Navigating a dynamic career path

“I’m somebody who likes to try out new things, so when opportunities present themselves, I stay open to the possibilities,” Uma Veerappan says.

This mindset has led her to traverse various technology stacks, transitioning adeptly from C++ to mastering Java, venturing into DevOps, and eventually steering into roles like release engineering. Alongside these experiences, Uma also gained substantial exposure to cloud technologies, further enriching her skill set. Her career zigzagged across borders, from India to Singapore and back, embracing each change as a stepping stone

The amalgamation of experiences has shaped Uma into a seasoned engineering manager at Autodesk who leads with determination and grit. We sat down with Uma to hear more about her dynamic career path and how it’s shaped her leadership style today.

Unveiling new horizons: Uma's trailblazing journey

Uma's career has been a mosaic of ‘yes' moments, each unveiling a new realm of possibilities. Embarking on her professional voyage as a developer in an innovative startup in India, Uma's appetite for new challenges led her to seize an enticing opportunity in Singapore. Here, her willingness to embrace diverse technology stacks positioned her as a true polyglot in the industry.

“Trying out new technology stacks always intrigued me,” Uma remarks. “It led me to DevOps in a significant finance-based organization, and further I started developing expertise in cloud technologies.”

With an ever-expanding repertoire of skills, Uma found doors opening wider, leading her to Autodesk, a company she admired for its employee-centric ethos.

“At Autodesk, the culture resonated deeply with me. It's a place where people truly matter," Uma reflects. “Joining the team here felt like the perfect next step in my journey.”

At Autodesk, Uma found not just professional growth, but also a shift towards a more holistic approach to leadership and teamwork.

“I learned the essence of team care and support, understanding the importance of fostering a nurturing environment," she shares warmly. "There are wonderful, strong leaders here at Autodesk, and they’ve really formed me into who I am today. Leadership has created a safe space to offer feedback and to be a part of decision-making. As a woman, that’s made a big difference for me.”

For Uma, Autodesk isn’t just a workplace; it's a nurturing ground for growth, empowerment, and the continuous evolution of her skills and leadership capabilities.

A journey of evolution and leadership

During her tenure at Autodesk in Singapore, Uma had the opportunity to be a working scrum master, managing a scrum team and dipping her toes in leadership.

“When I made the decision to return to Bangalore, India, I knew I was ready to step into a managerial role,” Uma recalls. “Autodesk's prior experience of leading a scrum team gave me a solid foundation and confidence for this shift.”

Initially, joining a startup due to the limited engineering presence of Autodesk in Bangalore, Uma found a natural fit. However, when Autodesk began to expand its engineering horizons in Bangalore, Uma’s decision to rejoin as engineering manager was instinctive.

“This place was where I truly flourished and learned extensively,” Uma reflects on her motivation to return to Autodesk.

Now an engineering manager at Autodesk, Uma is able to piece together her diverse experiences to lead her team with grit and determination.

“Since I always volunteered when new opportunities came up, right now, as an engineering manager, I can see all of that play well together,” Uma says. “I’m at a spot where I feel like I’ve gone through the complete cycle and I understand more. I can visualize what my team is going through and connect with them. It’s made me a well-rounded manager.”

Finding her voice

“In my formative years, voicing contrary opinions was considered unconventional” Uma shares, delving into the cultural fabric she grew up in. However, she refused to let this hinder her voice. Through persistence and a continuous learning curve, Uma uncovered the strength in her contributions.

“It was a journey of practice, a journey I'm still on,” Uma admits with a chuckle. “Now, as a manager, I see reflections of my past experiences in many of my female colleagues. I strive to empower them, recognizing their incredible ideas. It's about honing that art of speaking up — an art that demands practice and nurturing."

3 tips for transitioning from IC to manager

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a managerial role can be challenging, and Uma offers some valuable advice:

1. Take your time: Shifting from focusing on technology to leading people requires understanding your team first. Prioritizing connecting with your team and setting up processes to enable your team are both critical.

2. Seek mentorship: Having a mentor, especially someone who knows you well and understands your work style, can be invaluable. Managers sometimes face moments of uncertainty, and having a mentor to discuss concerns or seek guidance can be reassuring.

3. Keep learning: Continuous learning remains crucial even after moving into management. Embrace new skills and technologies.

Uma emphasizes how these tips facilitated her transition into management, particularly as a woman. “These tips have made me more confident in my abilities. I now find joy in supporting other women who might need guidance in their journey.”