A Day in the Life of a Senior Software Engineer at Gojek

Ever wondered what it's like to be in the shoes of a Senior Software Engineer? 🤔

Well, you're in for a treat! 

Join me as we take a stroll through a typical day in the world of coding and problem-solving. 

From morning stand-ups that jump-start the action to afternoon focus sessions that power through challenges, you're about to get a sneak peek into the rhythm of a software engineer's day.

But wait, there's more! 👀

Stick around until the end because I've got some valuable tips to share – insights that have guided me and can help you kickstart your own journey in this amazing field. 💪

So, let’s get started! 

⏳ 10:00 AM - Stand Up and Collaborate 

I kickstart my day at 10 AM with a stand-up call. 

We discuss who's working on what, share updates, and tackle any roadblocks that might be in our way. 

It's a great way to sync up with my colleagues and start the day on the same page. 

These meetings usually run for about 15-20 minutes, but their impact lasts much longer. 

Since I'm part of multiple stand-ups, I prioritise joining the ones where my assistance can make a difference. 

If I miss any meetings, I catch up by reading through the meeting notes to stay in the loop.

⏳ 12:00 PM - Review and Planning 

Following the stand-up, I dive into the details of code reviews and discussions. 

Spending around 35-40 minutes, I carefully review my peers' code as requested, providing feedback to ensure the quality and efficiency of our work. 

Afterwards, I engage in planning calls. 

These could be leadership calls, strategising our next moves, or with the product team, mapping out the features we're gearing up to develop. 

These one-on-one meetings take place like this:

On a biweekly basis:

• With my manager 
• With my L1s/L2s

On a monthly basis:

• With my skip manager

These insightful conversations set the direction for our projects.

Since I specialise in tooling and automation, we create different tools which will be used across multiple product teams. 

During the leadership discussions, we explore ways to enhance these tools and assess their impact. 

If I don't have any calls lined up, I use this time to focus on my ongoing tasks.

⏳ 2:00 PM - Time to Refuel 

Lunchtime rolls around, providing a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle. 

I step away from my desk and take a breather. 

It's a chance to refuel not only with a satisfying meal but also with a mental reset. 

This midday pause allows me to disconnect for a while, clear my thoughts, and come back to my tasks with a fresh perspective. 

⏳ 2:30 PM - Afternoon Productivity Surge 

Post-lunch, I'm back in action. 

Between 2:30 and 4:30 PM, I immerse myself in my tasks. 

To ensure uninterrupted focus, I reserve this slot on my calendar. 

I minimise distractions and limit my Slack checks. 

Also, it's crucial to have a clear purpose when it comes to meetings. 

If I'm uncertain about the objective, I don't hesitate to ask for clarification. 

This approach prevents time wastage and ensures that every interaction adds value. 

While attending all meetings is essential, setting boundaries helps prevent burnout and maximises output.

⏳ 4:30 PM - Team Synchronisation 

Around this time, I participate in focused group discussions that last for 30 minutes. 

These groups are specialised teams that cater to different aspects of our projects, like front-end and back-end development. 

We brainstorm solutions and exchange ideas to optimise our processes further. Some effort also goes into orchestrating bug-bash (if there are any major releases).

It's a collaborative effort that enriches our projects. 

These sessions strengthen communication, align our efforts, and ensure we're all moving in the right direction.

Apart from all the above, some time also goes into hiring/recruiting for the engineering team.

⏳ 6:00 PM - Wrapping Up and Reflection 

By 6 PM, it's time to wrap up my work for the day. 

But before I sign off, I document essential points in a Google Doc taken during meetings. 

These notes serve as a compass, guiding me as I prioritise tasks and allocate my bandwidth accordingly. 

Reflecting on these notes, I gain a clear perspective on the progress we've made and the challenges we've addressed. 

This practice aids in setting achievable goals and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

A Few Important Tips for Aspiring Developers

🌟 Be Curious and Inquisitive 

First and foremost, have an insatiable curiosity and don't shy away from asking questions. 

Delve into the "whys" behind decisions – understand the reasons for choosing a specific approach over another. 

🌟 Connect Development to Business 

Bridge the gap between development and the business realm. 

For instance, if you're crafting a product, grasp how it impacts the bottom line and serves customers. 

Understand the buyer's journey, and how it enhances their lives, and simplifies their experiences. 

Understand user pain points and needs at their core.

🌟 Embrace Exploration 

My next piece of advice is to understand what works out for you. 

Don't be afraid to dabble in different domains. 

While specialising is common advice, exploring various areas helps you find your niche. 

Experiment with tools and technologies, and remain open to diverse opportunities. 

If you're assigned to a new team, welcome it – it provides fresh perspectives and accelerates your learning curve. 

🌟 Mentorship Matters 

Having a mentor who guides you and with whom you can engage in candid discussions is invaluable. 

My mentor’s guidance has been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory and enhancing my skill set. 

They've provided me with invaluable advice on technical challenges, career decisions, and personal growth.

Now, armed with the knowledge and support I've gained, I'm paying it forward by offering 1:1 mentorship to aspiring professionals. 

Sharing my experiences, offering guidance, and helping them overcome obstacles bring a sense of fulfilment that goes beyond personal achievements. 

It's a two-way street where both of us learn and grow. 

By helping others, I'm not only giving back, but I'm also learning more about myself.

Click Here to Connect with me on a FREE 1:1 Call

🌟 Document Your Journey 

Record your learnings and failures. 

This helps you replicate wins and avoid mistakes. 

This practice proves especially handy in behavioural interviews, where you can draw from real-life scenarios to navigate questions like “Tell me about a time when you had a disagreement with your coworker, how did you handle it?"

If you have your learnings documented, it is much easier to recall and work out a situation for that.

🌟 Stay Informed and Engaged 

Stay connected and updated by subscribing to newsletters or important tech publications.

Capture key takeaways and phrases and add them to your to-do list so that you can come back to those later.

🌟 Practice Makes Perfect 

The best way to learn is by getting your hands dirty. 

Dive into hands-on projects to apply theoretical knowledge, refine your skills, and build a solid portfolio. 

Creating tangible outputs not only deepens your understanding but also showcases your capabilities.

To sum it up

And that’s a wrap to what my day-to-day life as a Senior Software Engineer in Test at Gojek looks like.

Through collaboration, exploration, and dedicated mentorship, I've found my footing in this dynamic field. Each moment has been a step in my growth. 🌱

These meaningful interactions make each day a unique and rewarding chapter in my life as a Senior Software Engineer. 🌟

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Also Read:

A Day in the Life of a Computer Scientist at Adobe

A Day in the Life of a Full Stack Developer at Amazon