A 20-Year Journey in IT
_{Growth, Challenges, and Giving Back}

Technology evolves, and so must we. Keeping up with the latest trends and continuously upskilling is essential to staying ahead.

A career in technology is never a straight path – it’s a journey of constant learning, adapting and evolving. Over the past 20 years, I have navigated through multiple roles, industries and challenges. After completing University Degree, I started my career as a Java developer, currently continuing as Cloud Architect. Journey so far progressed by moving through specialised areas like DevOps, cloud architecture along with leadership. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of engaging with diverse teams, contributing to various initiatives, mentoring aspiring professionals and serving communities that empower others in tech.

This is a reflection on my professional journey – what I’ve learned, the highs and lows, and the importance of continuous growth.

The Early Days: Java Development and Build & Release Engineering

Like many in IT, my career began with hands-on coding. As a Java developer, I built applications, solved complex problems and constructed a strong foundation in software development. However, I soon realised that my passion extended towards administrating infrastructure along with writing code – I was fascinated by the software development lifecycle as a whole. This curiosity led me to explore Build and Release Management, an area where I could streamline development processes and improve efficiency.

This transition was my first major career shift, proving that growth in IT is about identifying opportunities and willing to adapt to various IT Landscapes.

The DevOps Era: Bridging Development and Operations

As organisations moved towards agile and continuous delivery, DevOps became a game-changer, and I embraced it fully. I soon advanced into a DevOps Engineer role, where I worked on automation, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code. It was an exciting time – breaking silos between teams, enabling faster releases, and improving system reliability.

As a Platform Engineer, this phase of my career was about problem solving at scale. I learned to think beyond individual applications and focus on the bigger picture – how software is built, tested, deployed, and secured.

Cloud Architecture: Designing for Scale and Security

With the rapid adoption of cloud computing, I started upskilling with cloud architectural skills. Designing resilient, scalable, and secure cloud solutions became my core expertise. I pursued certifications in AWS, Azure, Cloud Security and Terraform, ensuring that my skills remained relevant in an evolving landscape.

As a Platform Engineer and Cloud Architect in Capgemini, I’ve had the opportunity to work across both public and private sector organisations, designing solutions, contributing to migrations and implementing security best practices.

The key lesson during this phase – Technology evolves, and so must we. Keeping up with the latest trends and continuously upskilling is essential to staying ahead.

Beyond Tech: Leadership, Client Engagement, and Community Contributions

Technical expertise is crucial, but soft skills and leadership abilities are equally important. Over the years, I’ve practiced stakeholder engagement skills, ensuring smooth collaboration between technical teams and business leaders. Whether working with clients, executives or engineering teams, effective communication and relationship-building have been key to driving success.

Beyond my professional work, I have actively contributed to the community by:

• Being a shadow board member, providing strategic inputs and supporting decision-making.
• Delivering Workshop for Code First Girls on “Creating Social Value in IT Through your Career”
• Leading Women in Cloud initiatives to empower and support women in the tech industry.
• Presenting on Charity Sessions for Digital Inclusion Network
• Mentoring aspiring professionals, helping them navigate their careers.
• Serving as a school governor, shaping education and inspiring the next generation of STEM talents.

These contributions are a way for me to give back and support others, just as I have been supported throughout my journey.

Work-Life Balance: The Highs, Lows, and Lessons Learned

Like any long career, my journey has had its ups and downs. Tight deadlines, challenging projects and the need to constantly learn can be overwhelming. However, I’ve also learned the importance of work-life balance – setting boundaries, prioritising well-being and making time for personal growth.

I’ve been fortunate to have great mentors who have guided me through challenges and emphasised the value of open communication and a supportive work culture. Their influence has shaped my leadership style and today, I strive to create the same environment for those around me.

Get The Future You Want : Growth Is a Continuous Journey

Looking back, my journey from a Software Developer to a Cloud Architect and community leader has been incredibly rewarding. The key takeaways from my career –

• Embrace change – Tech evolves, and so should you.
• Invest in continuous learning – Certifications, upskilling and staying curious will keep you ahead. We have access to 250,000+ courses at Capgemini to make sure we stay curious.
• Soft skills matter – Technical expertise is valuable but leadership and communication make the real difference.
• Give back – Mentoring and community contributions create a lasting impact. We have 2 volunteering days at Capgemini to give back during working hours- make the most of them!
• Work-life balance is essential – Success isn’t just about career growth; it’s about well-being and personal fulfilment.

As I continue this journey, my goal is to keep learning, mentoring and supporting those around me. After all, success isn’t just about where you reach – it’s about how many people you bring along with you.

We are hiring several Cloud tech roles in Sheetal‘s business area. Rewrite your future with Capgemini.