The Power of Perseverance & Community: Navigating a Career in Data Engineering

When it comes to starting a career in tech, the path is often lined with steep learning curves and daunting challenges. Kavya Kavuri, a Data Engineer at adMarketplace, knows this all too well.

Below, Kavya shares how she grappled with the basics of computer science without prior coding experience, the critical role of networking when getting started in tech, and why it's essential to take bold steps even when opportunities seem just beyond reach. 

What got you interested in starting a career in tech?

I always excelled in math growing up. When I was looking at undergraduate university programs and weighing my options, my parents encouraged me to look into computer science programs given my skills in math. 

However, as a freshman in undergrad, I had no experience coding yet and I had to learn it quickly. Luckily, I was inspired to keep going from my classmates and the other women in my program who were in a similar position.

‍What’s the one thing you wish you would’ve known about tech when you were first starting out?

The earlier you start coding, the better off you will be. I wish I had started around freshman year in high school. Technology is more competitive than ever, so you have to have the basics down early and seek new ways to improve upon your skills to stay relevant. 

Also, when you work on tickets, discuss product requirements, or whatever else, don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. Be realistic about your lead time and needs. It’s especially important to feel empowered to do that as a female engineer.

‍Who has been your biggest mentor or influence in your career?

That would definitely be my senior match, who was a great mentor during my undergrad years. She sponsored me to attend the largest conference for women in tech in the world, the Grace Hopper Celebration (GHC). Almost all major companies attend GHC every year and it is a huge opportunity to get more exposure. 

At GHC, I connected with a few people working at Adobe who helped me get an internship there. After the Adobe internship, I gained invaluable confidence and felt like all my hard work in school was starting to pay off.

In a way, I also consider my female classmates in my computer science program as mentors. There were only four of us in the program, and we helped each other advance our skills in coding and excel. One of them became a very close friend, too!

‍What do you find most rewarding about being a Data Engineer?

The most rewarding part of being a data engineer is constantly being pushed outside my comfort zone, learning new skills, and adapting to evolving technologies. 

‍What advice would you give women aspiring to work in tech?

I would recommend joining coding communities like Women Who Code and SheCodes. There are many free community coding sessions where you follow the instructor and code with a group. There’s tons of support from peers as well as the instructor, and it’s a totally judgment-free zone.

Seek out hands-on experience as early as possible. Many self-paced coding websites are free. Some great examples are Coursera, FreeCodeCamp, and CodeAcademy. 

Also, network like crazy right when you start college. Start off easy by going to conferences like GHC; there are a lot of learning and networking opportunities there. Go even if you don't need a job–you’ll still get inspired and maybe even find a role model!

When you get to be a senior in university, apply to jobs even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. Applying is free, so don't think about "what ifs." There is an interesting statistic that men apply to jobs even if they meet only 60% of the requirements and women apply if they meet 100% of them. The mantra is "you miss 100% of the shots you don't take." 

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Whether you’re just starting out in tech or looking to advance your career, Kavya’s advice serves as a beacon—don’t be afraid to take the leap, speak up for yourself, and continuously seek opportunities to grow. Remember, the tech world thrives on innovation and resilience, and with the right mindset, you can carve out your path to success.

Check out more from our Women in Tech series here.