From Intern to Tech Lead: Unlocking the Secrets of Growth and Discovery

Transitioning from an intern to a Tech Lead has been an incredible journey filled with growth and discovery. I’ve gained both soft and technical skills, re-learned core values in a new context, and developed a deep understanding of how a company operates from the ground up. Our team has experienced its fair share of ups and downs, laughter and tears, but through it all, our positive work culture has propelled us forward.

Much like Harry Potter, I've had the privilege of meeting remarkable individuals who have inspired me at every stage of my life. At Cyber Dive, those individuals have been Derek, Harshini, and Jeff. They’ve shown me how to navigate challenges with grace, I’ve learned that if you seek knowledge and resources, they are always within reach, and there are countless ideas in the realm waiting to be explored. The high-quality resources and advice I’ve received have been life-changing, motivating me to pay it forward and inspire others.

As I reflect on these influences, I've realized that my experiences over the past five years, combined with my personal traits, have led me to my current self. I have developed certain beliefs that I intend to hold on to and share with others.

My fascination with human behavior drives me to listen intently, empathize, and analyze situations from multiple perspectives. I've re-learned the importance of taking a step back to reflect on how I can improve or do things differently foremost. Every individual is unique, and delivering constructive feedback requires tailoring our approach to suit each person. Stepping up means not only recognizing what’s wrong but also figuring out how to fix it—whether it’s a process or a personal interaction. If you’re unsure of how to make improvements, embrace that uncertainty as a challenge to fuel your curiosity cells and seek solutions.

The Great Circle of Learning and Application--I am constantly eager to learn and absorb new knowledge, as I believe many of us are. However, knowledge is only valuable when applied. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially in today's information-rich world - there is a new course every other day to expand your horizon, tons of books about topics which will improve weaknesses, podcasts for self-help to advance your skills, etc. but it’s essential to focus on the small details that can lead to significant change. Remember, the smallest insights or observation can create the largest impact. Along with gaining new knowledge, there is power in using what you already know to the fullest. All that is required is a deliberate effort.

This permeates all areas of life, including work-life balance. Inspiration is all around us; it’s about connecting the dots. I find joy in learning new languages and exploring diverse cultures, which keeps my mind active and enhances my ability to overcome challenges. My love for dance instills in me patience and perseverance - reminding me that practice truly leads to mastery. This principle also guides me when training AI models, motivating me to explore new solutions fearlessly. Conversely, my research skills developed through my work help me handle my finances smarter, use the tech I use in my personal life effectively, find the? best vacation accommodations or even shop better.

Effective communication is crucial. While it may seem simple—there are countless articles on this—my experiences have taught me its significance in various contexts. When designing and implementing features, the result and quality of our work is paramount. Reflecting on my time as a captain during high school, when playing one of the sports, I understood that success wasn't about being the star player; it was about leveraging the strengths of the entire team. Similarly, we collaborate to communicate challenges and roadblocks, have each other’s back, ensuring we deliver the best product for our customers without compromising quality.

Transparency—sharing good news, bad news, uncertainty, and future plans—creates a harmonious environment. It fosters team building and enhances our performance.

It’s funny how many of these concepts sound basic & simple, yet I want to highlight their transformative power.

There’s still so much more to share, and each point could fill an entire article. I’m not claiming to have mastered these principles; I continue to stumble and make mistakes. But through it all, I am growing and striving for results because that’s what truly makes an impact.