After four years of working from home, switching back to the office setup has been both challenging and an opportunity for growth. As a Technical Lead in the IT industry, I’ve overseen this transition for myself and my team. Here are some thoughts and insights from this experience.

Initial Transition Phase

The shift from home comfort to the structured workplace environment became no longer seamless. At home, flexible schedules and personal comfort blurred work-life boundaries, causing potential burnout. The office setup reclaimed personal time and improved mental health, but adapting to new routines was challenging.

Reconnecting Team Dynamics

Returning to the office revitalized team dynamics. In-person interactions allowed for spontaneous discussions, productive sessions, and stronger connections. Physical presence enhanced mentoring, making guidance and feedback more effective.

Enhancing Productivity and Focus

The office setup minimizes distractions, improving productivity and focus. At home, we often faced interruptions from family members and personal devices. In contrast, the office provides a dedicated workspace that helps us concentrate better. Having immediate access to colleagues has made problem-solving more efficient. When technical issues arise, quick face-to-face discussions resolve the issues faster than waiting for scheduled meetings.

Personal and Professional Growth

The transition has highlighted the importance of being flexible and resilient. It’s been a time of personal and professional growth as we adjusted to new workouts and expectations. These changes have boosted our confidence and prepared us better for future challenges.

Choosing between working from home and going to the office depends on personal needs and preferences. Working from home is flexible and avoids commuting but calls for strength of mind and can be isolated. Working within the workplace provides community and structure but involves commuting and less flexibility. A hybrid model, blending both options, might offer a good balance by combining their advantages and reducing their downsides.

I am from Vizag, the city of destiny. My journey has been quite a ride, with its fair share of ups and downs.

Imagine this: a girl with a pharmacy degree, standing at the crossroads of her life, feeling the pull of a dream that seems worlds apart from her education. Pharmacy was my chosen path, but technology was my passion. The question loomed large: "Why Pharmacy to IT?" The answer was simple – dreams know no bounds.

It all began when I took a bold step of faith, enrolling in an IT course despite my pharmacy background. Navigating through uncharted waters, my passion served as my compass. It was challenging at first, but my drive kept me moving forward. When the placement phase arrived, destiny pointed me towards Thiran Technologies. I reached out to them via LinkedIn, hoping to catch a break.

To my excitement, I received an interview call from Thiran, in Chennai. Chennai – a city far from my comfort zone, with a language I didn’t speak and a culture I had yet to understand. It was a challenge wrapped in an opportunity. I took the plunge, boarded the train, and embarked on a journey fueled by dreams and determination.

Stepping off the train in Chennai, I felt a mix of excitement and trepidation. The interview process went smoothly, and I felt a sense of alignment with their vision and values. When I received the job offer, it was a dream come true. But my story had only just begun.

At Thiran, the onboarding experience was nothing short of magical. The spectacular welcome kit, engaging games, and insightful sessions made me feel right at home.

Immediately after a couple of days, life threw a curveball – I fell ill. Alone in a new city, without any support, I faced my first big challenge. I was admitted to a hospital, received treatment, and returned to work, more determined than ever. This experience forged my resilience and taught me that true perseverance is about thriving despite adversity.

As days passed, I embraced the company’s non-hierarchical structure. Within months, I was facing clients and conducting UAT sessions. Initially daunting, these experiences became my proving ground. I wore multiple hats, from quality analyst to AI meetup organizer, each role a stepping stone in my growth.

My growth at Thiran wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of the leadership team, colleagues, and friends. I believe this collaborative spirit is the essence of Thiran’s success.

My journey from pharmacy to IT, from Vizag to Chennai, and from a novice to a confident Thiranite is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the right support system. If there’s any advice I can share with job seekers, it’s this: Believe in yourself, take that leap, and let your passion guide you. The journey might be tough, but the rewards are immensely gratifying.

As Nelson Mandela once said, “It always seems impossible until it’s done.” So, here I am, a Thiranite, with dreams as vast as the ocean, ready to navigate new horizons and inspire others along the way.

Joining Thiran Technologies: Valuable Insights from the Chief Talent Explorer

At Thiran Technologies, we pride ourselves on being a hub of innovation and growth. As the Chief Talent Explorer, my mission is to identify individuals who resonate with our core values and have the potential to drive our vision forward. If you're aspiring to join our dynamic team, here's a comprehensive guide to what we seek in our ideal candidates.

