From Small Town Dreams to Data Engineering Stardom
Imagine a diamond hidden in the rough, waiting for the right circumstances to shine brilliantly. Such is the story of Aarohi Tripathi, whose journey from a small town in Jharkhand to a prominent role at a Fortune 5 company showcases the transformative power of determination and resilience. In the ever-evolving world of data engineering and analytics, Aarohi stands out as a beacon of perseverance and success, illuminating the path for many aspiring professionals.
Growing up in Dhanbad, a small town with limited resources and exposure, Aarohi’s early life was marked by typical challenges faced by many middle-class families in India. Despite these challenges, she pursued her education with dedication and graduated with a Bachelor in Technology in Electronics. Her career began as a software engineer, a common path for many Indian graduates. However, Aarohi had bigger dreams and aspirations.
Reflecting on her life journey, Aarohi shares a piece of advice that has been her guiding light: “If you do not ask, the answer will always be NO.” This wisdom, imparted by a colleague early in her career, has stayed with her for over a decade. Aarohi emphasizes the importance of asking questions and making one’s aspirations known. “Many times, I’ve found myself in situations where the other party was unaware of my intentions or desires. It’s not just about wanting something; it’s about ensuring you’re considered for it,” she explains. This mindset has been crucial in her professional and personal life, whether seeking a scholarship or a promotion.
Aarohi’s professional journey took a significant turn when she decided to shift gears from software engineering to data analytics and engineering. After three years in the industry, she pursued a Master’s degree in Business Analytics. This decision was driven by her desire to be on the strategic side of things, helping businesses make informed decisions. Currently, Aarohi serves as a Data Engineer at a Fortune 5 company, where she builds product adoption metrics and generates opportunity analytics. Her previous role at a major retail giant involved leveraging data analytics to improve workforce management at distribution centers. These roles highlight her expertise in extracting valuable insights from data and creating metrics that drive business success.
The journey wasn’t easy, especially coming from a small town with limited resources. Aarohi credits her time in Pune for providing the exposure and information she needed to chart her career path. “Pune was pivotal for me. It gave me the clarity and direction I needed,” she recalls. Financial constraints were another hurdle, but Aarohi’s determination saw her through. She secured funding from a bank to pursue her education in the United States, a decision that marked a turning point in her life. “It’s a blend of luck and hard work,” Aarohi says. “You need to work hard to be ready when the right opportunity comes your way.”
“Passion for me is about being better than yesterday—personally, professionally, physically, and mentally,” she says. Whether it’s professional success, running an extra mile, or seeing a mentee achieve their dream job, Aarohi’s drive to be a better version of herself fuels her every day. She strives to be kinder, more humble, and grateful for her achievements, never taking them for granted.
When asked about her views on the competitive nature of the industry, Aarohi’s perspective is clear. “I don’t believe in rat races. What works for one person might not suit another. The road less traveled can be challenging, but it’s worth exploring if it aligns with your aspirations,” she asserts. Aarohi encourages others to be brave and explore unconventional paths if they seek something different.
“No single person can be your inspiration for everything. I look up to different people for different qualities—be it a great leader at work or a strong and kind friend,” she says. Aarohi aspires to embody traits like approachability, helpfulness, solution orientation, humility, and moral integrity, qualities she admires in those around her.
Leadership, for Aarohi, is about nurturing others. “A leader should be approachable and help others grow. I’ve been fortunate to work with amazing leaders who have significantly shaped my career,” she reflects. Aarohi believes in striving to be a better leader with a clear vision and mission, providing followers with clarity of thought and direction.
In her final thoughts, Aarohi shares a message for her readers, particularly those she mentors. “Our part is to do the hard work, put in the effort, whether you’re studying, looking for a job, or working on a promotion. There will always be doubts and challenges, but focus on what you can control. Be prepared when the right opportunity comes,” she advises.
Aarohi Tripathi’s story is a powerful example of how determination, hard work, and a willingness to ask the right questions can lead to incredible success. Her journey from Dhanbad to the heights of the data engineering world is an inspiration to all aspiring professionals.
