When I was younger, I thought engineers were simply people who solved problems by fixing things—like gears in a machine. They were always behind the scenes, focused on numbers, data, and blueprints. But as I embarked on my own engineering journey, I realized something far more profound: engineering is not just about the things we build; it’s about the people we impact.
This is the story of how my path as an engineer transformed from a purely technical one to a deeply personal journey. I hope it will resonate with every engineer who’s ever questioned their place in this field.
Chapter 1: From Support to Development – My First Steps 👣
My career began in a startup where I was part of a small but mighty team handling an incredible 3,000 customers. Yes, three of us managing thousands of customers! The challenge was overwhelming, yet thrilling. From troubleshooting their issues to debugging code, my days were packed with constant problem-solving. But something was always brewing in the back of my mind: a desire to transition from reactive support to proactive development.
Working in support taught me empathy—the ability to listen to the customer's real pain points. I didn’t just see clients as tickets in a system; they were individuals relying on our product to solve their problems. Those lessons stayed with me as I moved into development, where I could finally start building solutions rather than fixing them.
Chapter 2: The "Code-Only" Mindset 🧑💻
Fresh out of the support role, I was fired up. I dove headfirst into software development, excited to create features and deliver flawless code. My mission was clear: write efficient code, push out new features, and make things run faster. I finally had the chance to build from scratch instead of reacting to issues.
But here’s the thing no one tells you: technical mastery alone can’t fulfill you. 💭 Day in and day out, I worked long hours, buried in complex tasks. I was solving problems, sure—but they were abstract, isolated from the real world. I felt like a machine, mechanically working through the next issue on my list, but something was missing. I started to feel disconnected, not just from my work but from the purpose behind it.
I didn’t realize it then, but I was neglecting the most important aspect of engineering - People.
Chapter 3: The Turning Point – Engineering for People 🚀
The turning point came when I joined a high-stakes project, tasked with integrating a cloud platform for a major client. The technical challenges were exciting, but the pressure was immense. I was so focused on delivering the perfect code that I overlooked the bigger picture.
In one meeting, the client's senior engineer asked me, "Do you understand why this matters to us?" 🤔 It was a simple question, but it made me pause. I was wrapped up in technicalities—optimization, scalability, uptime—without understanding the real reason why the client was investing so much in this solution.
That was the moment I took a step back. I realized that our client’s needs weren’t just about having the most efficient infrastructure; they needed something reliable that could grow with their customer base. More than technology, they needed trust. 🤝
It wasn’t just about the business—it was about so much more. They needed a solution that would scale with their business and earn their customers' trust. From that point on, I started listening more actively to customers. By understanding their unique challenges, I could craft solutions that didn’t just meet their technical requirements—they made a real difference.
Chapter 4: Mastering Emotional Intelligence 💪❤️
As my career progressed, I transitioned from the world of development to IVVQ at a big MNC, where I was tasked with ensuring the integrity of systems and products. This was a new challenge, and the stakes were higher than ever. My role wasn’t just to test systems—it was to ensure that what we delivered met the real-world needs of our customers, ensuring high standards across the board.
It was in this phase of my journey that I realized the true power of emotional intelligence. When I first heard about it, I thought, “That’s for managers or HR—not engineers like me.” But I was wrong. Emotional intelligence is what allowed me to manage stress, communicate effectively, and bring teams together.
In one particularly tight deadline, tensions were running high. My team was stressed, and mistakes started creeping into our work. Instead of pushing harder, I gathered everyone together—not for a technical meeting, but just to talk. We shared frustrations, aired our worries, and allowed ourselves to be human.
That simple act of empathy changed everything. We became a united team, and what once seemed like impossible deadlines started to feel achievable.
Chapter 5: Inspiring the Next Generation of Engineers 🌱💡
"You don’t need to know every algorithm or master every tool to make an impact. Sometimes, it’s your curiosity, empathy, or creativity that makes you stand out." – Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft
As I’ve grown in my career, one of the most fulfilling parts has been mentoring young engineers. It reminds me of my own journey, from support to development and now to IVVQ. I often meet talented individuals who doubt their place in the field because they don’t fit the mold of the "typical engineer."
But here’s what I’ve learned: there’s no such thing as a "typical engineer." 💡 STEM thrives on diversity—of thought, experience, and background. I encourage every new engineer to embrace their unique qualities. You don’t have to know every algorithm or master every tool to make an impact. Sometimes, it’s your curiosity, your empathy, or even your creativity that makes you stand out.
Chapter 6: The Future of Engineering – Human-Centered Design 🌐
As I look to the future, I’m excited about the direction engineering is heading. Technologies like AI, IoT, and blockchain are evolving rapidly. But what’s truly exciting is how we, as engineers, can bridge the gap between machines and people. It’s no longer just about technical innovation—it’s about solving real problems for real people.
The most impactful engineers won’t just master the latest tools; they’ll understand the humans behind the technology. We’re not just building systems and software—we’re shaping the future of how people interact with technology in their everyday lives. Let’s ensure that future is one that makes a difference.
Final Thoughts: The Human Element in Engineering 🌱
This journey, from handling thousands of clients in a startup to joining a global leader MNC, has taught me that engineering is about so much more than technology. Behind every line of code and every system we develop, there’s a person whose life could be changed for the better.
The true impact of our work isn’t just in the products we deliver but in the people we touch along the way. As one wise perspective puts it, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." Let’s strive to build a future that values not only innovation but also empathy, connection, and purpose. 🚀
If you're interested in exploring more about my work, projects, and open-source contributions, feel free to visit my portfolio at ArpitStack.com.
You can also check out my GitHub repositories for a stack of innovative solutions like SecretStack, CloudStack, and more: GitHub Profile.
If you find my work valuable, consider supporting me through GitHub Sponsors or by buying me a coffee. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Top comments (1)
Very impressive blog 👌