1. Excel in What You Are

At Thiran, we value individuals who are masters of their craft. We seek candidates who excel in their respective fields, demonstrating expertise and a commitment to continuous improvement. Your specialization and dedication to sharpen your skills will set you apart. Show us your passion and proficiency, whether through the projects you have worked on or the contributions you have made to your field.

2. Growth Mindset

We thrive with the power of a growth mindset coupled with research and development approach. This means being open to feedback, learning from experiences, and continually striving for improvement while exploring new ideas and technologies. At Thiran, we look for candidates who possess such a mindset coupled with eagerness to grow, adapt, and innovate. Embrace challenges, persist in the face of setbacks, and engage in creative problem-solving to drive technological advancements.

3. Stay Relevant

The tech industry is continuously changing at a faster pace than ever before, so staying relevant holds the key to being successful. We seek candidates who keep themselves updated about the latest industry trends, tools, and technologies. This doesn't just mean having the latest certifications but demonstrating curiosity and involvement in the tech landscape. Stay updated by subscribing to industry journals, attending webinars, meetups and actively participating in other professional networks.

4. Ownership Quality

At Thiran, taking ownership is an essential trait that every Thiranite should have, for us to empower and entrust them to chalk their own growth path. We look for individuals who take accountability for their work, approach problems proactively, and contribute to the bigger picture. Ownership goes beyond task completion; it involves understanding the broader goals and being responsible for your role in achieving them. Show us your commitment to delivering high-quality results and your dedication to the success of the team and the company.

5. Customer-Oriented

Delivering value to our customers is at the heart of everything we do. We seek candidates who understand the importance of being customer oriented. This means prioritizing customer needs, providing exceptional service, and ensuring that our solutions genuinely benefit them. Your ability to empathize with customers and deliver outstanding value will make you an asset to our team.

Conclusion

At Thiran Technologies, we believe in the synergy of expertise, growth mindset, relevance, ownership, and customer orientation. These principles drive our success and define who we are. Align yourself with these values, and you will be well on your way to becoming a part of the Thiran family.

We are excited to meet passionate individuals who want to solve problems with us and grow from those experiences. If you think you are one among them, we welcome you to explore the opportunities at Thiran Technologies.

Hi, I’m Shaalin, and I’m excited to share my journey as an HR professional at Thiran. Starting my career as a Talent Discovery Executive here has been an amazing adventure filled with growth, learning, and many memorable moments. Let me share the incredible journey I've experienced since joining Thiran.

The Interview That Made an Impact

During the final year of my Master's program, I attended several interviews, but Thiran’s process truly stood out. The clarity in expectations and the warmth in communication left a lasting impression on me. I believe in the saying, "Never forget the first company that gave you a chance to become who you are now." Thiran saw potential in my budding skills and my passion for HR, choosing to nurture and develop them.

Why Thiran?

Thiran's commitment to finding the best talent and investing in developing their skills matched exactly what I was looking for as a newcomer. The process they adopted and their supportive approach made me confident that it was the right place to kickstart my HR journey.

And The Journey Begins...

Upon joining Thiran, I was tasked with the responsibility of hiring 15 freshers within two months. This might sound easy, but it’s quite challenging given Thiran’s high standards for skilled professionals. I was into end-to-end recruitment which includes gathering requirements from the hiring managers, sourcing, screening, shortlisting, scheduling, coordinating interviews, onboarding and orientation. As a fresh graduate, I initially had different perspectives regarding the hiring process. However, the reality check quickly shook my confidence. Hiring is typically a numbers game for Talent Discovery Executives. However, this is not the case at Thiran: Quality is prioritized over Quantity. We seek extraordinary talents in the market, focusing on those with a research mindset and the potential to be trained, making my task both critical and demanding.

My initial efforts didn’t meet expectations, leading to moments of self-doubt. Though my confidence wavered, neither I nor Thiran lost hope in me.

Turning My Challenges into Wins with Thiran’s Support

I always felt comfortable reaching out to anyone, from managers to C-level executives, for guidance as Thiran is a flat-structured organization. Constructive feedback from Mr. Harsha Varthan, Mr. Booshan, and Mr. Palaniappan helped me refine my approach. I was free to think independently and implement my own strategies which was again challenging in one way initially. But I really wanted to push boundaries and I took additional effort wherever possible to get the potential talents in. After which the magic moment came: the first offer letter was issued—an unexplainable joy for a new recruiter. That magical moment gave me the confidence which boosted me to develop new strategies for targeting and hiring. Eventually, I learned to trust the process and have faith that the results would come, as all 15 recruits were successfully onboarded as planned.

