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Mayank Jindal is a software engineer at Amazon with over 3 years of experience. His primary focus has been on improving advertising moderation efficiency across Amazon using AI-based techniques and building scalable software around that.
Mayank has worked with most of the major AWS technologies and gained expertise in building cloud-based microservices. He is passionate about sharing knowledge and mentoring in the tech community. He has served as a judge in many global hackathons and mentored underrepresented college students. In the past, Mayank has made significant contributions to the open-source community through participating in Google Summer of Code and mentoring in Google Code-In.
Mayank holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur.
Connect with Mayank to learn more.
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Here are Five Things We Cover:
- Embrace opportunities outside your comfort zone: Mayank didn’t have a background in coding, but he took a chance and explored web development, app development, and open-source contributions. Stepping outside your comfort zone can lead to unexpected growth and opportunities.
- Seek guidance from others with similar backgrounds: When considering a master’s degree in computer science, Mayank reached out to people on LinkedIn who had similar backgrounds. Talking to others who have successfully pursued their goals can provide valuable insight and motivation.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Mayank emphasized the importance of asking for help, even in environments with high achievers. By seeking assistance and feedback from others, he was able to improve his coding skills and become a better engineer.
- Code quality matters in professional settings: Unlike coursework assignments, code written for professional projects has long-term implications. Mayank emphasized the importance of code quality and simplicity, as it ensures that future developers can easily understand and work with the code.
- Real-world experience differs from coursework: Mayank highlighted the difference between coursework and professional work. In coursework, the focus is often on passing assignments and meeting deadlines, whereas in the professional setting, code is built to last for years. Understanding this distinction is crucial when transitioning from academic projects to real-world applications.
Here are Three Actionable Takeaways From This Episode
- Embrace the Journey, Even If It’s Unconventional: Reach out to professionals who have successfully transitioned into tech from other fields. They can offer valuable insights, advice, and support as you navigate your own journey.
- Emphasize Fundamental Skills: Invest time in mastering the fundamental concepts of programming. Take online courses or enroll in college courses to strengthen your understanding of key programming principles such as data structures, algorithms, and object-oriented programming.
- Seek Guidance and Collaboration: Engage with the tech community. Seek opportunities to collaborate on open-source projects, participate in code reviews, and connect with experienced developers. Embrace feedback and use it as an opportunity to grow and improve your skills.