Alumni Speak
‘If it is not broken, don’t fix it’
Apeejay Stya University alumnus shares how adaptability and lifelong learning shaped his path
From Mechanical Engineering classrooms to developing software solutions for global clients, Abhishek Maitra’s career journey reflects adaptability and lifelong learning. A B.Tech graduate in Mechanical Engineering and Product Design (Batch 2014–2018) from Apeejay Stya University, Abhishek has successfully transitioned into the world of software development. Today, he works as a Senior Application Developer at Greenleaf Engineering Ltd, a US-based company catering to leading oil and gas clients, including Indian Oil, BPCL, and Tesla. In this conversation, he shares milestones from his professional journey and insights for aspiring engineers.
Read edited excerpts:
How did your academic foundation help shape your career path?
At Apeejay, I had the freedom to explore beyond my core discipline. While pursuing Mechanical Engineering, I also studied subjects like Economics, Fine Arts, and Computer Science. That flexibility later helped me move into software development. For example, my exposure to coding and design made the shift much smoother, even though I was trained as a mechanical engineer.
What were your first steps in the professional world?
My first job came through college placements at Fortuna Colours & Prints LLP in Gurgaon, a company working in digital inkjet technology. Back in 2018, this sector was just emerging, but today it is one of the biggest revenue-generating industries in India. I joined as a Graduate Engineering Trainee, and though I worked there for only four months, the experience was valuable in building my confidence.
Could you tell us about your current role at Greenleaf Engineering Ltd?
Here I work in a 12-member team responsible for developing and maintaining software for 3D modeling and detailing of storage tanks. The software is widely used in the oil and gas industry for production drawings and finite element analysis. Every three months, we roll out updates to improve performance. It’s exciting because the application is used by global companies, and I get to work across time zones.
What industry trends do you think young engineers should pay attention to?
Right now, everyone is focused on front-end development, but I feel the sector is saturated. Looking ahead, automobile and electrical engineering will see major growth with the rise of electric vehicles. My advice would be – don’t restrict yourself. Explore upcoming fields and build strong fundamentals.
What principle guides your professional journey?
My mantra is simple: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.” In both life and career, if something is working well, there’s no need to change it just for the sake of change. Focus on outcomes and adapt only when required.
