UC IT students recognized for achievement in cooperative education
Each spring, the University of Cincinnati’s College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies honors students for outstanding achievement in experiential learning.
The following three students in UC’s School of Information Technology were recognized for their achievements in cooperative education. Their stories help to illustrate why the University of Cincinnati is a top five university for co-ops and internships according to U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.
Josh Anness, Information Technology
UC student Josh Anness started a full-time professional job even before graduating. Photo/Joseph Fuqua II
After his experience with INTERAlliance at Western and Southern through UC’s Early IT program, Josh Anness worked one co-op term at Valco Melton, then three at 84.51°, where he played a key role in launching a FinOps initiative, developing an insights platform to ensure transparency into the company’s cloud spending. According to his supervisor, the platform has been widely adopted, has resulted in substantial cost savings, and is now a key tool for strategic decision-making across the business. Anness started working full-time for 84.51 in September 2023 and will continue after graduation.
Hamza Rauf, Cybersecurity
Hamza Rauf’s co-op’ed at U.S. Bank where, as an information security analyst, he delivered support to clients, management and secruity partners with a 95% closing rate. He analyzed data security risks and initiated corrective actions resulting in a 5% reduction in tickets. Before coming to main campus, Rauf completed an associate degree in applied business at UC Blue Ash. His advisor describes him as smart and empathetic and commends him for his work, his growth and the connections he’s made at UC and through co-op.
Pavan Gujjarlapudi, Master of Science in Information Technology
A native of Hyderabad, India, Pavan Gujjarlapudi completed his co-op at Kesh Tec, Inc. as a Java full stack developer. He has played a pivotal role in leading the development of web applications from inception to deployment, demonstrating versatility across front-end and back-end components. His proficiency in crafting responsive and user-friendly interfaces using HTML, CSS and JavaScript, alongside modern frameworks like React, Angular or Vue.js, has significantly contributed to the success of various projects. After completing his degree, Gujjarlapudi will work full-time with the company.
About the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies
The more than 100 faculty and staff in the College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies facilitate real-world work experiences for students, teach students to prepare for their professional lives, and provide career services to University of Cincinnati students and alumni. At the same time, we connect employers and external partners with the talent they seek in a variety of arrangements inside and outside the classroom.
Become a Bearcat
Related Stories
Grad student Joey Yong found leadership, networking opportunities at UC
October 23, 2025
Joey Yong is a graduate student in the UC School of Information Technology's Master of Science in Information Technology (MSIT) program. As she nears graduation this December, the central Kentucky native looks back on the invaluable instruction, networking opportunities and leadership lessons she gained during her time at UC.
From political science to insurance underwriting
October 22, 2025
A career in insurance wasn’t in the cards for Max Roberts when he started his political science degree at UC, but that was where he landed. “I originally thought I’d pursue law or public policy,” said Roberts. “Political science gave me a strong foundation in critical analysis and communication, skills that turned out to be surprisingly relevant in the insurance world.”
Two Bearcats tackle Ohio’s new law with a 'game-changing' app
October 21, 2025
Sports communication app Motiv, co-founded by two University of Cincinnati students, will be unveiled on Oct. 22 before more than 200 high school athletic directors and coaches.