Career Chats : Varsha Bhanushali

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?Varsha Bhanushali

Role:?Senior Software Engineer, Information Security at LinkedIn

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Q: Walk us through your career path so far.

Growing up, I experienced the dynamic shifts in computer technology firsthand, from dial-up internet to smartphones, fueling my curiosity. These advancements ignited my passion for software engineering, driving me to explore coding and problem-solving and shaping my path toward becoming a computer software engineer. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and gained several years of experience in the tech industry in India. After acquiring a deeper understanding of the industry, I pursued a master's degree at Northeastern University to continue learning with an eight-month internship opportunity to work for PayPal. After graduation, I joined PayPal as a software engineer, where I had the chance to work on the Venmo app, which was an incredibly exciting project. I was thrilled to be a part of the team responsible for delivering innovative engineering solutions to safeguard users from payment fraud and identity theft. After a few years, I had the opportunity to work at CarGurus, a leading e-commerce platform in the automotive industry. Collaborating closely with a principal architect, I played a crucial role in leading the multinational dealer experience platform. With a background in payment, risk, and e-commerce, I discovered my passion for crafting innovative products that deliver a meaningful impact to users. This drive led me to pursue a career at LinkedIn, where I could leverage my skills to make a difference on a global scale and take on new, exciting challenges. My role as a senior software engineer in Information Security involves developing robust backend solutions designed to efficiently onboard security data to safeguard against the ever-increasing threat of cyber attacks.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your role?

One of the aspects I enjoy most about my role is the opportunity to tackle complex challenges using cutting-edge technologies. Being at the forefront of innovation means I get to work on exciting, unexplored paths where there's always something new to learn and discover. Whether it's exploring emerging technologies like AI or blockchain or optimizing performance in large-scale distributed systems, I relish the challenge of pushing the boundaries of what's possible. Additionally, mentoring junior engineers and leading teams through these endeavors brings a sense of fulfillment as I see their growth and the collective impact of our work on the broader technological landscape.

Q: What is the best advice you have gotten so far in your career?

"Don't wait. The time will never be just right!". I firmly believe it is important to seize opportunities and conquer fear rather than wait for the perfect moment. Failure is a part of learning, so we should embrace it. By adopting the possibility of failure, we open ourselves up to new and exciting experiences that can lead to growth and progress. Let's take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way and see where it takes us.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I envision myself as a technical architect, deeply immersed in technical challenges and solution-building. My passion for tackling complex problems and crafting innovative solutions will continue to drive me forward. I aspire to be recognized as a trusted technical leader, leveraging my expertise to guide teams in developing modern software systems that push the boundaries of what's possible. I am committed to contributing to the forefront of technology and making a lasting impact in the field.

Q: What is something that is not on your LinkedIn Profile?

I love to dance. It's a journey of self-discovery where I learn the power of discipline, perseverance, and dedication as I strive to perfect every movement. Through dance, I embrace vulnerability, learning to take risks and grow stronger with each step. Beyond the individual pursuit, it's a celebration of unity and connection, where I join forces with fellow dancers to create something truly magical.?

Want to see more posts like this? Check out our past Career Chats here:

https://careerchatsseries.splashthat.com/