Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Venkatesh Thimma Dhinakaran. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Venkatesh, thanks for sitting with us today to chat about topics that are relevant to so many. One of those topics is communication skills, because we live in an age where our ability to communicate effectively can be like a superpower. Can you share how you developed your ability to communicate well?
Growing up and through college, communication seemed straightforward. I simply listened to my teachers, followed their instructions, and completed assignments as directed. The educational environment provided clear guidelines, and I was surrounded by peers doing the same. It wasn’t until I graduated in 2014 and entered the professional world that I realized how different real-world communication could be.
My first job out of college was as a software engineer at Oracle in India. Suddenly, there was no “teacher” providing step-by-step instructions. I quickly learned that it was my responsibility to figure things out, and effective communication was key to this process. In a software engineering team, you need to know who to approach for different issues, especially when you’re new. It’s not like college where you’re handed a syllabus with all the answers.
I remember taking time to understand each team member’s role, trying to gauge who to reach out to when I got stuck. For instance, I realized I couldn’t just go to a test engineer with database-related questions. Fortunately, my colleagues were usually willing to guide me in the right direction.
My first manager, Vikrant, was my communication role model. Even now, after a decade, I haven’t met anyone quite like him in this regard. We used email extensively back then, and I’d often be cc’d on Vikrant’s messages. I’d observe his writing style – professional, concise, and sophisticated. While I didn’t adopt his exact style (I preferred to maintain my own voice), I did learn the importance of clear, precise communication in a professional setting.
Over my three years at Oracle, I worked with multiple teams and consistently received positive feedback on my communication skills. I learned crucial lessons: keep stakeholders informed, be proactive about potential delays, and don’t be afraid to say no when necessary.
Another pivotal moment in my communication journey came when I decided to leave my job in India to pursue a Master’s degree in the US. Moving to a new country, especially without knowing anyone, can be daunting. But I saw it as an opportunity to put my communication skills to work.
After being admitted to Rochester Institute of Technology in 2017, I joined Facebook and WhatsApp groups for incoming students. I took the initiative to create a spreadsheet for students to voluntarily share their contact details and housing preferences. This proactive approach not only helped me secure roommates and sign a lease before even arriving in Rochester, but it also allowed me to connect with about 20 other incoming students. I even found a travel companion for the journey from India to the US.
Through these experiences, I’ve come to understand that effective communication is crucial in every aspect of life. It’s a skill I continue to develop and value, recognizing its power to build connections, solve problems, and create opportunities.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a software engineer, primarily focusing on web development. My experience spans across renowned companies like Oracle and Paychex, and now I’m at Aspire Software, which is part of Valsoft Corp. What I find truly exhilarating about my work is the opportunity to build websites from the ground up, crafting both the frontend and backend, and ensuring their quality through comprehensive unit testing.
I have expertise encompassing languages like Java and JavaScript, frameworks such as React.js and Spring Boot, and a deep understanding of AWS services. I’ve become quite adept at navigating the complexities of cloud infrastructure, working with everything from EC2 instances to intricate VPC configurations.
But what really gets me excited is the impact of the work I’m doing now. I’m currently involved with a product called Hyper-Reach, which is a SaaS platform designed for mass notifications during emergencies and critical events. Imagine being able to alert an entire city or county about an impending natural disaster or a critical situation – that’s what Hyper-Reach does. It’s not just software; it’s a tool that can potentially save lives.
The platform allows public safety officials to quickly create and dispatch messages to citizens through various channels – voice calls, text messages, emails, even through Alexa devices. We can even post alerts on official social media channels. What’s particularly fascinating is our integration with IPAWS, FEMA’s national system for local alerting. This means we can send authenticated emergency information to mobile phones, radios, and televisions, reaching even people who are just passing through an area affected by an emergency.
Working on a product with such direct impact on public safety is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about writing code; it’s about creating solutions that can make a real difference in critical moments.
This work has not only been professionally fulfilling but has also had a significant impact on my personal life. As a non-immigrant on an H1B visa, I was able to secure an I-140 Immigrant Petition approval under National Interest Waiver. This is a very difficult approval to obtain, requiring proof that my proposed endeavors is in the nation’s interest. My skills, along with my Master’s degree from a US university and my current job’s relation to public safety, contributed to this approval, as my work directly impacts US public safety.
From mentoring interns at Oracle to now leading engineering efforts, prioritizing tasks, and conducting code reviews, my journey has been one of continuous growth. But what truly excites me every day is knowing that the code I write and the systems I help design could one day be the critical link in keeping people safe and informed during an emergency. It’s this potential for positive impact that drives me and makes my work not just a job, but a meaningful contribution to society.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First and foremost, communication has been absolutely crucial. I can’t stress enough how important it is to keep stakeholders informed, be proactive about potential delays, and not shy away from saying no when necessary. One thing I’ve learned is that there’s no such thing as a dumb question. If you’re hesitating to ask something because you think it might sound silly, chances are someone else is wondering the same thing. Don’t be afraid to show interest in areas outside your comfort zone – remember, you don’t get what you don’t ask for.
Secondly, self-awareness has been a game-changer for me. You can’t improve what you don’t measure, right? This applies to all aspects of life, not just professionally. For any skill you want to enhance, you need to establish a baseline of where you currently stand and set a clear goal. This creates a pathway from your starting point to your destination. Let me give you an example we can all relate to: budgeting. If you want to create and stick to a budget, you first need to be aware of your current spending habits without any restrictions – that’s your baseline. Then, you identify a reasonable budget you can adhere to, and from there, you can pinpoint areas where you can cut back. This forms your path towards better financial health.
Lastly, networking has been invaluable. While knowledge is important, having connections can be incredibly helpful when you need it most. Offer help to others whenever you can. What might seem trivial to you could be a big deal for someone else, and they’ll greatly appreciate your assistance.
For those early in their journey, here’s my advice: Embrace these three areas – communication, self-awareness, and networking. Don’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions, and offer help. Take the time to understand where you are and where you want to be in various aspects of your life and career. And remember, building relationships is just as important as building skills. These elements have been pivotal in my own journey, and I believe they can make a significant difference in yours too.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
It’s important to recognize that feeling overwhelmed is a universal experience. We all face it at some point or another – it’s an unavoidable part of life. When I find myself in this situation, my first step is to try and identify the root cause. Am I juggling too many tasks with too little time? Have I been stuck on a problem for so long that other responsibilities have piled up? Or is it the challenge of balancing work commitments with personal life?
Once I’ve pinpointed the source, I focus on prioritization and tackle things one step at a time. It’s crucial to accept that some factors are beyond our control, and that’s okay. Sometimes, just crossing off the easiest task on my list can provide a mental boost and create momentum.
I’ve learned that it’s essential not to hesitate in asking for or accepting help. We’re all interconnected, and these challenging times are when we need each other the most.
One piece of advice I’d particularly like to emphasize is the importance of regular “me” time. Engaging in activities that bring you joy can be a powerful antidote to feeling overwhelmed. For me, this might be trying out a new recipe, going for a run, or light gym exercise.
Remember, it’s not about eliminating overwhelm entirely – that’s not realistic. Instead, it’s about developing strategies to manage it effectively. By identifying the cause, prioritizing tasks, accepting help, and making time for self-care, we can navigate through these challenging periods more smoothly.
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26th IEEE International Requirements Engineering Conference
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