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Christian, Software Engineer at Target: Advize Career Interview
A UC Berkeley data science graduate and MLT career fellow, this Target Software Engineer's journey highlights a dynamic career path.
The individual's experience at Activision Blizzard, coupled with networking opportunities, led to a fulfilling role at Target, developing website features, RESTful APIs, and large-scale applications.
A typical day involves collaborative team meetings, independent sprint work on a hybrid model, and daily check-ins, allowing for flexibility and continuous learning of new technologies.
The individual thrives on the fast-paced industry, enjoying building applications used by millions, but acknowledges the importance of collaboration and continuous skill development, especially given underrepresentation of first-generation Latino software engineers.
Advice for aspiring software engineers includes pursuing internships, side projects, and online certifications to build a strong portfolio and navigate the industry's challenges.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Christian Vasquez Leon
Software Engineer
Target
University of California, Berkeley, 2020
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Scholarship Recipient, Immigrant, First Generation College Student
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Career Path of a Software Engineer at Target
Christian, a software engineer at Target, pursued a data science degree at UC Berkeley, participating in the MLT career fellowship which helped secure a front-end internship at Activision Blizzard. This experience, coupled with the fellowship's networking opportunities, led to Christian's current role at Target as a full-stack software engineer, working across "supply chain, merchandising, and marketing teams" for the past three years.
Main Responsibilities Of A Software Engineer At Target
Christian's main responsibilities as a Target Software Engineer involve "contributing to the team's application software development," encompassing diverse tasks such as creating website features, RESTful APIs, and large-scale applications using Apache Spark, alongside crucial monitoring, documentation, and continuous learning of new technologies. The role's focus on a marketing guest messaging system highlights the practical application of Christian's skills and the importance of ensuring application health and reliable marketing email delivery.
A Day in the Life of a Software Engineer at Target
A typical day for a Target software engineer begins with a 9:00 AM meeting to discuss current projects and any roadblocks, followed by independent work on two-week sprint assignments; the role offers flexibility, including a hybrid work model, allowing for self-managed time and concluding with a daily check-in with management, "making sure… this is what I worked on… this is what you can look forward to next time."
Favorite Parts of Being a Software Engineer at Target
A typical day for this Target software engineer involves a 9:00 AM daily team meeting to discuss tasks and any roadblocks, followed by independent work on two-week sprints of assigned features, bug fixes, or documentation. The role offers flexibility, including a hybrid work model allowing work from home, and concludes with a brief end-of-day check-in with management, "making sure like, Hey, this is what I worked on."
Things A Software Engineer Enjoys At Target
Christian, a Software Engineer at Target, most enjoys the "ability to learn every day," citing exposure to "new technology, new programming languages, new tech stacks" as key. The flexible hybrid work environment, allowing Christian to "control their time" and work from home or the office, is also a significant source of job satisfaction.
Biggest Challenge Of Working In The Target Retail Industry As A Software Engineer
Christian's biggest challenge as a Target Software Engineer is overcoming the tendency to work independently rather than collaborating with other engineers; this requires learning "when to ask for help" and "how to ask key questions" to avoid inefficient problem-solving and ultimately succeed in the role.
What Type of Person Thrives in the Tech Industry, According to a Software Engineer at Target
Christian enjoys the fast-paced nature of the tech industry, citing the ability to "work with new technology" and "constant learning" as key aspects. The opportunity to "build things," such as APIs or websites serving millions, provides significant career satisfaction.
What a Software Engineer at Target Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Tech Industry
Adaptability and a capacity for continuous learning are key traits for success in the tech industry, according to Christian, a software engineer with three years of experience at Target; the fast-paced nature of the field necessitates "being able to adapt to new technologies" and "apply to new roles."
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Software Engineers
Christian, a Target Software Engineer, wishes they had known the importance of adaptability and strong learning strategies over mastering specific coding languages before entering the industry; the ability to "learn on the spot" and "investigate answers" is crucial for tackling the "challenger problems" faced daily in their role.
Significant Career Lesson From A Software Engineer At Target
Many entry-level software engineering opportunities exist for undergraduates, including internships at "big tech companies like Facebook or Google" and smaller firms such as Target, with many programs exclusively for college students. Supplementing academic work with online certifications in areas like "JavaScript, um, AWS Amazon Web Services," and personal side projects significantly strengthens applications for entry-level roles and future career advancement.
College Experiences That Helped A Software Engineer At Target Succeed
The tech industry's rapid pace necessitates continuous self-improvement, a crucial lesson learned by the software engineer. This involves dedicating personal time to "learning about new skills," pursuing "new certificate programs," and working on independent projects to remain competitive and avoid falling behind, a commitment that has proven essential throughout their career.
How Career Building Influenced a Software Engineer at Target
To prepare for a successful software engineering career, Target's Christian recommends pursuing "side projects," such as building a portfolio website, to gain practical experience and stand out to potential employers. The interviewee also emphasizes actively seeking opportunities like internships and career fellowships, stating that "applying to as many internships as you can" is crucial.
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