Hello World! My Journey in the Tech World 

Anchal Dhar

Introduction: 

The phrase “Hello, world!” has always been the starting point for novice programmers, as it marks their first code in a programming language. This is where my own journey as a software programmer began years ago when I was a student in India. I developed a passion for algorithms, programming, and the structured thinking required to write code.

Current Role and Experience: 

I am currently employed as a software engineer at Meta, working on technology solutions that uphold integrity and help users of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp build secure and trusted connections. Prior to this, I worked on exciting projects related to creators and influencers on Instagram. Additionally, I have gained extensive software engineering and management experience in the Financial Services industry, where I focused on developing technology solutions for Morgan Stanley.

Early Beginnings and Education: 

During my school years in Jammu, I excelled in Mathematics and Sciences. Participating in science fairs allowed me to experiment and build things, while winning multiple debate competitions and taking part in school dance programs enriched my experiences. I still remember my first school trip to Manali in the 8th grade, which sparked my lifelong love for travel. I also enjoyed watching international movies on VCR, thanks to my elder brother’s interest in Jackie Chan and Kung-fu films.

For my undergraduate studies, I moved to Pune and enrolled in the Computer Engineering program at MKSSS Cummins College. I chose this field as it seemed like a logical progression due to my love for Mathematics. It was during my time at college that I truly immersed myself in the world of technology and software engineering. Besides maintaining strong academic performance, I cherish the friendships I formed and the lessons I learned from independent hostel life.

To stay updated with the latest technology trends, I have pursued multiple short courses after my graduation. One notable course I completed at Oxford University introduced me to the domain of Artificial Intelligence and its capabilities. This course alongside some really inspiring conversations with my cousin who works in silicon valley, and has herself had a distinguished career ignited my interest in joining a big tech company and working on challenging technology problems in the internet space.

Supportive Figures and Personal Growth: 

Throughout my journey, my mother and elder brother have been my pillars of strength, always encouraging me in the most caring ways possible, and I think my intrinsic love for math and computers comes from my father. My husband, who also comes from a technology background, has been my most trusted sounding board for major career decisions. 

Career Progression: 

Here is a chronological overview of my career progression:

• Completed an internship with Symantec India, Pune, where I worked on performance monitoring tools for clustered file systems.
• Joined Morgan Stanley, Mumbai, as a technology analyst and received the “Think like an Owner” firm value award in my second year. I worked on fascinating technology systems for Capital Markets and Research and had the opportunity to travel to New York to support a critical technical system. I was promoted to Manager during my time in India.
• Relocated to Morgan Stanley, London, where I contributed to vital technology systems supporting Equity Sales and Foreign Exchange traders. I was later promoted to Vice President (Technology).
• Transitioned from the financial domain to big tech by joining Meta, where I am currently employed as a software engineer.

Summary: 

After being part of the tech world for nearly a decade, I find it to be a mentally rewarding, highly intense, and ever-changing space. It constantly challenges me and fuels my desire to learn more. Alongside the technical skills I have developed in various programming languages and frameworks, problem-solving has emerged as the most crucial skill. I excel in breaking down complex domain problems into manageable components and leveraging technology as a tool to solve them.

As I reflect on my journey, I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped me into the software engineer I am today. The ever-evolving nature of the tech world continues to inspire me, and I look forward to tackling new challenges and expanding my knowledge in the years to come.

For any aspiring software engineer reading this post, I leave this quote…