Jay Nair's Story
The Journey So Far:
I started as an Assistant Engineer working on basic hardware using Intel 8085 processor. Moved into software programming in C after moving to the US. After being a programmer and managing several projects, moved to India to set up the India operation of NetScout.
Job Profile:
My job is to ensure that the India operations of NetScout runs smoothly and efficiently both from a delivery perspective and quality perspective. This requires that adequate attention be paid to ensuring that the employees are motivated and challenged to bring out the best in them.
The Decisions That Matter
The most important career decision that impacted my worldview and sense of purpose was perhaps my decision to go to the US to work. The stars aligned in my favor in the early 1990s with the opening up of the IT sector in India and the huge need for cost-effective programming talent in the US.
Degrees That Matter:
For a leader in the Technology industry, a Masters degree is important. However, that degree actually means a lot more when attempted a few years after working in the industry. This gives one a perspective that you would not get if you go directly after Bachelors. A management degree is optional.
Working Life Management:
This is a tough one. I am not sure if I am managing it well. There is always a feeling of inadequacy about the time I give to my family. However, I try to ensure that I keep the entire weekend devoid of any work related activity and make it a point to be home for dinner with the family every day.
Done Differently:
Although I am passionate about technology and the knowledge and progress that it brings, had I been exposed to various fields when I was setting off on a career, perhaps I would have been attracted to Economics as an alternate career. I got interested in it quite late but I am fascinated by it now.
Plans For The Future:
I intend to pursue my passion in Economics to complete a degree in the subject. I am hoping that this will open up a hitherto unknown path in my career. It may not come in two years but surely in the not so distant future.
Prized Accomplishment(s):
I am extremely proud of the values and work ethic that I have been able to instill among the employees of NetScout India. We have been able to hire talent that is well tuned to the values of the company and have been able to retain them by providing them an environment that they cherish.
Changes In The Professional Environment:
The Professional environment in India has changed tremendously in the past 25 years. The infusion of ideas about work ethic and culture from the US IT industry is a great eye opener for everyone. Everyone now understands that an unfettered employee can produce great results. This was not so earlier.
Growth Strategy:
I keep myself updated about the latest technology and management trends. I take up courses that provide me the opportunity to learn and interact with others from various fields. I have developed a passion for the subject of Economics which imparts a sense of understanding of the world around me.
Advice For New Professionals:
Understand your inner passion. Work towards fulfilling that passion. Be open to change and embrace it. Resistance to change is futile. A single-track career of the past is no longer the fashion. Be ready to move into alternate careers if necessary.
Role Model:
Mr. Narayanamoorthy is one of the role models in this context that I admire. He is one of those people responsible for steering the Indian IT industry at its nascent stage of development into a model that is sustainable, fair and equitable. I think the Infosys model was an act of genuine passion.
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