‘This school built the foundation of my career’

Apeejay School Kharghar laid the foundation for his entire career. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about how the school shaped his way of thinking. “There was always a balance between academics and extracurricular activities, which gave me the confidence to think freely and express myself. I participated in many competitions like English declamation and debates, and that culture of self-expression was key,” Harmandeep Singh, an alumnus of the school (batch 2021), who is at present a Software Development Engineer with Amazon, shared in an impromptu interview.

How did the school shape the path that led you to become a software developer?

I joined this school in Class I and studied here for 12 years. Academics, aside from extracurricular activities, played an important role in developing the technical base for a career in software development. The school changed my mindset, helped me analyse better, and made me more confident in what I was pursuing.

Technical skills that helped you in your current role as a software development engineer.

Computer Science was part of our curriculum from the very beginning. In the early years, we explored fun projects that nurtured curiosity, and in Class X, we dove deeper into programming. Learning Python instead of C++ in Class XI proved invaluable; it gave us a clear advantage in college, where prior Python knowledge was expected.

What does a typical day at work look like for you now?

At Amazon, a company deeply focused on customers, I work in the Value Added Services team, handling customer-facing challenges. My day involves analysing assigned problems, researching solutions, and designing fixes. Each project is a continuous process that requires detailed exploration and thoughtful execution.

How did you handle the transition from school to college and then to the professional world?

The transition from academics to the professional world is substantial. In school, the goal was simply to make projects work, but in the real world, solutions must be reliable and scalable. Collaboration across global teams adds complexity, and adapting takes time. Gradually, I learnt to navigate processes and teamwork in a large tech environment.

Fond memories from your school days.

It’s hard to pick just one, but I’d say the annual days were the most memorable. The days leading up to them were full of last-minute chaos, excitement, and teamwork as we tried to put on the best show possible. It was always fun and gave us a breather before we returned to our studies.

AI is transforming the tech world. Advice for Apeejayites aspiring to pursue Computer Science.

My advice is to start using AI as a tool; it’s not going to replace human thinking anytime soon, but it will be an integral part of every job. Start exploring AI tools, experiment with them, and try building small projects. Even if it’s something simple, the experience will set you apart and give you a head start in the field.