top of page
Ryan, Software Engineer at Workday: Advize Career Interview
This interview with Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, offers a fascinating glimpse into a rewarding career path!
Starting with a campus career day, Ryan highlights the growth potential within Workday, evolving into a Software Engineer three after a few years.
Responsibilities range from developing crucial APIs to crafting new features and even training new team members.
A software engineer's day shifts from hands-on coding to design and delegation as experience grows, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and problem-solving.
The flexibility and compensation are enticing, but so is the "cool" and "cutting edge" nature of the software industry.
Thriving in this industry necessitates a curious, driven mindset and the recognition of challenges as opportunities for growth. Valuable lessons learned include the importance of asking for help and prioritizing psychological well-being.
Building a solid academic foundation through studying and internships in college is key, but it's also important to find balance with family.
Entry-level opportunities abound, including software engineer, automation, and product management roles. Intrigued? Dive deeper into Ryan's experiences and discover what it takes to succeed in this dynamic field!
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Ryan Vivian
Software Engineer
Workday
California State University, East Bay
N/A
Computer Science
Technology
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Transfer Student, First Generation College Student
Watch all of this Advizer's videos below
Career Path of a Software Engineer at Workday
During college, Ryan started as a supplemental instructor, acting as a "mix between a TA and a tutor," then landed a Software Engineer role at Workday through a campus career day, which led to an interview and placement in their "generation Workday" program for recent graduates. After navigating the initial challenges and growing within the company, Ryan progressed to a Software Engineer three position in about five or six years.
Main Responsibilities Of A Software Engineer At Workday
Ryan's main responsibilities as a Software Engineer at Workday, a company handling payroll and human capital management, include developing APIs that allow Workday to interface with other companies, resolving customer bugs in a timely manner, and creating new features to "make our customer's lives easier." The role also involves training new team members, writing tests to test code, and generating documentation for both internal use and for customers.
A Day In The Life Of A Software Engineer At Workday
Ryan from Workday explains that a software engineer's day varies based on experience; entry-level engineers focus on "hands-on programming stuff" and learning industry basics, while more senior engineers may move into management or concentrate on "architecture and designing things," delegating the implementation to less experienced engineers. This illustrates how the role evolves from coding-focused to a blend of design, delegation, and potentially people management as a career progresses.
Most Important Skills for a Software Engineer at Workday
Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, emphasizes that "critical thinking and problem-solving skills" are paramount due to the constant need for creative solutions, and that social skills are also key to success in this collaborative role, contrasting the stereotype of programmers as isolated figures. He equates improving problem-solving with "working out," in that repeated practice strengthens the ability to solve problems.
Favorite Parts Of Being A Software Engineer At Workday
Ryan enjoys the flexibility of a Software Engineer role at Workday compared to previous jobs in the service industry, noting the freedom to set arrival/departure times and manage workload independently as long as the work is completed. Furthermore, the role offers great "pay and benefits" that compensate for the challenging and sometimes stressful nature of the work, and there are also many opportunities to "learn and grow" to stay relevant in the industry.
Biggest Challenges Faced By A Software Engineer At Workday
Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, finds the biggest challenge in the role to be the initial difficulty of learning and the potential for burnout, admitting "it can be a hard job," and it can be easy to lose work-life balance. The key is to "stick with it," but also to "know yourself" and take breaks to avoid overexertion, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in navigating the demanding role.
Favorite Parts of Working in Software as a Software Engineer at Workday
Ryan finds being a Software Engineer enjoyable due to the "cool" and "cutting edge" nature of the software industry, feeling it defines the current era, and additionally appreciates the job security and high demand that comes with software engineering, making it easier to find employment compared to other fields.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Software Engineering Industry, According To A Software Engineer At Workday
Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, believes that people who "thrive" in the software engineering industry are naturally curious, driven to learn, and eager to grow, as the field presents constant challenges. Approaching these challenges with the "right mentality," seeing them as "opportunities for growth," is key to success, as is the fact that the industry offers job security.
What A Software Engineer At Workday Wishes They Knew Before The Software Industry
Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, wishes someone would have told them the importance of "reaching out for help and asking questions" early on. They initially felt it would make them look incompetent, but they learned that people actually "respect it when you ask for help" because it demonstrates a desire to grow and do good work, which is essential in an industry where continuous learning is a must.
Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Software Engineers At Workday
Ryan from Workday suggests that entry-level candidates in software engineering can consider roles that involve programming, such as software engineers, but also related fields like "automators," quality assurance, and customer support, which acts as an "in between" for the customer and the software engineers. Ryan highlights the availability of entry-level product management roles, where individuals can learn about the product and interface with customers.
Significant Career Lesson From A Software Engineer At Workday
Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, learned the importance of "learning how to take care of yourself psychologically," particularly when navigating the stresses of a software engineering career, emphasizing the need to "know yourself," take breaks, exercise, and engage in mentally restorative activities like meditation or enjoying nature, as these habits are crucial for long-term well-being and career sustainability. Ultimately, learning these things will prevent "learning it the hard way."
College Experiences That Helped a Software Engineer at Workday Succeed
College is a foundation where someone can build both social and professional skills such as getting to places on time and "being responsible in general," or "adulting nowadays" as Ryan puts it. Instead of partying, focusing on studying and internships will help set up a solid foundation for a successful software engineering career.
How Identity Has Influenced a Software Engineer's Career at Workday
Ryan, a Software Engineer at Workday, finds that being a parent impacts career navigation, especially when finding balance since it's harder to "devote your life more to your career" like before having children. Ultimately, family always comes first, because "your career, your boss, whatever, they're not gonna be around in the end, but your kids will be."
Advizer Personal Links
bottom of page