Week 4 - Industry Expert Interview

Industry Expert Interview – Exploring Career Paths and Industry Trends

Introduction

For my Industry Expert Interview, I had the opportunity to speak with Amrita Kohli, a seasoned technology leader and software engineering manager based in the Bay Area. Amrita currently works at a leading global technology company, where she oversees teams building scalable cloud-based systems and AI-driven applications. I selected her because of her extensive experience leading diverse engineering teams and her background in both software development and product innovation. Additionally, she has been a strong advocate for women in technology and mentorship programs, which aligns with my own interests in creating inclusive, forward-thinking tech spaces. I wanted to learn not only about her technical expertise but also about the leadership mindset and adaptability required to thrive in a rapidly evolving field.

Summary of Key Insights

Amrita began by describing her career path, which started with a degree in Computer Science followed by several years as a software engineer before transitioning into technical leadership roles. She emphasized the importance of mastering the fundamentals early in one’s career—coding, data structures, algorithms, and system design—because these skills form the foundation for all technical growth. Over time, she shifted her focus from purely technical tasks to leading cross-functional teams, managing large-scale projects, and aligning technical decisions with business goals.

One of the most striking takeaways from our conversation was her view on career adaptability. She highlighted that technology evolves so quickly that even seasoned engineers must continuously reskill. Amrita shared that she dedicates time every quarter to learn new tools and concepts, whether in AI, cloud computing, or cybersecurity. She recommended developing a “learning mindset,” where curiosity and problem-solving become daily habits rather than occasional efforts.

When asked about emerging trends, Amrita identified several key areas shaping the industry: artificial intelligence and machine learning, cloud-native development, cybersecurity, and ethical AI. She noted that while AI is transforming productivity and automation, it also raises important ethical and privacy considerations that technologists must address thoughtfully. She believes the most successful professionals will be those who can balance innovation with responsibility.

Amrita also discussed the challenges of leadership in tech, especially in managing distributed teams and maintaining inclusion in hybrid work environments. She emphasized communication, empathy, and transparency as vital leadership qualities. As a manager, she prioritizes creating an environment where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas and take ownership of projects. She mentioned that technical expertise alone is not enough—soft skills such as collaboration, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence are becoming increasingly valuable.

When offering career advice, Amrita encouraged students to take risks and not fear making mistakes early in their careers. She advised building a diverse portfolio of experiences—internships, open-source projects, and interdisciplinary coursework—to better understand how different parts of technology and business connect. She also emphasized the importance of networking and mentorship, noting that many career opportunities come from professional relationships built through curiosity and collaboration rather than formal applications.

Reflection

This interview had a profound impact on my understanding of what it means to build a long-term, sustainable career in computer science. Before speaking with Amrita, I primarily viewed success through technical mastery—becoming proficient in multiple programming languages or frameworks. However, hearing her discuss leadership, continuous learning, and ethics broadened my perspective. I realized that the most influential professionals are not just great coders; they are strategic thinkers who understand people, systems, and the broader implications of their work.

I was particularly inspired by her emphasis on ethical responsibility in technology. With AI systems becoming integral to business and society, Amrita’s comments on fairness, bias, and transparency reinforced how essential it is for future engineers like me to stay informed and accountable. It made me more aware that as we build smarter tools, we must also consider their social and moral impact.

Her emphasis on continuous learning also resonated deeply with me. I’ve sometimes felt overwhelmed by how fast new technologies emerge, but Amrita’s approach—dedicating structured time for learning—gave me a practical framework to follow. I plan to adopt a similar routine by setting aside time weekly to explore new tools and read about industry developments.

Lastly, Amrita’s journey reminded me that career growth is nonlinear. It’s not always about promotions or switching companies but about learning, experimenting, and aligning work with personal values. Her advice to “build skills that last beyond tools” encouraged me to focus more on fundamentals and problem-solving rather than chasing the latest trend.

Future Steps

Moving forward, I plan to apply several lessons from this interview to my academic and professional journey. First, I will actively seek mentorship opportunities—both to learn from experienced professionals and to eventually mentor others. I intend to engage more deeply in CSUMB’s networking events and tech communities to expand my exposure to different career paths.

Second, I will continue to strengthen my technical foundation, especially in areas Amrita identified as critical for the future—AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. I plan to enroll in elective courses related to these topics and pursue personal projects that allow me to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios.

Third, I aim to cultivate leadership and communication skills, even as a student. Whether through team projects or student organizations, I want to practice clear communication, collaboration, and inclusive problem-solving—skills that will be essential in any tech role.

Finally, this interview reinforced my desire to pursue a career that merges technical innovation with social impact, perhaps working in ethical AI or sustainable computing. Hearing Amrita’s balanced perspective between technology and humanity reminded me that the best innovations are those that serve people responsibly.