After successfully onboarding 15 new resources, we partook in a team lunch with C-level executives and the hiring panel, which provided a distinguished acknowledgment of our efforts and a valuable opportunity for relaxation.

Beyond hiring, I built strong relationships with my colleagues, gaining insights into their perspectives, expectations, and needs. Understanding what my colleagues valued and needed in their roles allowed me to address their concerns proactively, create a supportive environment, and foster a sense of belonging. These connections significantly improved employee retention and satisfaction. For me, seeing how happy and engaged my colleagues were reinforced my belief that a positive work environment leads to great results.

Experiencing a Positive Culture

From the beginning, Thiran emphasized the importance of employee well-being. On my very first day, our Leadership team encouraged me to organize frequent employee engagement activities to help everyone relax and unwind, which made me realize that Thiran values more than just deliverables. This focus on well-being, coupled with personality development programs and engaging events, significantly shaped my mindset.

One of the framed quotes in the office, "Don’t think out of the box, think as if there is no box," truly resonated with me throughout my journey. Thiran encouraged me to go beyond traditional networking on LinkedIn and professional platforms by attending tech meetups. While this might seem like a minor adjustment, it had a substantial impact. This approach not only expanded my network but also significantly enhanced my effectiveness in the hiring process. From a fresh graduate to a confident HR professional, I’ve been shaped in the right direction.

Growing Together

Apart from hiring, it’s clear how deeply Thiran’s culture has impacted me. The "Thiran Gala" was more than just a highlight of the year; it was a transformative experience. The vibrant festival-like atmosphere, complete with themed dress codes and engaging activities, energized me and made me feel a genuine sense of camaraderie. Topping the carrom and meme competitions was not just a personal achievement but a testament to the fun and competitive spirit fostered here.

Christmas brought a personal touch with the Secret Santa exchange, which made me feel a strong sense of belonging and connection within the team. It wasn’t just about the gifts; it was the thoughtful gestures and shared joy that made the season memorable.

Do you think that’s all? Not quite. The excitement continued into 2024 with our new plans for hiring and for employee engagement. Each month’s theme reflects a commitment to personal and professional development. Starting with the Pongal celebration in January, ethnic wear and communal activities reinforced the idea that our workplace values cultural traditions and team bonding.

Personally, March’s theme was close to my heart which focused on Women’s Day. Male team members extended a warm welcome to their female colleagues with personalized notes from our CEO, Mr. Booshan. His thoughtful gesture and personal touch made everyone feel genuinely valued and significantly enhanced our sense of belonging.

Overall, these experiences have shaped my view of our workplace as a place where personal growth and professional development go hand in hand. Culture here has taught me that work is not just about deliverables but also about creating an environment where every moment is an opportunity for connection, growth, and enjoyment. As we continue to grow together, these shared experiences reinforce the notion that our success is intertwined with the well-being and happiness of every individual.

Final Reflections

Thiran has taught me to “Do what I love and love what I do.” This journey has been about more than just recruiting people; it's about finding potential talent, fostering a positive work culture, and sculpting my skills. Thiran has truly shaped me into a proactive and empathetic professional, ready to take on new challenges and opportunities.

I am happy and proud to be part of Thiran, where passion meets purpose, and dreams are nurtured into reality.

What It Takes to Be an Effective Technical Lead

My experience as a Technical Lead at Thiran Technologies has been highly valuable, teaching me many important lessons. Being a technical lead means balancing technical skills & leadership abilities. Here are some key things I've learned at Thiran Technologies on what it takes to be an effective technical lead:

Cultivating Strong Leadership Abilities

To be an effective technical lead, you need both leadership and technical skills. At Thiran Technologies, I've learned that leadership involves more than just managing tasks; it’s about inspiring and guiding the team. Understanding each team member’s strengths and goals helps in creating a positive work environment.

Setting a good example by demonstrating the behaviors I expect from my team is crucial. I focus on clear communication, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging open discussions to build trust. I ensure not to abdicate my deadlines and work pressure directly to my team, instead I alleviate as per their experience and skills.

