opportunities available at the university.
Kaushik hopes to give back to the Wichita State community by sharing his story, offering
encouragement and motivation to current students and fellow alumni.
Wichita State's applied learning program gives students hands-on, paid experience
with industry partners, helping them build careers before graduation.
For more information, contact the Shocker Career Accelerator at (316) 978-3688, SCA@wichita.edu, or visit wichita.edu/Career. You can also stop by in person at the Marcus Welcome Center, Suite 139, on the Wichita
State campus.
