Can you tell us a bit about your background and upbringing? How did your early experiences shape your interest in software development?
I was very interested and curious about computers and electronics when I was a kid.
I remember spending countless hours tinkering with computer hardware and other electronic devices. During my school, I learned computers from grade 5 to 8. I was good at computer skills but completely unaware of the programming languages until I joined a Bachelor degree for Computer Engineering. When I figured out that we can solve problems using programming languages I started exploring it more and tried to create solutions to various problems. The ability to turn lines of code into functional software fascinated me, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career in software engineering and was satisfied with the degree that I chose.
The academic environment further fueled my passion for programming and provided me with a strong foundation in software engineering principles, data structures, algorithms, and various programming languages.
Throughout my academic journey and beyond, I engaged in personal projects, and collaborated with fellow students on exciting projects.
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career in software development?
When I studied for a Bachelor degree in computer engineering, honestly I was unaware about software development. I had thought computer engineering was to build the hardware like RAM, ROM, CPU etc. When I learned the programming language and started working on algorithms and data structures, I could not stop writing codes. My passion for programming languages inspired me to pursue a career in software development.
What are some of your hobbies and interests outside of coding?
Outside coding, I love to drive cars and travel with family and friends. I like to play guitar and listen to music.
How do you strike a balance between your professional and personal life? Any tips for maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the tech industry?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial, especially in the demanding field of technology.
Balancing a fulfilling professional life with a rewarding personal life is essential for overall well-being and productivity. In the tech industry, where the pace can be fast and demands high, achieving this balance requires conscious effort and effective strategies. Some tips are:
Set Boundaries: Clearly define your work hours and stick to them. Avoid working beyond designated times unless absolutely necessary. Communicate these boundaries to colleagues and clients to manage expectations.
Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority tasks during work hours. Efficiently managing your workload allows you to complete essential tasks within regular working hours, reducing the need for excessive overtime.
Delegate When Possible: Learn to delegate tasks that can be handled by others. Effective delegation not only lightens your workload but also provides growth opportunities for your team members.
Time Management: Use time management techniques to stay productive and organized throughout the day. Allocate specific blocks of time for work, breaks, and personal activities.
Regular Breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to refresh your mind and prevent burnout. Use these breaks to step away from your workstation, stretch, or engage in a hobby.
Can you walk us through your career path, from your first job to where you are today?
I started my career as a Java instructor at NIIT kathmandu. I got a chance to share my programming skills with students which helped me sharpen my skills while contributing.
To explore more in Academic sector I worked as Lecturer and Project supervisor at National Academy of Science and Technology in Dhangadhi. I taught various software engineering courses and supervised students with different projects.
To pursue my further education, I went to New Zealand. During my two years stay in New Zealand, I worked as a freelancer and worked on various projects across the globe. While working as a freelancer, I have sharpened my skills and wanted to work as a professional software engineer.
Coming back to Nepal, I joined Harati Software where I got a chance to build a software for Rastriya Beema Sansthan from scratch. Here I enjoyed working on a complete software development lifecycle from requirement gathering to product deployment.
After the completion of this project, I wanted to grow further in industry and joined ITONICS, a German based software company. Here I started as a Software Engineer where I got a chance to work with German engineers which improved my work quality. I followed industry best practices, design patterns and many more that built me into a matured and professional software engineer. I got a chance to learn cloud (AWS) which is a must needed skill for a software engineer.
During Covid, I was exploring good companies that offer remote work and found a matching job of Senior Engineer/Team Lead at Leapfrog. I got accepted and started working on a drug discovery domain (US based client). It was a really great experience leading a team of talented engineers and working closely with scientists and researchers who were working on finding the right medicine to cure different diseases.
My hunger to explore more and working on various domains does not stop here. I got an offer to work as Principal Engineer/ Technical Lead at Genese solutions for a UK based client. I am currently working as Tech Lead/ Architect where I not only build quality software, I also help my team members grow. I also help clients to make decisions on various things and help them grow the business.
What have been the most significant milestones or challenges you’ve encountered in your software development career?
There are many to say but the most significant was to switch a programming language for a specific need of the project. I was a Java developer and one of my companies decided to build the new version of their product with Nodejs/typescript with microservice architecture and use most of the cloud services.
Instead of hiring people, I stepped forward and took this role. I learned everything needed and within 3 months I was able to start building the product with high quality.
Are there any specific projects or achievements you’re particularly proud of?
I am proud of every product I built as they are of various domains and help clients grow.
Some of them are capable of being handled by millions of users.
How do you stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving tech industry, and what resources or communities do you find most valuable for learning and networking?
Certainly! Below is a response to help address this question:
Staying current in the rapidly evolving tech industry is a fundamental aspect of being a successful software engineer. Here’s how I ensure that I’m up-to-date with the latest advancements and technologies:
1. Continuous Learning: I prioritize continuous learning and dedicate time regularly to expand my knowledge. This includes reading books, taking online courses, and following tech-related news and blogs.
2. Tech News and Publications: I rely on reputable tech news websites and industry publications to stay informed about the latest trends, product launches, and updates.
3. Professional Networking: Actively participating in industry events, meetups, and conferences allows me to network with other professionals and gain insights into emerging technologies and best practices.
