Vishal Chaklala is a BITS Pilani (Hyderabad,’20) graduate in BE computer science. He is a multi-talented alumnus, his journey from Physics and Computer Science to cybersecurity and data analytics has been extremely fascinating. With a penchant for gaming, philosophy, and exploring new technologies, Vishal shares invaluable insights into career growth, the importance of interdisciplinary skills, and the ever-evolving world of AI and cybersecurity.

How did you end up at BITS Pilani, and what influenced your choice to pursue dual degrees?

My journey to BITS Pilani was somewhat coincidental. I was fully focused on preparing for the JEE exams to attend an IIT or NIT. A friend suggested that I apply to BITS Pilani, and I thought, why not? I took the BITSAT and scored around 298, which eventually became 306. Initially, I had other options, like NIT Raipur or IISER Kolkata, but after consulting with a BITSian from my city, I decided on BITS Hyderabad. The possibility of choosing my stream after the first year based on GPA further convinced me to opt for the dual degree program.

 You have worked in multiple domains like full-stack development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. How did you balance it all while pursuing a dual degree?

It was not easy! With close to eight hours of classes every day, alternating between Physics and Computer Science, it became essential to manage my time wisely. Though I was not very regular in classes, I made sure to grasp the core concepts and used friends’ notes to catch up. Physics came naturally to me, so I focused more on self-learning. As for coding, I dove into full-stack development during my first summer break, learned HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, and later enhanced my programming skills during internships.

What drew you to cybersecurity, and how can freshers explore it as a career path?

 Cybersecurity intrigued me because of its precision and the challenges it presents. The first step is understanding how applications work—if you do not know how something like Google Meet operates, you cannot hack into it! Cybersecurity is about protecting systems by first understanding how to break them. A good starting point would be web security, learning about vulnerabilities like SQL injection or XSS, and practicing ethical hacking through platforms designed for that purpose. Additionally, penetration testing, and red team testing are great ways to deepen your knowledge.

How do you see AI impacting jobs, and will people lose jobs because of AI?

AI is definitely a buzzword, but it’s going to bring significant changes. However, it is not about AI taking jobs; it is about enhancing them. For example, at PayPal, we are exploring ways to summarize customer calls using AI, making it easier for people to understand what transpired at a glance. While some manual tasks will be automated, much like during the Industrial Revolution, AI will create new roles. People might shift from manual work to overseeing and improving AI systems. In essence, AI will enhance productivity but not replace the human element in decision-making.

Given your experience in data analytics, what is the difference between data science and data analytics?

Data analytics and data science are often used interchangeably, but they are quite different. Data analytics involves deriving insights from structured data—like identifying trends from sales data, which requires a strong understanding of business. Data science, on the other hand, is about solving unstructured problems using machine learning models, like predicting when a customer will make a payment. The distinction lies in the approach: data analytics is more business-focused, while data science deals with statistical models and machine learning algorithms.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to build a career in data analytics?

Start by mastering SQL, Python (particularly libraries like NumPy and Pandas), and Excel. These are essential tools for any data analyst. While experience plays a significant role in understanding business logic, freshers can focus on honing their problem-solving skills. Learn how to extract insights from raw data and communicate those findings effectively. Having a basic knowledge of finance and business operations can also give you an edge, as data analysts often work closely with business teams to make strategic decisions.

You seem to be quite the gamer and a reader. How do you maintain your work-life balance?

Finding time is key, especially if you have varied interests like I do—gaming, reading, and traveling. I believe in managing work so that it does not manage you. Working from home gives me the flexibility to pursue my hobbies, but even when I was at Flipkart, I managed to strike a balance by optimizing my office timings. For example, I would arrive early to avoid traffic and leave early to make time for other activities. It is important to prioritize your interests, whether they are fitness, gaming, or reading, and fit them into your schedule.

What are your favorite games and books?

Lately, I have been playing Horizon Forbidden West, revisiting Dark Souls in preparation for the Elden Ring DLC, and indulging in classic racing games like Need for Speed. I also play Overwatch 2 for the thrill and stress (it is a love-hate relationship). On the book front, I am reading The Intelligent Investor and Basic Economics. I am also a big fan of Agatha Christie’s novels, particularly Hercule Poirot—his analytical approach to solving mysteries has greatly influenced my problem-solving mindset.

How important is networking, and how has it influenced your career growth?

I used to be a big introvert, but that changed when I started interning at Flipkart. I realized that bringing people together, even from different backgrounds, helped me break out of my shell. Networking is not just about making connections; it is about understanding diverse perspectives, which is invaluable in any career. Whether it is discussing job roles with someone on LinkedIn or making friends during internships, networking has opened doors for me and shaped the way I approach problem-solving in my professional life.