I'm Aastha Mahindra, a Software Engineer at Ambee. Today, I want to tell you the story of my professional journey. It feels like just yesterday that I stepped into the world of Ambee, a climate tech company that has become my second home over the past year.
How it started
I started my career at Ambee as an intern, wide-eyed and brimming with enthusiasm. Little did I know that this internship would evolve into a full-fledged role as a Software Engineer, marking the beginning of an incredible journey full of hurdles, victories, and priceless lessons.
As I stepped into the office for the first time, there was an amalgam of nervousness and excitement. The office buzzed with the energy of a thriving workplace, and I couldn't help but wonder how I would fit into this environment. It never occurred to me that it would be a turning point in my career. In no time, the office ceased to be a place where I simply worked; it became a community where I grew. The comfort I felt within these walls encouraged me to push my boundaries, take on challenges, and contribute meaningfully to the projects I was involved in.
As an ambivert (pun intended), it is logical that the warm walls of introversion soothe me. In the initial days I was observing, absorbing, and gradually finding my rhythm. I was armed with curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, yet the thought of interacting with a room full of professionals was undoubtedly daunting. Fortunately, my team proved to be more than just colleagues; they became mentors and friends. Slowly, the walls of introversion began to crumble, revealing a newfound comfort in expressing my ideas and engaging with my colleagues.
How the journey evolved
Uncertain about my trajectory, I found my calling in backend development, an arena that complimented my aspirations and skill set. However, this newfound clarity did not shield me from occasional waves of overwhelm. Navigating through a maze of tasks and responsibilities often left me grappling for breath. Yet, in the face of these challenges, I was fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive cast of colleagues. Their guidance not only made things easier for me but also taught me how to stay strong and overcome challenges.
The journey to this point has been about learning the ins and outs of coding and discovering the importance of collaboration and communication. The more I opened up, the more I realized the strength that lies in teamwork.
Balancing the demands of time and maintaining a healthy work-life equilibrium emerged as an art I learned to master during this time span. Working across diverse projects allowed me to embrace versatility and broaden my skill set. Unforgettable moments have woven themselves into the fabric of my career so far—ranging from successful collaborations to the shared bonding that evolved despite tight schedules. It was in these moments that the essence of Ambee's team dynamics and company culture revealed itself—a harmonious blend of individual growth and collective success. Ambee's culture, with its emphasis on mutual support, played an important role in shaping the professional identity I carry with me today.
What I’m looking forward to
As the journey continues, the flame of curiosity that ignited my path still burns brightly. The dynamic nature of the tech landscape excites me, and I am eager to embrace the challenges that lie ahead.
One of my primary goals moving forward is to explore adjacent domains that contribute to the holistic growth of both myself and the projects I undertake. I look forward to participating in Ambee's continued evolution—a culture that not only values innovation but recognizes the importance of individual well-being.
In the coming year, I anticipate immersing myself in new technologies, collaborating on exciting projects, and fostering an environment of continuous learning. As the pages of my career unfold, I am eager to script new chapters filled with innovation, growth, and the unwavering spirit of this community.
Looking back, the beginning was not just about adapting to a new job; it was about finding my place within a vibrant and supportive Ambee family.
A big shout out to the co-founders for crafting an environment that is both approachable and friendly, just like a close-knit family, making this journey truly special.
See you next time!