Unveiling the Speakers for Ctrl+Alt+TechUp Masterclass
This National Technology Day, get profound insights from experts on everything tech.
Since 1998, after the successful nuclear tests under Pokhran-II aka Operation Shakti – May 11 has been known as National Technology Day, a tribute to India’s spirit of innovation. The series of five nuclear bomb tests signified a shift in India’s technological abilities and was instrumental in garnering attention as a nuclear power.
Since then, there has been no stopping India and it’s technological revolution. As of 2024, the Indian Technology start-up landscape has evolved to become the 4th largest in the world. There are estimates that India has around 1.15 lakh startups, with over 68,000 being tech-focused [Inc42].
If you’re kickstarting your career in tech, transitioning from academics to the industry can be daunting, since the field is dynamic, especially with the rise of Artificial Intelligence. At MetaMorph, we’ve worked with 220+ startups and helped multiple professionals find their dream job. We spoke to our Talent Acquisition team that specialises in tech to figure out some of the most common challenges one might face while finding their dream tech job.
Skill Gap: College coursework might not fully prepare you for the specific tools and technologies used in the industry. You may need to learn new programming languages, frameworks, or cloud platforms to get up to speed on what your team is using. According to research, 60% of employees who use AI regularly reported worrying about its impact on their jobs. Being in tech requires a diversified skillset, with constant upskilling — and creating a strong resume which correctly highlights your attributes that best fit the role.
Communication: Technical skills are foremost, but many techies struggle with soft skills - essential to work in a team setting. Tech professionals find it challenging to effectively translate their ability to collaborate, communicate, and adapt to a fast-paced environment. Freshers might struggle to understand conversations or feel hesitant to ask clarifying questions. Strong communication is key in tech, so don't be afraid to speak up!
Unfocused Applications: Tech professionals relying solely on mass applications without researching the company culture, values, or specific role requirements can struggle to show genuine interest and qualifications during interviews.
From crafting a stand-out resume to acing the interview, tech jobs are constantly evolving and it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends like AI at the forefront. If you find yourself struggling, our FREE masterclass might help you build the ultimate tech career!
Ctrl + Alt + TechUp a free masterclass by MetaMorph is an exclusive masterclass where industry experts will guide you through every step of crafting your tech career blueprint. From resume-building to acing your interviews, to knowing all about the current tech trends, we've got you covered.
In this masterclass, we will decode:
How to create a standout resume that gets you noticed.
The art of interview preparation and performance.
Insider tips and tricks from seasoned professionals in the tech industry.
Personalised advice on how to navigate your tech career path effectively.
Meet our industry expert instructors -
Manisha Chopra - Engineering Manager - Meesho, ex- Razorpay
Vaibhav Dalal - Senior Director Human Resource - Nference, ex- Amazon
Phalgun Lodaya - Senior Engineering Manager - Clari , ex- Zoho Corp
Pranisha Dalal - Core Team - Tech, MetaMorph
Manali Visaria - Senior TA Associate - Tech - MetaMorph
Curiosity Corner: Thriving at a tech startup
The tech industry is booming, but with that comes competition. In this edition's Ask Me Anything section, we were thrilled to have one of our instructors for the Masterclass – Phalgun Lodaya, Senior Engineering Manager at Clari, ex-Zoho, share his insights on the tech startup landscape and the skills that make you stand out. With 8+ years of experience, Phalgun comes with a wealth of experience in all things tech.
What specific technical skills and areas of expertise do you see as the most in-demand for Indian startups in the coming years?
The beauty of Software Engineering is that we have started to see applications in pretty much every field. This has also opened a wide range of possibilities for engineers. This also requires focus towards picking up the necessary skills to excel. In my opinion, the following skills will increase in demand in no specific order:
Machine Learning, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence
Fintech specific technologies
Cloud Native development and DevOps
Health Tech
Blockchain and Web3
Cybersecurity
Full Stack Development
What are the biggest challenges and opportunities for Indian tech startups in the next 12 months?
Challenges
Funding and building a strong, efficient team (running lean) are crucial, which requires attracting and keeping top talent. Data security is another hurdle. Another prominent challenge is scaling up sustainably.
Opportunities
Booming digital adoption across India offers a massive user base. Startups innovating in AI and ML, building product suites, and targeting government tech needs have a bright future. Plus, the global market is a good opportunity.
What are some of the biggest adjustments people typically face in their first engineering role, and how can they best prepare themselves for success?
Your first assignment will most likely be a bug or a minor enhancement. Software is not built by a single person. It takes a cohesive team to build it. Figure out how to work with people and how to make people work for you. Building software is not just writing code. It is about managing expectations, it's about the right way to market yourself and of course writing documentation as well. Being able to measure your work and building a discipline around it.
Beyond technical skills, what are some key qualities or experiences you look for in candidates that indicate they'll thrive in a fast-paced tech environment?
Communication is a key quality that I look for in candidates in addition to their Technical Skills. Apart from this, I look for:
Has the candidate built any feature or product from scratch? If yes, how did they go about doing this, the challenges they faced and how did they overcome them?
How has the candidate ensured that they maintain timelines they commit to and if something is going wrong how quickly do they bring it up for managing expectations?
Don’t leave us yet!
MetaMorph isn't your typical HR firm. We're a 360° HR Advisory firm dedicated to helping startups scale, evolve, and grow. We’ve helped more than 220 startups and multiple hires (and counting), providing them with the platform and opportunities they deserve.
We look forward to bringing you more exciting initiatives aimed at building a stronger and more inclusive tech ecosystem. Stay tuned for future events and updates through our newsletter and by following us on social media.
Thank you for being a part of the MetaMorph journey!