Name: Shruti Dhumak | Designation: Senior Customer Engineer | Company: Google Cloud | Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
(December 23, 2024) “It’s been an amazing decade of learning, growing, and embracing new challenges,” Shruti shares as she reflects on her life in the U.S. since moving there in 2014. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the innovative corridors of Google Cloud, Shruti’s journey is one of passion and perseverance. Over the past decade, she has carved a unique niche for herself in the ever-evolving world of technology, all while balancing the roles of a mother, professional, and lifelong learner. Her journey isn’t just about achievements—it’s about embracing challenges, celebrating growth, and inspiring others along the way.
Major Milestones
- Starting a New Chapter: Moved to the U.S. in 2014 to pursue a Master’s in Computer Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.
- Joining Google Cloud: Became a Senior Customer Engineer, helping clients address complex problems using Google Cloud technologies.
- Recognized for Excellence: Selected for the CEO Excellence program for her leadership and impact.
- Awarded for Innovation: Received the Claro Award for Technology for her contributions to the tech industry.
- Championing Women in Tech: Participated in women-in-tech conferences to inspire and connect with peers.
- Industry Influence: Judged high-profile industry competitions, supporting innovation in the tech space.
- STEM Advocacy: Actively supports organizations encouraging young students to pursue STEM careers.
- Overcoming Challenges: Battled imposter syndrome and balanced work-life as a new mother, emerging stronger and more confident.
- Expanding Expertise: Focused on advancing skills in AI and machine learning to contribute to impactful projects.
From Mumbai to Massachusetts
Shruti’s story begins in Mumbai, a city known for its energy and opportunities. In 2014, her pursuit of higher education took her across the globe to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where she embarked on a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering. Reflecting on this life-changing decision, she tells Global Indian, “The vibrant academic atmosphere and the opportunity to learn from renowned faculty drew me in. Little did I know that this pursuit of higher education would open doors to incredible opportunities and lead me to a fulfilling career here in the U.S.”
Making waves at Google Cloud
Today, Shruti serves as a Senior Customer Engineer at Google Cloud, where her role is as dynamic as the technology she works with. She collaborates with key clients to address complex technical challenges, designing tailored solutions that unlock the full potential of Google Cloud’s platform. “I act as a trusted advisor, providing technical guidance, best practices, and support throughout their cloud adoption journey,” she explains. Her work not only requires technical expertise but also strong communication skills and business insight, making her role both challenging and rewarding.
Major accomplishments
Throughout her career, Shruti has achieved several milestones that reflect her dedication and hard work. Among her proudest accomplishments are being selected for the CEO Excellence program, receiving the Claro Award for Technology in recognition of her contributions to the field, and participating in women-in-tech conferences to inspire and connect with other professionals. She has also judged industry competitions, where she had the honour of evaluating innovative projects. “Each of these experiences has been incredibly rewarding,” she says. “They’ve allowed me to grow, give back to the community, and engage with talented peers.”
Her passion for STEM education also shines through in her involvement with organizations that encourage young students to pursue technology, ensuring that future generations benefit from her expertise and advocacy.
Overcoming challenges
No success story is complete without its share of challenges, and Shruti’s is no exception. Early in her career, she grappled with imposter syndrome, a common struggle in high-achieving professionals. “Learning to trust my abilities and own my accomplishments was a real victory,” she admits.
The transition to balancing her career with motherhood has been equally demanding. “Being a new mom to a toddler while managing work can be overwhelming, especially without domestic help here in the U.S.,” she says. Yet, these challenges have only fuelled her determination. “Each hurdle crossed has reinforced my belief in my capabilities and shaped me into a more well-rounded professional.”
Lifelong learning
For Shruti, the quest for knowledge is unending. Her current focus is on deepening her expertise in AI and machine learning, areas she believes will continue to shape the future of technology. Staying ahead in this dynamic field keeps her engaged and motivated. By pushing her boundaries, she hopes to contribute to innovative projects that create a lasting positive impact. “I believe the dedication to lifelong learning will lead to greater achievements and a more fulfilling career journey,” she remarks.
Balancing work and life
A typical day for Shruti is all about multitasking. Her mornings start early, often before her toddler wakes up, allowing her to tackle emails and focus on work. Her work hours aim for a 9-to-5 balance, but deadlines and client needs sometimes stretch her schedule. Evenings are dedicated to family, with dinner, playtime, and bedtime routines taking center stage. Without domestic help, Shruti juggles household chores alongside her professional responsibilities. “It’s a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it,” she says.
Work-life balance, she emphasizes, is a continuous effort. Strategies like task prioritization, setting boundaries, and making time for self-care help her stay grounded. “It’s crucial for my well-being and allows me to be more focused and energized in both my roles,” she reflects.
Finding joy in hobbies
Amid her busy schedule, Shruti carves out time for hobbies that rejuvenate her. Whether it’s reading, walking, painting, or traveling, these activities provide her with a much-needed escape. “I prioritize dedicating a portion of my time to these pursuits. I believe it’s crucial to incorporate activities I enjoy into my routine to prevent burnout and maintain a sustainable pace,” she says. “These moments of personal engagement allow me to reset and return to my work with renewed focus and energy.”
Inspiring the next generation
Shruti Dhumak’s journey is more than a career story; it’s an inspiration for anyone striving to balance ambition with life’s many demands. From overcoming personal challenges to achieving professional milestones, she has proven that resilience and passion can break barriers.
Her advice resonates deeply: “Each challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. It’s not just about the destination—it’s about embracing the journey, learning from the hurdles, and growing every step of the way.”
Insights developed through experience
- Actively shape your own path by voicing your perspectives and advocating for yourself.
- Embrace a bias towards action; progress comes from doing, not procrastinating.
- Respect every opportunity, even those that don’t align perfectly with your goals, as they offer growth and learning.
- Be proactive in seeking challenges and creating opportunities instead of waiting for them to appear.
- Apply this proactive mindset not just to work but to every aspect of life.
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