From Classroom to Code: Vinay’s Journey at Workday

During my final year of college, as I prepared for job placements, I had a unique experience with Workday that left a lasting impression. While other companies visited campus with the usual tech talks and flashy presentations, Workday focused on their core values and innovation. They emphasized the kind of work environment they offer and how they prioritize people as much as they prioritize performance. It made a big impact on me. I wanted to join a company that valued not only the results but also the methods and principles behind them.

The recruitment process was different too. Workday was the only company that invited us to the office for our interview rounds. It gave me a glimpse of what life there would look like — the culture, the collaboration, and the people. That office visit played a significant role in my decision to join.

After being selected for the internship, I was introduced to my team and given some initial resources to get started like Trailhead, which is Salesforce’s free online learning platform. I was assigned a mentor who helped me through the learning curve, and from the beginning, I felt very supported. My team gave me the right balance of autonomy and support, allowing me to kick off my first project with ease.

First Project and the Shift to New Tech

My first project involved migrating part of the customer center portal from Visualforce to Lightning Web Runtime. This wasn’t just a simple task. Visualforce, which has been around for a while in Salesforce, is gradually being phased out for newer tech, and Lightning is where things are heading. The shift to Lightning is significant because it offers faster load times and a much better user experience.

My manager noticed my strong programming skills and eagerness to learn about Salesforce, so I was given the opportunity to be a part of this project. I worked with an amazing project lead and mentors who taught me how to write reusable code, how to avoid multiple “for” loops, and how to apply object-oriented programming principles.

Working on this project gave me a deeper understanding of programming fundamentals. My existing coding experience provided a solid foundation, but this opportunity elevated my skills to a new level. I was able to see how theory is applied in real-world scenarios. I also learned valuable problem-solving insights from experienced Workmates. Thanks to this experience, I was able to make significant contributions early on in my time here. Not to mention being fully-immersed into a project allowed me to strengthen my cross-functional communication skills.

Finding the Right Balance in Communication and Navigating Professional Boundaries

When I first started at Workday, I approached communication the way I thought was expected — formal emails, scheduled meetings, and a structured style. However, it didn’t take long to realize that most of the team preferred quick, real-time exchanges. Instant messaging, for example, was far more effective for getting updates or solving issues on the spot. I had to adapt quickly, and doing so not only made communication smoother but also helped foster a stronger team dynamic. It was a shift from my comfort zone, but proved to be more efficient.

Early in my career, I learned the importance of finding the right balance in building relationships with senior colleagues. I initially assumed that being very open and sharing a lot about myself would accelerate rapport, but I soon realized that a more measured approach is often better in a professional environment. It’s important to be friendly and approachable, but also to strike the right balance and avoid oversharing. I’ve also become more aware of how cultural differences can influence communication styles, and I’m learning to adapt my approach accordingly. It’s an ongoing process, but I’m developing a better understanding of how to navigate these dynamics effectively.

Adapting, Learning, and Growing

• Be confident in what you don’t know: A key thing I’ve learned early in my career is the importance of self confidence and being open to learning. It’s easy to feel unsure of yourself as a newcomer, worrying that you’ll be judged for every mistake, but I realized that no one expects you to know everything from the start. Asking questions and seeking feedback is not just okay — it’s encouraged.
• Establish a growth mindset: Having a hunger to learn is another important lesson. Just landing a good job doesn’t mean you’re set. Technology moves fast, and you have to keep up with innovation. At Workday, there are plenty of structured learning opportunities, and I make sure to take full advantage of them. Having a growth mindset is critical to accelerate your career.
• Seek mentorship: Finding a good mentor has been invaluable. My mentor doesn’t just highlight areas for improvement; we work together on how to address them. In our monthly meetings, we identify areas of opportunity and define clear actions. In the next meeting, we review the actions I took. This feedback loop has helped me improve consistently, both technically and in my overall approach to work.

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