‘Enjoy what you do’: IT professional on coping with work stress

Ayush Garg, an Apeejay alumnus is working as the technical lead at Biofourmis, a digital health company. In an interview, he recalls how his mentors at Apeejay College of Fine Arts developed his keen interest in IT while shaping his overall personality.

Edited Excerpts:

Can you tell us about your job profile?

I manage the technical team as well as the product I am working on including what and how to develop things on the software engineering side.

How does a digital health company function?

We operate in the medical technology space. We are trying to digitise the entire hospitalisation process. This can involve taking care of patients at home, which is what our company is trying to achieve through innovative health products to monitor the patient and connect them with healthcare providers. We also provide digital solutions for clinical trials.

Tell us about your experience at ACFA.

I have fond memories of Apeejay. I have been associated with Apeejay since school. At ACFA, the professors were quite enthusiastic about teaching, which rubbed off on us in the right way. The college provided me with the right blend of freedom and discipline along with ample opportunities to explore technology. I credit ACFA for piquing my interest in Computer Science and preparing me well enough to be able to pursue my career in the same field.

In my current position as a team leader, one needs both technical and soft skills, which Apeejay inculcated in me through various activities like public speaking. I think those were essential for me to be where I am today.

What kind of skills does one need to excel in your field?

First, you need to enjoy what you are doing because work can become quite taxing at times. Sometimes, you might end up losing direction when you have too many things on your plate. In IT, people of every kind can be successful. It is absolutely okay if you are not fluent in a particular language or a great public speaker as long as you have a grip on your work and can communicate your message assertively.

How important is it to keep yourself constantly updated with the latest innovations in technology?

It is very important. Most people believe you have to be on top of every new technology that comes your way. But even if you are unable to do that, you should at least keep getting better at your area of expertise.

Any message for the students of ACFA?

It is normal to feel overwhelmed or confused at times. But you have to keep at it and make choices that will ultimately make you happy. Avail all the resources at hand, seek guidance from your mentors and you will definitely find the road to success.