What do the career path and the day-in-the-life look like for a Team Lead Software Engineering at Vestmark?
We connected with Harsh Shukla to find out!
Interested in learning more about Vestmark and their job openings? Make sure to check out their company page on VentureFizz!
Where did you grow up? What did your parents do for work?
I hail from Indore, a vibrant city nestled in central India, renowned for its rich history, great food, and its recent accolade as the cleanest city in the nation. For my graduate studies I came to Boston and studied at Northeastern University. I have an elder sister who serves as a professor and has always been a great source of inspiration.
My father, now retired, dedicated his career as an Accountant for the Indore Development Authority, while my mother continues to serve as an Administrative Officer in the State Education Department. Both have been instrumental in instilling a strong work ethic and the value of hard work within me.
Where did you go to college? What did you study and what were some of your initial jobs out of school?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in computer science in India before journeying to Boston for my M.S. at Northeastern University. It was during this time that I fully embraced the essence of engineering, immersing myself in a diverse range of subjects within the field. Northeastern's curriculum encompassed everything from Algorithms to AI and Human-Computer Interaction, equipping me with a well-rounded understanding of computer science.
Throughout my tenure at Northeastern, I undertook various roles to support myself financially. I worked as a concierge at Campus Crossroads, a popular hangout spot on campus, and served as a TA for an algorithm course. These positions enabled me to cover my expenses outside of tuition, and I am appreciative of the opportunity to gain real world experience in places not directly related to my academic pursuits.
Northeastern has a well-designed Co-Op program, through which I completed a full 364 days of internships as part of my CPT (Curricular Practical Training). It was during this time that I first became acquainted with Vestmark. A close friend who had previously interned at Vestmark referred me for an internship opportunity. Under great mentorship, I thrived, ultimately being offered a full-time position. I am proud to say that I have been a member of the Vestmark team ever since.
What has attributed to your success thus far and has helped propel you to the position you have now?
I attribute my success to two key factors: a strong work ethic and a mindset in facing challenges. Throughout my journey, I've viewed challenges as chances to acquire new skills and broaden my perspective. While they may initially seem daunting, overcoming obstacles has been a guaranteed path for personal and professional growth for me. The day when I can get ahead of a good challenge is the day I have the most Job satisfaction.
Another aspect which I think gets overlooked but is equally important is Mentorship. From my high school days onward, I've been fortunate to have had exceptional mentors. I firmly believe in the importance of seeking mentorship and asking questions that foster growth, regardless of the stage in one's career.
Can you share the high-level responsibilities of your current position as a Sr. Customer Engineer at Vestmark?
I like to say that I get to enjoy 2 roles in my current position. One being that of a team leader while the other being an individual contributor.
My job responsibilities include:
- Ensure the implementation of effective processes and set up team members for success.
- Manage project deadlines and prioritize tasks in collaboration with product owners and engineers.
- Help architect solutions for new features and functionalities.
- Address and resolve code-related bugs.
- Implement automation using Infrastructure as Code with Terraform, Terragrunt, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Assist with User Acceptance Testing and production deployments.
Any tips for someone considering a career in your field?
For anyone aspiring to pursue a career in computer science, it's crucial to start with a solid foundation in the fundamentals. Begin by mastering basic computer science principles, delve into data structures, and become proficient in at least one coding language. Understanding the taxonomy of computer science is equally essential. We're fortunate to live in an era with abundant resources available for learning, so explore various options to discover what suits you best.
If you're in your first year of college or have a couple of years left before graduation, seek internship opportunities to gain insight into the professional software engineering world. These experiences not only provide valuable real-world exposure but also help in networking while offering practical experience.
Building a portfolio through a source control software (e.g.: GitHub) is an effective way to showcase your projects and demonstrate your skills. Whether it's personal projects, contributions to open-source initiatives, or academic endeavors, a portfolio can significantly enhance your credibility.
Lastly, soft skills are indispensable. Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities can distinguish you and offer a distinct advantage in the industry. Cultivating these skills alongside technical expertise is vital for a well-rounded career in computer science.
Day in the Life
Coffee, tea, or nothing?
Love an Indian Masala Chai however find coffee more useful in my line of work.
What time do you start working?
Normally I start at 8:45 where I start with going through my calendar and prioritizing, this way I am well prepared and warmed up for my 9:30 standups.
What are three things that motivate you in your role?
- The opportunity to do new things and learn every day.
- The ability that this job provides to help people and make an impact.
- Family.
Every day is different, but can you outline what a typical day looks like for you?
Each day begins with me stepping out to soak in some sun, setting the tone for the day. After that start, I prep for the day and dive into my work-from-home routine. My days mainly revolve around attending meetings, coding, managing deployments, and various other tasks. Amidst this, I make sure to take a 30-minute break for lunch, often utilizing this time to catch up on any ongoing cricket matches.
A significant portion of my day involves collaborating with different departments, a crucial aspect of my role. This collaboration is essential for seamless deployments, client deliveries, and overall project success.
What time do you typically wrap up the workday?
I do try to wrap up my work at 5:30 pm.
Do you log back in at night or do you shut it down completely?
I try to shut it down after a long day of work and when on vacations. However, I do log in at night sometimes. This is mostly to go back to a problem that I was stuck at during the working hours. For hard problems I have found this strategy to work wonders for me. This is the time when I know I will not have any distractions and would be able to be a little more creative.
Any productivity hacks?
I follow Pomodoro technique as much as I can. This basically states to have a period of uninterrupted focus time, followed by a short break (I do 45 mins and 5 mins), this has helped me a lot with having a lot more focus and eliminating burnout.
The biggest productivity hack for me is going on vacations. While Pomodoro helps me balance my day, these vacations help me balance my year. A vacation every 5 to 6 months helps me come back refreshed, recharged, and ready to tackle new challenges. Vacations are the times where I completely shut off. I recently took a vacation to Turkey, and it did wonders for my mind and body.
What are the 3 apps that you can’t live without?
X, Instagram, and YouTube music
What professional accomplishment are you proudest of?
It's been an enriching journey at Vestmark, filled with valuable lessons and exciting challenges. In essence I take the most pride in being entrusted with time-sensitive, critical applications crucial for our client relationships. Delivering on these timelines has been rewarding, and I'm thankful for the guidance and support of my mentors throughout.
Who do you admire or call upon for professional advice?
At my company, we truly value collaboration. Whenever someone needs assistance, we're quick to lend a hand. In addition to helping with our day-to-day tasks, we have a strong mentoring culture with an open-door policy. This means I can easily reach out to the leadership team, senior engineers, and colleagues for valuable advice whenever I encounter challenges or need guidance.
