Karishma Chandnani is a BITS Pilani (Dubai, ’14), graduate in BE computer Science Karishma is a Senior Software Development Engineer at Esri's Sharjah R&D Centre. She specializes in data management architectures and image processing algorithms for remote sensing. Her academic background at BITS Pilani, coupled with mentorship from faculty like Dr. Vijayakumar, solidified her passion for software engineering. Beyond her technical skills, Karishma is actively involved in community engagement and fostering a positive work environment. Her career journey exemplifies a combination of technical excellence, community involvement, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

How did BITS Pilani shape your devotion to software engineering and inspire you to pursue it after graduation? Mention any faculty member/ members who have had a significant impact on your career development.

BITS Pilani played a pivotal role in igniting my passion for software development. The rigorous academic environment, combined with the freedom to explore and innovate through individual projects, nurtured my curiosity, and deepened my understanding of the field. One of the most formative experiences was my internship at ESRI Sharjah during the PS2 program. This opportunity provided me with hands-on experience in real software development, where I was able to see the tangible results of my work in the form of new features added to ESRI's products. Witnessing the real-world applications of these features was incredibly fulfilling and solidified my desire to pursue a career in this field. I am immensely grateful to BITS for providing me with this opportunity. A faculty member who had a significant impact on my career development was Dr. Vijayakumar. He taught Data Structures and Algorithms, a vital course for building a strong foundation in software engineering. Dr. Vijayakumar not only emphasized the importance of mastering core concepts but also encouraged us to think critically, which has been invaluable in my professional journey.

Tell us about what you do at Esri.

I am a Senior Software Development Engineer at the Esri Sharjah R&D Centre on the Imagery and Remote Sensing team. My role involves developing the data management architecture for imagery within our software, as well as implementing advanced image processing algorithms. A key aspect of my job requires researching remote sensing imagery concepts and staying at the forefront of new technologies, including deep learning and generative AI, to adapt and support their integration into our solutions.

Could you share a memorable project or research experience you have undertaken at BITS? What values have you learned through this experience, and how have these qualities shaped you?

While at BITS, one of the most memorable projects I worked on was the "Musical Staircase" for TechnoFest. As a member of a team of four, I was involved in idea generation, design, implementation, and testing of the working model. Our hard work paid off when we won in the Working Model category at TechnoFest, which was a proud moment for our team. We also had the opportunity to present this at the Microsoft Community Days tech seminar.

One of the key lessons from this experience was the importance of teamwork. Success in this project depended heavily on effective collaboration and communication with my teammates. We had to align our efforts, share ideas openly, and support each other to bring the project to fruition.

Teamwork is a fundamental pillar of software development, requiring various individuals—including UX designers, software developers, QA engineers, and documentation specialists—to work together seamlessly. This project equipped me to work well in a team and reinforced my understanding that persistence and collaboration are crucial to achieving long-term goals.

Can you discuss any extracurricular activities or organizations you have participated in at the University? How did the experience enhance your values and skills, and how have they helped you at Esri?

I was a part of the ACM and the Microsoft .NET Club at BITS Pilani. We organized and participated in various workshops where we learned about the latest technologies, software development practices, and problem-solving techniques. Being involved in these clubs not only enhanced my technical skills and deepened my understanding of software development but also provided a strong sense of belonging. These clubs offered a space to connect with like-minded individuals and gave me something to look forward to beyond the daily academic schedule.

Drawing from these experiences, I took the initiative at Esri to bring together colleagues for monthly activities. Whether organizing a small office treasure hunt, hosting trick-or-treat sessions for Halloween, or setting up fitness challenges, these events fostered a sense of community and provided a refreshing break from our regular work routines. These sessions were welcomed with enthusiasm, and now my colleagues eagerly look forward to the next monthly activity.

I was also a Microsoft Student Partner, which allowed me to visit the Microsoft UAE campus multiple times for various workshops on Microsoft technologies. This experience was incredibly inspiring for the budding software developer in me, fuelling my desire to build things on my own through personal projects. The exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the chance to interact with industry professionals motivated me to push my boundaries and continuously improve my skills. The skills and values I developed at BITS have been incredibly beneficial in my career at Esri, enabling me to contribute effectively to my team and take on challenging projects with confidence.

Handling multiple responsibilities tends to take a toll on a person. What do you do apart from taxing work to de-stress? Mention any volunteering work undertaken in your leisure time.

Handling multiple responsibilities can indeed be challenging, so I make it a point to engage in activities that help me unwind. I enjoy reading fiction, which allows me to explore different worlds and perspectives, providing a much-needed mental break. I also practice yoga regularly, as it is a great way to destress and bring calmness to both the body and mind. Additionally, I love spending time with my pet dog; it is one of the most rewarding parts of my day.

In terms of volunteering, I walk dogs at a local shelter and sponsor rescue dogs, which gives me a sense of purpose and joy. I am also an active volunteer with a non-profit organization, the Science of Spirituality, Dubai chapter. We conduct free workshops on meditation, organize blood donation drives, distribute food to delivery drivers, and engage in various community service activities. These efforts help me stay grounded and contribute positively to the community.

What advice would you give current engineering students at BITS Pilani to make the most of their time there?

My four years at BITS were some of the best years of my life, filled with both learning and unforgettable moments with friends. My advice to the current students at BITS would be to thoroughly enjoy your time as students while also focusing on continuous learning, both inside and outside the classroom. This includes actively participating in projects, as they will help you apply theoretical knowledge in a practical setting and make you stand out in the job market as a fresh graduate.

Additionally, I recommend pursuing certifications in areas that interest you and could be valuable later in your career. These certifications can provide specialized skills that set you apart from others.

BITS students have a unique advantage through the Practice School program, which offers real-life experience in the corporate world. I strongly encourage students to take their internships seriously and give their best effort, as these opportunities can be stepping stones to their future careers. In many cases, including my own, companies tend to absorb the talent they identify during internships.

Networking is another crucial aspect of your time at BITS. The connections you make with your peers and seniors, whether in college or during internships, can become valuable contacts in your future career.