The tech industry is a dynamic and constantly evolving sector that relies heavily on innovation and diverse perspectives to drive growth and success. With global tech spending projected to reach $6.2 trillion by 2022, there is a growing demand for professionals in software engineering, data science, and project management.
Despite the many challenges that professionals in the tech industry face, the sector offers immense personal and professional growth opportunities. The tech industry is expected to add over 500,000 new jobs in the U.S. alone by 2029, making it an exciting and rewarding career path for those willing to work hard and continually learn.
A roadmap for success in the tech industry
Abhishek Pandey's journey in the tech industry exemplifies the need for technical expertise, resilience, and strong interpersonal skills to succeed. Pandey began as a software engineer and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills. As an engineer, he developed software systems for clients located internationally in the financial services and healthcare sectors. He loved to write code that would change the way a business operates.
For him, every detail mattered. But he soon realized that he was missing the big picture. He was very successful in building great software, but he was hungry for insights into the decision-making process. He wanted more exposure to the end-to-end design and delivery lifecycle. It became obvious to him that a successful technologist not only builds the best software but also deeply understands their customers' business environment.
Balancing technical expertise and business acumen
As Pandey advanced in his career, he realized he wanted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the industry beyond his core programming and software development skills, which motivated him to grow into a technical project, product, program, and delivery management role. His software engineering background laid a solid foundation for managing the delivery of large-scale technical products and services. In this broader leadership role, he faced significant obstacles in stakeholder management and influencing people without authority, which he overcame through empathy, effective communication, and relationship-building skills.
Pandey invested time in understanding his stakeholders and their motivations, setting high standards for himself to match their expectations. This approach helped him win stakeholders' trust and foster successful working relationships, even with those who initially seemed challenging to work with.
His deep technology expertise, detail-oriented style, and ability to build strong relationships with people have been instrumental in his success. He embeds himself into his customer's environment to analyze their challenges, find opportunities for improvement, and identify the most optimal solution to solve their problems. He is passionate about technology and how technical decisions drive businesses in an increasingly digital world. Pursuing an MBA enhanced his understanding of the business world, and equipped him with knowledge and tools that enable him to drive better outcomes in highly technical environments.
Overcoming obstacles and thriving in the tech industry
Pandey's journey illustrates the importance of possessing key characteristics in the technology field. His ability to adapt, learn, and grow within the industry demonstrates the need for continuous development and curiosity. As a person of color and an immigrant, Pandey's experiences have taught him the importance of building relationships and seeking mentors to help him navigate the industry. His story is a testament to the opportunities for growth and success within the tech industry for those willing to work hard and continually learn, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Abhishek has delivered many high-value technology solutions during his nearly two decades of industry experience. He currently leads Technical Program Management in a New York City-based financial technology company. He previously held roles in a technology services company where he served corporate clients. He holds an MBA from Cornell University.
