Coding My Way From India to Wall Street

I was born and raised in Kolkata, India—a city that shaped my curiosity, drive, and ambition. From an early age, I dreamed of studying computer science in the heart of New York City. That dream came true when I was accepted into Pace University’s MS in Computer Science program, supported by a merit-based scholarship that recognized both my industry experience as a software engineer and my portfolio of national and international research publications.

At 25, I began my journey at Pace, stepping into a fast-paced and ambitious academic environment on Pace’s New York City Campus. There, I was taught by some of the finest professors in the country.

But the journey was far from easy.

At one point, I wanted to drop out. I faced immense adversity, including a months-long hospitalization. Yet I refused to give up. Drawing strength from within and encouragement from faculty, I pushed forward. One of my professors told me, “You’re already in the top 20 percent. Now step out of your comfort zone and get into the top 5 percent.” That line stayed with me.

Against the odds, I graduated early, completing my degree in May 2023.

I credit my success to thorough preparation, guidance from multiple professors, and support from Pace’s Career Services.

Immediately after graduating, I began an internship at a multimillion-dollar tech firm. But I was hungry for more. In 2024, I secured a senior software engineer role at Wells Fargo—one of the largest and most prestigious financial institutions in the United States, consistently ranked among the top banking firms by Forbes. The company serves one in three U.S. households and more than 10 percent of small businesses, with operations spanning banking, investment, and technology.

At just 27, I became the youngest senior software engineer on a major federal project within Wells Fargo. During my interview, I was told I stood out among 12 other experienced candidates. They were surprised by the depth of my answers, especially given my age. I credit my success to thorough preparation, guidance from multiple professors, and support from Pace’s Career Services.

Fear ends where learning begins.

Beyond academics and career milestones, I also stepped up as a leader. Today, I lead cross-functional teams that include professionals from different nationalities and age groups. Thanks to Pace’s International Buddy Program and its diverse community, I learned how to connect with people from all walks of life. That experience has helped me tremendously in the workplace.

I hope my story inspires aspiring engineers to take the leap. I’ve never been scared of failure, because I’ve always believed: Fear ends where learning begins.