Significant Career Lesson From a Software Engineer at a Fortune 100 FinTech Company
Aarya emphasizes the importance of "anything to get your foot in the door," citing their own start as an IT technician before becoming a Software Engineer, and suggests that once in the field, one should "figure out what, where exactly do you want to fit in" by exploring different areas and projects to align passions with a specific role. The lesson is to gain entry and then proactively shape one's career path.
Career Exploration, Entry-Level, Career Development, Technology, Motivation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Aarya Mathreja
Software Engineer
Fortune 100 FinTech Company
Arizona State University
Computer Science
Finance (Banking, Fintech, Investing), Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
International Student, Immigrant, Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Starting in IT can be a good way to get your foot in the door for a career in software engineering.
2. Building experience and working on projects is important for career growth.
3. It's important to understand your 'why' for choosing a specific career path.
Transcript
**Q11: Significant lesson - career**
Originally, I started in the IT field. I'm a software developer, a software engineer today, but when I began, I was an IT technician. I'd say that's a good starting point.
Honestly, anything to get your foot in the door helps. After that, build experience, start writing projects, and ask yourself why you are doing this. Why are you choosing this field, or why do you want to do this specific thing?
When I started, I had many opportunities. I could go into IT, data science, or work with a lot of information. There was just so much I could do.
Try to figure out where exactly you want to fit in. Answering that question will help you determine which position you'd want to start with. Take the IT route, try to get your foot in the door, and from there, learn and see where you like being.