Today we’d like to introduce you to Venkatesh Thimma Dhinakaran
Hi Venkatesh, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In terms of my career, it all began when we got a computer when I was about 8 years old. It was Windows 98, and I had no prior knowledge of computers. I never imagined that this incident would shape my career trajectory. I developed an interest in hardware, to the extent that I dismantled and reassembled the CPU box used in our computers back then. While this may not seem particularly impressive, it felt like a significant achievement to me at the time. I pursued computer software studies in college, and today, I am transitioning into a software engineering manager, holding a Master’s degree in software engineering with 7 years of professional experience as a software engineer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life isn’t always easy, and there will always be challenges along the way. I know that firsthand. I was always driven and ambitious, and I had my heart set on studying my undergraduate degree abroad in Singapore in 2009. I applied to NUS or NTU, but unfortunately, I didn’t get admitted. I wasn’t sure if I would have even been accepted, but I was determined to make it happen. So, I tried again seven years later in the US in 2016, but that didn’t work out either. I was working full-time and had been in my job for two years. I didn’t want to give up, so I kept pursuing higher education abroad. Finally, in 2017, I got my admission! I received four offers and decided to move to the US. It was my dream to live and study abroad, and it finally came true. The US had its own challenges, like education and employment, compared to other countries, but I was determined to overcome them. After I graduated, I started a job in the US on my OPT, which is a temporary work permit for students to work in their field of study. Before my OPT expired, I had to switch to a work visa, which is part of the H1B program. It’s a lottery system that decides if you get to apply for this program. You only get one shot in a year, and unfortunately, I didn’t get it my first time. Then, I had a family emergency and had to move to India in 2021 during the pandemic. But I didn’t let that stop me. I got picked in the lottery in my second attempt in 2022 and moved back to the US. I’ve been here ever since. During these two years, I also managed to get my immigrant petition approved under the National Interest Waiver. This is a highly competitive process, and it requires that my job benefits the US directly. So, it’s been a long and challenging journey, but I’m finally where I want to be.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Currently, I am in a transition phase of my career, transitioning from a software engineer to a software engineering manager position. Throughout my career, I have always sought opportunities for growth and advancement. When considering my career trajectory over the next five or ten years, I observed the career paths of my peers and evaluated whether I aspired to follow a similar trajectory.
I have consistently prioritized utilizing the one-on-one time allocated to me with my managers or mentors effectively. I believe this is a unique aspect that sets me apart from others. Typically, these meetings have an open agenda, and I find myself engaging in discussions beyond my immediate job responsibilities. I am particularly interested in understanding the underlying non-technical aspects of the business, as I have always been curious about the “behind the scenes” operations. This curiosity has, in some ways, contributed to my advancement and has been recognized by my managers and mentors as trustworthiness, reliability, and efficiency in my software engineering role and help reach where I am today.
I am proud of the significant increase in my compensation, more than doubling my starting salary almost five years ago. While this achievement may not seem substantial, and it is possible to achieve similar results in a shorter period by changing jobs, I believe it is considerably more challenging to accomplish significant growth within the same job. My takeaway from this experience is that success often requires proactive communication and effort. Without seeking and working diligently for opportunities, I do not believe I would have achieved this level of advancement.
Contact Info:
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venkateshtd