Making confident decisions and taking responsibility for the outcomes is important. When possible, I involve my team in decision-making, which enhances collaboration and shared responsibility.

Being adaptable and flexible helps me navigate challenges effectively. Lastly, supporting my team’s growth through mentoring and coaching contributes to their development.

Mastering the Art of Delegation

At Thiran Technologies, I've learned that effective delegation is crucial. It’s not just about assigning tasks but about utilizing each team member’s strengths and promoting their growth. For instance, in a major project, I started to delegate simple and routine tasks to junior developers while senior members handled more complex issues. Gradually increased the complexity without them feeling the tweak. This method kept the project on track and offered valuable learning experiences for the juniors. Regular check-ins ensured everyone was aligned and any problems were addressed swiftly. This taught me the importance of aligning tasks with skills and assisting an environment where team members feel empowered and accountable.

Managing Team Dynamics Effectively

Effectively managing team dynamics is essential for a productive work environment. It involves understanding diverse personalities and ensuring smooth collaboration. Open communication is key—encouraging team members to share ideas and concerns helps prevent misunderstandings. Periodic and short meetings, followed by personalized one-on-one check-ins provide opportunities for feedback and discussion.

Building trust and respect within the team is crucial. Recognizing individual contributions and providing constructive feedback helps maintain a positive atmosphere. Organizing team lunches or outings boosts morale and strengthens relationships among team members.

Effective conflict resolution is also important. Addressing issues promptly and focusing on solutions rather than blame helps maintain team harmony. Creating a supportive environment where team members feel valued and understood drives better performance and helps achieve shared goals more effectively.

Embracing Continuous Improvement

Continuous improvement is a key part of our work at Thiran Technologies. When we decided to learn about the concepts of Kubernetes and Containerization, I encouraged the team to participate in training sessions and share their feedback. This open approach helped us identify areas for improvement and optimize our processes. As a result, we are moving forward with the latest updates by embracing the concepts of AI in Asset Management and have improved our knowledge in OpenShift container platforms.

This experience highlighted the value of ongoing learning and adaptability. Focusing on continuous improvement has kept us competitive and created a culture of innovation within the team. It’s a reminder of the importance of staying proactive and open to new ideas.

Bridging the Gap Between Technical and Non-Technical Stakeholders

One of the biggest challenges has been making complex technical concepts understandable for non-technical stakeholders. In a recent client presentation, I used simple language and visual aids like diagrams to explain our solution. This approach helped the client grasp the benefits of our work and made the approval process smoother. Regular updates and transparent communication throughout the project kept everyone informed and engaged. This experience highlighted the importance of clear and effective communication in ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned and supportive. It’s a crucial skill for driving successful outcomes and building strong relationships with clients and colleagues.

Accepting the role of Technical Lead at Thiran Technologies was a big step in my career, which obviously warranted me to step out from my comfort zone. Believing the quotes from Ginni Rometty, “Growth and comfort do not coexist”, I’m enjoying the process of keeping up with technology, while acknowledging generational trends of Gen Z.

Joining Thiran as a Trainee Software Developer in July 2022, I am now a Mobile App developer specializing in Flutter. After my undergrad, I juggled master's exam prep and job applications. Discovering Thiran on Telegram, I cleared their rigorous selection process and was thrilled to join. Initially, I worked on diverse projects in teams like Maximo, AI, Web Development, and Power BI.

Thiran's belief in my abilities was extraordinary. Early recognition with the 'Bright Beginner Award' motivated me immensely. After six months, I chose Flutter development for its growing potential. Despite early challenges due to limited experience, the support from leadership and my mentor helped me persevere. My first project, a login page UI, took over a month, but I gradually improved.

Eight months in, I completed a complex feature independently, thanks to bi-monthly reviews and feedback. This role taught me creative problem-solving and the value of enjoying the process, not just focusing on outcomes. Thiran's culture of support and innovation has been transformative for my career. I am excited about future opportunities and confident in contributing to Thiran's success.

Tips for Graduates Starting Their Career:

Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome

Embrace the journey: Enjoy the learning curve and challenges.

Be patient: Consistent effort brings positive changes.

Cultivate a Growth Mindset

Accept setbacks: Learn and grow from failures.

Leverage strengths: Build on your abilities for confidence.

Address weaknesses: Actively improve in areas of need.

Continuous learning: Strive for daily self-improvement.