Guiding Lights: How Managers Shape Careers

My journey into the tech world took an unconventional route. Unlike the typical engineer, my academic background is rooted in business management. But my fascination with IT inspired me to chart my own unique path. I steered away from my management studies, bypassed the traditional management jobs, and took a leap of faith into the world of IT.

At Grab, a fantastic opportunity presented itself – to create an internal monitoring system, moving away from an existing legacy system. This transition was a mammoth task that required a lot of time and effort, but it was an immensely rewarding experience. The consistent support from my leadership team played an important role in making the whole process more manageable.

One unique aspect of my journey is that I am possibly the only member of my team without an engineering background. I took an unconventional path to follow my passion, and looking back, I am glad that I trusted my instincts. I've moved up, from Engineer to Senior Engineer, primarily overseeing the monitoring stack, and eventually being promoted to Lead Engineer.

There were times in my previous experiences when I felt that managers were not invested in creating opportunities and empowering their teams. However, my experience at Grab has entirely transformed this perspective. The managers here genuinely care about your growth and well-being, instilling a sense of belonging and motivation.

At Grab, the focus is not merely on the work you do but on how it aligns with your interests and capabilities. I have seen colleagues transition from one team to another, based on their interests. This flexibility reflects the understanding and adaptability of Grab's management.

The managers at Grab have played a pivotal role in my professional journey. They have fostered an environment of trust, continuous learning, and growth. Their approach towards management has not only contributed to my professional development but also transformed my perspective towards what good leadership looks like.

Contrary to the belief that established companies tend to have stagnant growth, poor work culture, and are riddled with politics, my experience at Grab has defied this notion. Here, there's a real effort to bridge the gap between managers and their teams, promoting a friendly, accessible environment. 

The journey has been long, and I’ve experienced my fair share of challenges. However, looking back, I couldn't be happier that I chose this path. The opportunity to work with great minds, a supportive environment, and a chance to keep learning and growing professionally makes it all worth it.

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