My Journey with Precog: A Transformative Experience

Hello everyone ! I am a recent Computer Science and Engineering graduate from IIIT Hyderabad, and I will be joining Oracle as a full-time engineer soon. My journey has been fueled by a deep passion for programming, which has led me to various enriching experiences. One such experience was joining Precog.

When I joined the Precog research lab at the beginning of my 4th year, I knew I was becoming part of something special. Precog has a stellar reputation for conducting impactful research across a wide range of areas. The opportunity to work in such an esteemed environment not only honed my technical skills but also profoundly shaped my personal and professional development.

A Legacy of Excellence

Precog boasts a history of distinguished alumni who have gone on to make significant contributions in various fields. This legacy of excellence is a testament to the lab’s commitment to nurturing talent and fostering an environment of academic and professional growth.

One of the most exciting aspects of Precog is the vast array of research areas it covers. From language to graphs, the flexibility to pursue one’s interests is unparalleled. This diversity allows students to explore different domains and find their true passion, making the research journey both fulfilling and dynamic.

Community and Collaboration

What makes Precog truly unique is the incredible sense of community and collaboration. From my very first day, I was welcomed warmly by the entire team. Everyone, from the newest joinee to the most senior PhD student, was always ready to lend a helping hand or share their expertise. This collaborative spirit is further strengthened by the lab’s well-organized and systematic approach to research, ensuring that all projects run smoothly and efficiently. Every week, we have a meeting where we share updates about our projects and listen to the updates of others. These sessions are a rich source of learning and provide brilliant suggestions and improvements for our projects. The lab has a wonderful team spirit – we celebrate each other’s successes, whether it’s a paper acceptance, award, or just a breakthrough in an experiment. 

One of the best parts of being in Precog is the opportunity to develop both technical and non-technical skills. Of course, I’ve gained deep expertise in my research area and honed my technical abilities, but I’ve also grown tremendously in terms of communication, collaboration, and teamwork. For example, writing research papers at Precog is a highly collaborative process that has been instrumental in developing my communication and teamwork skills. We work together to brainstorm ideas, review each other’s drafts, and provide detailed feedback. This taught me the importance of clear communication, active listening, and incorporating diverse perspectives. It also showed me how to give constructive criticism and receive feedback gracefully. 

The lab also has wonderful external collaborations that enrich our work. We regularly interact with researchers from other institutions and companies. These interactions open up new perspectives and research directions. Precog truly operates at the highest levels of academia and industry.

Celebrations and Fun

Professor PK goes above and beyond to foster a close-knit community and provide exceptional mentorship. He is always available to offer brilliant guidance, not just within the confines of the lab but also through informal interactions that extend far beyond. One such example is when PK joins students for badminton sessions at the prestigious Gopichand Academy, engaging in friendly competition while also creating opportunities for casual conversations and relationship-building.

Precog’s commitment to fostering strong bonds extends to various group activities. The lab regularly organizes dinners and parties, providing a platform for members to unwind, socialize, and strengthen their camaraderie. These events are not merely social gatherings but also serve as a means to celebrate achievements, share experiences, and create lasting memories. Even in casual settings, such as impromptu coffee breaks or spontaneous discussions, Precog members find ways to connect, exchange ideas, and support one another.

Moreover, PK’s dedication to his students is evident in his presence during important events like farewells. He enthusiastically participates in these celebrations, offering heartfelt words of encouragement, sharing memorable moments, and capturing the occasion with photographs. His involvement in these milestones underscores his genuine care for each individual and the strong bonds he fosters within the Precog community.

In summary, my time in the Precog lab has been transformative. I’ve grown immensely as a researcher and a person. I’m grateful for the incredible mentorship, the supportive community, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge problems. Precog will always hold a special place for me.