Preplaced Exclusive: Career Story of Mentor Krunalkumar Shah

Meet Krunalkumar Shah, a remarkable mentor and tech enthusiast who is ready to guide you on your journey into the world of technology and security. 

As an independent consultant, Krunalkumar has collaborated with various Tech/EdTech industries, showcasing his expertise in Python Full Stack Development and Cybersecurity along with mentoring.

He has published a research paper on "Security Against Fork Bomb Attack in Linux-Based Systems" in the esteemed International Journal of Research and Advent Technology (IJRAT) page no. 125-128, volume 7.

He received a silver medal from Shantilal Shah Government Engineering College and IPCL for his exceptional work, and his paper was even nominated for the best paper award by the International Association of Engineers (IAENG), a conference held in Hong Kong.

Aside from his academic achievements, Krunalkumar's love for sharing knowledge has taken him across the globe, teaching students from the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond.

1. Can you share your career journey and how you got to where you are today?

I completed my bachelor's degree in Engineering from a private state college and pursued a master's degree in Information Security.

I also published an award-winning research paper while doing my master's.

This marked a turning point in my career, as I started gaining recognition and opened doors for new opportunities.

I'll always remember my first mentoring session, where I earned $6 per hour. It might not seem much but it is an important milestone for me.

I then joined a company called Chegg, a US-based organisation where my role involved guiding students in various programming languages and network and information security.

During this time, I was also upskilling myself by completing many certification courses on platforms like Coursera.

I had the privilege of interacting with CEOs and stakeholders from different companies through this platform and over LinkedIn.

One of the stakeholders was impressed with my skills and offered me a position as a Developer and Cybersecurity Expert in her company based in France more specifically Guadeloupe.

This was a great opportunity for me, and I eagerly accepted the offer.

After that, I worked as a mentor at Code Mentor located in Taiwan, where I helped individuals with diverse topics such as Python, Linux, Cybersecurity, Scripting, etc.

Overall, my career journey has been a combination of seizing opportunities, continuous learning, and helping others through mentorship. These experiences have played a vital role in shaping me into the professional I am today.

2. What have been some of the most significant challenges you've faced in your career, and how did you overcome them?

I've encountered several significant challenges in my career, especially working in the ed-tech sector.

One of the most prominent hurdles I faced was effectively communicating with stakeholders, particularly those without a technical background.

It was important to avoid using complex technical jargon and find a way to bridge the gap between the technical aspects and their understanding.

To overcome this barrier, I adopted the principle of 'KISS,' which stands for 'Keep It Simple and Short.'

I realised that simplifying my communication was essential in helping people with non-technical backgrounds grasp the concepts easily.

By breaking down complex ideas into easy terms, I was able to convey information and ensure clarity.

I made a conscious effort to use plain language, provide relatable examples, and focus on the most important points.

This approach helped me establish better connections with stakeholders, enabling more productive and meaningful discussions.

Furthermore, I actively sought feedback from them to ensure that the information I was delivering resonated with them.

3. What advice would you give to someone just starting their career in your field?

If someone is starting their career in IT, my advice would be not to get overwhelmed with the amount of information out there.

It's important to remember that no one knows everything. Instead, narrow down your goals and focus on what you want to achieve.

Convert your long-term goals into manageable short-term goals, and then work towards accomplishing them.

Taking it step by step will help you make progress and build a solid foundation for your career.

4. How have you continued to develop and grow in your career?

Every company has its own unique set of execution tools that define the boundaries of what I can do within that organisation.

However, I have consciously chosen to take on a mentoring role, which allows me to interact with a diverse group of individuals.

By engaging with my mentees daily, I gain valuable insights and perspectives that go beyond the limitations imposed by specific tools or processes.

Through mentoring, I not only impart knowledge but also learn a great deal myself.

I often encounter challenging questions that require extensive research, pushing me to expand my expertise and broaden my understanding.

In my opinion, learning should always be a combination of fun, freedom, and flexibility. Embracing these three "Fs" is the key to effective learning.

By adopting a mindset of continuous learning and sharing knowledge through mentoring, I have been able to steadily progress in my career.

It keeps me motivated and ensures that I am constantly evolving both personally and professionally.

5. Can you share a particularly memorable or rewarding experience from your career?

I had a mentee from California who was pursuing a Master's degree in Economics and approached me for assistance in developing a hypothesis.

Now, I must admit that I was hesitant given that my background isn't in economics. However, because she reached out to me, I didn't want to turn her away. So, I decided to give it a shot and support her with her research proposal.

After she delivered her presentation, she immediately reached out to me sharing the amazing news that she had received a perfect score of 300 out of 300!

The hypothesis we developed together turned out to be entirely correct, leaving her professors impressed.

This experience taught me a valuable lesson as a mentor – by engaging with mentees, understanding their challenges, and simplifying complex concepts, I can truly motivate and assist them in achieving great success.

6. What is the best advice you’d like to give your mentees?

Don't stress about trying to remember every single detail. The IT industry is a dynamic and ever-changing field.

The technologies we have today might become outdated tomorrow. Instead of wasting your energy on memorisation, focus on truly understanding the tools and concepts.

You see, it's important to grasp the underlying principles and mechanisms behind the technologies you work with.

This way, even if specific tools become obsolete, you'll have a solid foundation to adapt and learn new ones effortlessly.

Think of it as building a strong framework of knowledge rather than cramming your brain with facts and figures.

So, my advice to you is: Embrace a learning mindset, stay curious, and don't be afraid to explore new technologies.

7. How do you balance the responsibilities of being a mentor with your own professional commitments and personal life?

I find immense joy in mentoring others and helping them grow. It's often said that if you truly enjoy something, you'll find a way to make time for it.

It's an ongoing process of learning and adapting. However, the rewards of being a mentor and witnessing the growth of others make it all worthwhile for me.

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If you're eager to dive into the world of technology and want a mentor who will guide you every step of the way, connect with Krunalkumar.