As Shilpy Rawat, Swiggy’s Senior Lead Software Engineer, completes five fulfilling years in the company, she shares her journey filled with lessons, challenges, and the vast role that Swiggy and technology played in overcoming them.
Growing up with a knack for solving puzzles and cracking codes, Shilpy Rawat entered the world of Swiggy as a Lead Software Engineer in Test (SDET) in 2019. Throughout her journey of steering critical projects and leading diverse teams, Shilpy’s role in the company has evolved to that of a Senior Lead SDET. A must-read for aspiring tech professionals, here’s her story of leaving a mark.
- Tell us about the beginning of your Swiggy ride. What was your role when you joined the company and how has that changed over the years?
I began my Swiggy journey as a Lead SDET in April 2019. Initially, I was a part of the Checkout team. My main responsibility was to oversee the checkout projects and their automation to ensure the smooth functioning of this important aspect of Swiggy’s platform. Over time, I was promoted to Senior Lead SDET and my role expanded to managing Swiggy’s transaction layer, where I had to tackle complex technical challenges related to the reliability and security of our systems. Along the way, I have learned a great deal and significantly improved my technical skills. Additionally, I have taken on the responsibility of overseeing the QA team, where I have mentored and guided team members in maintaining the overall quality of Swiggy’s services.
- How would you describe your Swiggy journey?
The journey till now has been really fulfilling. It has been a dynamic mix of fun, learning, and personal growth. Professionally, I’ve had the opportunity to sharpen my technical skills and expand my knowledge in the field of management. Every day has presented new challenges, pushing me to constantly learn and adapt. The environment has not only enabled my professional growth but has also contributed to my personal development. Overall, my journey at Swiggy has shaped me into the professional I am today, and I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities I have received.
- What sparked your interest in the technical domain of software engineering?
I was fortunate enough to have supportive teachers during my school years who nurtured my interest in coding. From an early age, I was drawn to puzzles and logic problems, which naturally led me to explore the world of software engineering. Combining my interest with my skills seemed like a logical step, and I haven’t looked back ever since.
- What led you to join Swiggy?
I was attracted to Swiggy because of its reputation as one of the best companies in the food tech domain. What appealed to me was Swiggy’s innovative approach to food delivery and its strong emphasis on technology. Moreover, I found Swiggy’s work culture particularly impressive, especially their enthusiasm for promoting teamwork and creativity across all departments. Knowing that I would be part of a talented tech team further boosted my decision to join Swiggy.
- What was your first day at Swiggy like?
I remember it was a mix of nervousness and excitement. Stepping into a new environment came with a range of emotions, but thankfully, the company’s interactive induction programme helped me ease my nerves. Meeting my new colleagues and learning more about the company’s culture and values made me feel more comfortable and confident as I began my journey with Swiggy. Overall, it was a memorable start to what has been an enriching experience.
- What would you say has been the best moment of your time with Swiggy?
One of the best moments has been reaching the milestone of completing five years with Swiggy. It’s a testament to the rewarding experiences, the challenges we overcame, and the growth opportunities provided to me by the company. Leading the most versatile team in the food domain has been a delight. Looking back at my tenure so far, it’s been a privilege to work alongside talented individuals who contribute to Swiggy’s success in such a dynamic industry.
- Are there any lessons you’ve learned in your time here that you will be carrying forward in life?
Among several valuable lessons I’ve learned here, one that stands out is the importance of patience and perseverance, especially when working towards long-term goals. Throughout Swiggy’s rapid growth, we faced numerous challenges and had to set up many processes and implementations. Through my experiences, I have realised that success often requires patience, as well as the will to persevere through obstacles. Patience has helped me navigate through challenges in my professional and personal life. It’s a lesson I will continue to apply in my journey ahead.
- What would you say played an important role in your decision to stay with Swiggy?
Continuous learning and opportunities to tackle new challenges, both have played a key role in my decision to stay with Swiggy. The agile environment and the ever-evolving nature of the food delivery industry have given me chances to expand my knowledge, skills, and expertise. Each day presents new situations that keep me engaged and motivated, making every moment at Swiggy both rewarding and fulfilling.
- If you could, what would you say to the Day 1 version of yourself?
When I joined Swiggy five years ago, I was filled with enthusiasm and curiosity about what lay ahead. However, I didn’t anticipate the technological innovation and growth that would occur in just five years. It’s amazing to see how the industry has evolved with significant progress in tech. I would ask my Day 1 self to witness this transformation and prepare to sign up for the exciting opportunities it brings for her personally and professionally.
- What’s one Swiggy value you resonate the most with and why?
The Swiggy value that resonates with me the most is – ‘Do More With Less.’ This value speaks to my belief in being resourceful and working efficiently. By using our resources wisely, we can maximise our impact and achieve greater results. I appreciate how the value emphasises simplifying problems and reducing complexity, as it aligns with my approach to problem-solving. This allows us to tackle challenges while inspiring a culture of innovation and creativity.
- How has your experience been with the Blended Ways of Working Policy?
The experience has been overwhelmingly positive! Its focus on various aspects such as flexible work arrangements, tech integration, training, safety measures, and community engagement highlights Swiggy’s commitment to adapting to the changing landscape of work in today’s economy. Flexibility has allowed me to manage my work and life more effectively, while the tech integration has streamlined processes and improved their efficiency. The company’s dedication to employee development and well-being is reflected in the policy’s emphasis on the right training and safety measures. Overall, the policy has created a supportive work environment where I can thrive professionally while experiencing the evolving nature of work.
- What would be your advice to women who aspire to build a career in tech?
I have quite a few pieces of advice. Firstly, they must focus on what they love doing and find the field that truly excites them, be it coding, UX design, or cybersecurity. Next, I would encourage them to focus on their own journey without feeling the need to draw comparisons. As the tech industry is constantly evolving, I would also encourage them to be lifelong learners by seeking formal education or taking up hands-on projects and online courses. Whether it’s a senior colleague, a fellow woman in tech, or someone they admire from afar, having a mentor can provide them with invaluable advice and encouragement as they navigate their careers. Finally and most importantly, they must not let stereotypes hold them back. It’s time we challenge the outdated notions about gender roles in tech and advocate for inclusivity and diversity. We must understand that regardless of our gender, our unique perspectives and contributions can add a lot of value to the industry’s innovation and progress.