4. Online Communities: Engaging with online tech communities and forums, such as Stack Overflow, GitHub, and tech-related sites, enables me to discuss challenges, seek advice, and learn from peers.
5. Following Industry Experts: Following thought leaders and industry experts on social media platforms like LinkedIn helps me keep up with their insights, recommendations, and shared content.
6. Company Training and Workshops: Taking advantage of training programs and workshops offered by my current or past employers helps me gain expertise in specific tools or technologies relevant to my role.
What programming languages or technologies do you specialize in, and why?
As a software developer, I specialize in Java and Spring Boot, leveraging these technologies due to their robustness, scalability, and wide adoption in the industry. Java, being a versatile and platform-independent language, provides a strong foundation for building scalable applications. Its rich ecosystem of libraries and frameworks allows for efficient development and maintenance of complex projects.
While specializing in Java and Spring Boot, my primary focus as a tech lead is not limited to a specific language or technology. Instead, I advocate for enforcing best practices across all aspects of software development, regardless of the technology stack in use.
By upholding the industry best practices, my aim is to empower the development team to produce high-quality, maintainable code, regardless of the programming languages or technologies being utilized. This approach ensures that our projects are not only successful in the short term but remain sustainable and adaptable in the long run.
What advice would you give to aspiring software developers looking to enhance their skills and career prospects?
For aspiring software developers eager to enhance their skills and career prospects, my advice is threefold. First, never stop learning. The tech industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends, tools, and languages is crucial. Second, practice consistently by working on personal projects, contributing to open source, or even freelancing. Practical experience sharpens your skills and demonstrates your commitment to potential employers. Finally, cultivate a strong professional network. Engage in tech communities, attend meetups, and connect with industry professionals. Networking opens doors to mentorship, collaboration, and job opportunities. Combine continuous learning, hands-on practice, and networking, and you’ll be well on your way to a successful and fulfilling software development career.
In your opinion, what are some of the most exciting trends or emerging technologies in software development today?
In today’s dynamic tech landscape, several trends and emerging technologies are shaping the future of software development. One of the most promising trends is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), enabling applications to learn and adapt to user behavior, resulting in more personalized and intelligent user experiences.
Additionally, the rise of low-code/no-code development platforms is democratizing software development, allowing individuals with limited coding expertise to create functional applications. This trend accelerates the development process and encourages a broader participation in software creation.
Cloud-native technologies and serverless computing are gaining traction, enabling developers to build scalable, highly available, and resilient applications that can be easily deployed and managed. The flexibility and cost-efficiency offered by cloud-native architectures are reshaping how applications are designed and operated.
Keeping abreast of these trends and technologies is essential for software developers to stay relevant and contribute effectively to the ever-evolving field of software development.
How does your family support and influence your career in software development?
I got very positive support from my family due to which I am here today. It is hard to maintain work life balance without family support. If we are working from home, it’s even more problematic if there is no support from family. But for me I feel more productive when I work in their surroundings.
I live with my parents, my wife and a 4 year old son. I feel good to spend my time with family, having lunch and dinner together. We all manage our time to do these things together.
Balancing work and family can be challenging. How do you manage your responsibilities as a software developer and as a family member?
Balancing work commitments as a software developer and family responsibilities is undoubtedly a challenge. To effectively manage both aspects of my life, I prioritize clear communication and setting boundaries. I establish dedicated work hours and communicate them to my team, ensuring that during these hours, I’m focused on work-related tasks.
Conversely, outside of these work hours, my focus shifts to my family. I make a conscious effort to be fully present, engaging in quality time with my loved ones. Prioritization is key, and I allocate specific time blocks for family activities, household chores, and personal relaxation.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting my schedule is vital to accommodate both professional and personal commitments. It’s essential to be flexible and make necessary adjustments to maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Ultimately, open communication with my employer and family members, along with careful time management and a flexible approach, helps me strike a balance between my responsibilities as a software developer and a family member.
Are there any life lessons or values from your personal life that you think have been crucial to your success in your professional life?
Empathy and understanding different perspectives have been instrumental in building strong professional relationships. Putting myself in others’ shoes and considering diverse viewpoints have enhanced collaboration and problem-solving, ultimately leading to better solutions.
A strong work ethic and commitment to continuous learning have been crucial. Setting high standards for myself, dedicating time to self-improvement, and always striving to deliver my best work have propelled my growth as a software developer.
These life lessons and values have not only shaped my character but have also significantly influenced my success in the professional realm, allowing me to tackle challenges with a positive mindset and drive.
What are your goals and aspirations for your software development career in the coming years?
In the coming years, my primary goal as a software developer is to continue honing my skills and expanding my knowledge base. Staying at the forefront of technology is crucial for delivering innovative solutions.
Additionally, I aspire to take on more challenging projects and leadership roles. Being a tech lead or taking responsibility for significant projects would provide opportunities to mentor and guide a team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
If you could give one piece of advice to our readers who are considering a career in software development, what would it be?
The main advice I would like to give is never stop learning. While learning please make sure you are learning things that are really important to you and not outdated. Diving to different programming languages and switching languages frequently will take you nowhere.
So choose one and master it.
Beside programming languages, I would like to advise you to have some knowledge of clouds like AWS, Azure and also the containerization solutions like Docker. Having these knowledge will surely put you one step further with your competitors in the industry.
