Career Chats: Harpreet Gaur
You've probably heard the phrase "a career path is never a straight line." It can be scary not to know what you want to do, or know what you want but not how to get there. Career Chats is a series aimed at tackling these uncertainties. The series highlights women in different roles across LinkedIn and the unique journey that led them to where they are today. We hope these stories will help you find your path to your dreams.
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Career Chats with Harpreet Gaur
Role:?Associate Technical Program Manager, Research Operations
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Q: Walk us through your career path so far.
I started my career by taking on Software Engineering oriented opportunities while in college. While working on a Research project that required coding skills, my mentor Dr. Viviana Acquaviva started teaching a Machine Learning class. This inspired me to pivot to learning more about Data Science and Machine Learning. Ever since then, I started taking on side projects which would enhance my Data Science skills. My first Data Science internship was with Microsoft Research where I was a Data Science Student Researcher for the summer in my senior year. That summer I was sure that I would enjoy working with data and analyzing it.
My first data-heavy role was with JP Morgan where I started as a Data Science Analyst. Wanting to flex my team management and project management skills, I moved to the Investment Banking team as an Investment Banking Associate.?
Even though I enjoyed my role within a finance company, I always wanted to be a part of a team that has its roots in tech and an environment where I could bring my whole self to work. Fortunately, I came across the Associate Technical Program Manager role on LinkedIn which was exactly what I was looking for. I started out in May 2022 and couldn't have been happier with the types of projects and initiatives our team drives.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?
My team -? Technical Research Operations (TROPs) is part of the Market Research team. My team's focus is to scale research execution and insight generation through evolving expertise with Linkedin’s data and technology infrastructure. What I most enjoy about the role is being part of such a talented team with a very accepting and learning-oriented culture. I have learned so much through my peers in terms of technical and leadership skills and this pushes me to enhance my skills outside of my project work so I can bring in something new within our team.
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Q: What is the best advice you have gotten so far in your career?
Your career is not always a linear path. Sometimes, you might need to step back and re-evaluate where you want to be headed. I had a time when I questioned if I should stick to the same career path for several years but realized that I am someone who enjoys learning and trying out new things at times. It is ok to switch your career path and venture out into something you might have never thought of doing 5 years ago.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself still being a part of? Linkedin just because it is the place to be. I love the people I come across in the office and always have something new to learn from them.? Currently, I am pursuing an MBA in Data and Business Analytics. Upon completion, I would like to bring these skills to my team and plan to dive into a more managerial role where I can continue to foster a growth-oriented culture. I also mentioned before that my career so far has not been a linear path, I am still learning and with time I have found myself interested in opportunities I wouldn't have dreamed of.?
Q: What is something that is not on your LinkedIn Profile?
I used to work with a production company that made films, videos, and advertisements. I was always interested in producing my own movies, and I would especially like to use computer animation and video editing software to make storylines. Working in a production company exposed me to non-technical skills that required creativity, perseverance, patience, and collaboration with large teams. One of the reasons I have been outgoing and cheery definitely comes from my filming background. Film-making, photography, and videography are now more of a hobby that I pursue at times just so I can let out my creative side.?
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Fantastic advice, Harpreet!