From Boeing to UCI MCS | My Tech Journey from Skies to Shore

🌴 From Building for the Skies to Studying by the Shore

Hey everyone! I'm Shravani Zope — but most people just call me Zope.
Welcome to my first blog post, where I share the journey that took me from working in the tech world of aerospace at Boeing, to starting my Master’s in Computer Science at UC Irvine (UCI) — just minutes away from the beach!

This blog is about transitions. Not a career switch, but a shift in perspective, pace, and purpose.

✈️ The Skies: My Time at Boeing

I joined Boeing in 2022, and for the last couple of years, I’ve been immersed in building robust software solutions for one of the world’s most iconic aerospace companies. My time there was anything but ordinary.

• Worked on AI/ML integration for predictive maintenance

• Migrated applications to Azure Cloud

• Represented Boeing India in Singapore as a youngest global contributor

• Curated the Global Change Ambassadors Network (GCAN)

• Won hackathons, organized yoga days, led cultural events

Boeing gave me a front-row seat to how tech and innovation keep the world moving — quite literally.

🌊 The Shore: What Pulled Me to UCI

After working on transformative projects and learning deeply in the industry, I knew I wanted to refine my core CS knowledge, explore cutting-edge research, and prepare myself for future-facing roles in AI and systems.

Why UCI?

• Well-rounded, industry-relevant CS courses

• Flexible MCS structure — room to explore tracks I care about

• Strong tech connections across SoCal

• And yes, I’ll say it — being by the Pacific Ocean doesn’t hurt 😍

There’s something poetic about going from building technology that soars above the clouds to now learning and growing near the sea. 🌤️🌊

🎒 The Transition: From Full-Time to Full-Time (Again)

Leaving a full-time job and going back to school wasn’t easy — it meant stepping away from a role I loved. But deep down, I knew that investing in higher education would give me:

• A sharpened tech foundation

• Time to explore specializations like AI, systems, and product thinking

• A wider network of peers, profs, and mentors

• A platform to aim higher — whether that’s big tech, product, or maybe one day, startups

🧭 What This Blog Will Cover

If you’ve made it this far (thank you!), here’s what I’ll be sharing next:

• How I got into UCI’s MCS program — including application strategy, what I submitted (spoiler: no GRE!), and how I highlighted my tech experience at Boeing

• My experiences at UCI — courses, projects, and hackathons

• Internship prep, resume building, and recruiting

• Life in California — food, culture, and (of course) beaches

• Career tips for software engineers and CS grads

• Reflections on balancing tech, community, and creativity

🚀 From One Dreamer to Another

If you’re someone who’s working in tech and thinking about grad school — you’re not alone. Your story doesn’t have to fit a perfect mold. And you don’t have to have it all figured out before you take the leap.

Sometimes, it’s enough to know that you’re ready for more.

🌟 Let’s Stay Connected

I’d love to connect if you’re:

• Applying for grad school

• Working in tech and curious about life beyond the job

• Or just want to follow this skies-to-shore ride with me!

Drop a comment, follow, or reach out on: LinkedIn or Instagram

See you in the next post!
— Zope