What’s the golden rule of living in America?

An alumnus of Apeejay School, Pitampura, Shiv Mathur, is a Technical Architect cum Delivery Lead at The Coca-Cola Company’s Salesforce COE group. Based in Georgia, United States. He aces his role that includes building applications to fuel sales growth. Mathur started his career as a Software Developer at Genpact Headstrong Capital Markets. Further, he has worked in several companies like Novus International, Inc., Fujitsu America, just to mention a few. In the following interview, he discusses more about his journey. Read on, edited excerpts from the interview.

Please tell us about your educational background.

I began schooling at Apeejay School, Pitampura in 1994 and graduated in 2008. After this, I pursued a Bachelor’s course in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Amity University Noida till 2012. Shortly after, I began my career as a Software Developer.

Did you switch from a technical to a sales background?

No. Salesforce is the world’s #1 customer relationship management (CRM) platform. It helps marketing, sales, commerce, service and IT teams work as one from anywhere to keep customers happy everywhere.

Currently, my role is to design applications and utilise them to support our North America business operations. One can think about it as a B2B platform such as mycoke.com which provides ease to our customers to order beverages online. To enable this site, there are several integrations, technical touch points, and vendors that have to be taken care of to support the delivery. Eventually, the sole agenda is to stimulate the company’s revenue. So, I stitch the end-to-end retail and consumer journey through my technical know-how. My day-to-day responsibilities include working with our technological partners, delivery and handling end-to-end consumer relationships.

A work ethic you closely follow?

Set the day right and keep moving efficiently.

How is the work culture in the United States?

There is a stark contrast in being a technology consultant in India vs the States. The working hours are flexible here and one can maintain a healthy work-life balance. Of course, one can face some trials while applying for a driver’s license, having bank accounts etc. But it all falls into place eventually. For me, it has been a smooth journey in a new culture. Overall, people have been extremely welcoming of me.

Any tips for new professionals settling in the States?

Keep a decent credit history if you are planning to stay here. As you start shopping and paying your bills, you will see the difference. Further, be a law-abiding citizen and always follow the rules. Treat others as you would like others to treat you: that is really the golden rule of being here.

Also, there are a bunch of Indian communities on social media sites like Facebook, Telegram and Instagram. It is nice to just be in touch with them and network to seek any kind of support. There are several public school districts in the United States, so those who wish to start a family, should look at settling in any such district.

Your message to students who would like to be in your shoes?

Always follow what your teachers tell you. They know you the best.

Tell us more about your school years.

I vividly recall Mr Pankaj Ahuja, my Computer teacher, who groomed me so well and taught me the fundamentals. The same helped me later in college as well as my career. In addition to this, the school also provided all kinds of platforms to showcase my skills and talents.