Where should a hardworking, talented, young technologist look for opportunities to build his skills and set out a thriving career path? In an organisation that values learnability and aspirations over skills and illustrious credentials. This is the trajectory Chetan chose when he joined Pay1, a retail – tech platform for unorganised retailers to offer consolidated services which will increase their revenue streams. In conversation with Chetan Yadav, exploring how Pay1 paved the way to growing skillset and a promising career.
Q: How would you explain your current role at Pay1?
Chetan: Currently, I am a database admin and also a network analyst for serversecurity. This means that I am the first line of defense protecting the Pay1’snetwork and its digital/customer assets from any unwanted hacking or networkintrusion.
Q: How has Pay1 helped you grow as a professional?
Chetan: Firstly Pay1 has shown me that the keenness to learn is above the skills youalready possess. When I joined Pay1, four years back, I knew tools likeWireshark and had worked on Linux before, hence started as a Linux admin. I waskeen to learn, and incidentally, during that period my colleagues working ondatabase and security systems needed some help. I started assisting them byfirst taking detailed instructions and eventually figuring out on my own.Gradually it becomes a part of my role. My skills expanded and so did myprofile.
Here everyone helps each other learn and grow. My seniors also taught me many skills and trusted me with responsibilities I did not think I could handle. They showed trust in me and I become more confident of myself.
Q: How would you describe the work culture at Pay1?
Chetan: This organisation gives people the freedom to grow, makemistakes, experiment, and learn. In fact, a lot of my professional growth andpersonal growth can be attributed to my colleagues and seniors.
I clearly remember those first few weeks when I joined Pay1, I was unable to handle the work, mainly because I was new to the process. I was directly reporting to the CTO, Mr. Ashish Arya. And that time while his plate was full of work and travel, he provided me with enormous support, guidance and handholding. He explained me procedures over the phone when not in the office, or sat with me and explained work when in office. He also encouraged few colleagues to help me. Gradually I started finding my way, making friends and become familiar with the process and practices. Since then it has been a very smooth journey of learning and growing. And as for him, he has always been accessible and approachable for me, becoming my mentor and a professional anchor.
He involves us in decision making, we brainstorm together and our suggestions are not just welcome but implemented also.
Q: How would you describe the dynamics between colleagues?
Chetan: I think a large part of my career growth, my promotions, and
Q: Your message to aspiring professionals like yourself?
Chetan: Always be a sponge who is ready to learn and don’t be afraid of facing challenges, because challenges and failures are the best way to grow.
