Amrita TIWARI (EPITA Class of 2021): “Keep up with the latest tech to stay ahead”

Amrita Tiwari, a graduate from EPITA Class of 2021, advocates for staying ahead in the tech industry. Hailing from Nepal, she transitioned from freelance web development to EPITA’s software engineering program. Her journey, enriched by cultural exchanges and hands-on projects, propelled her into a successful career as a Frontend Developer. Amrita’s experience highlights EPITA’s blend of academic excellence and real-world applicability, making it a top choice for aspiring tech professionals.

What is your background before you studied at EPITA?

Before attending EPITA, I pursued my education and gained professional experience in the field of computer science. Hailing from Nepal, I lived partly in India and Nepal before moving to France. I pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Applications in Bangalore, India, then worked as a freelance web developer. Later, I opted to do a Master’s in Computer Science at EPITA to advance my education and career.

Why did you choose to study at EPITA?

I chose to study at EPITA because, during my visit to Bangalore, I explored various Grandes Ecoles in France and discovered EPITA, which offered prominent international programs. My interest lies in specializing in software development, and EPITA’s software engineering course aligned perfectly with my aspirations. Additionally, meeting Dr. Rabih HADDAD, the former Director of International Programs at the time, during his visit to Bangalore provided me with further clarity and information about the course, reinforcing my decision to apply.

What courses did you enjoy the most?

I absolutely loved the French classes and our cultural exchange sessions at the start. Being able to chat with classmates from over 40 different countries was incredibly eye-opening. It pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best possible way and helped me connect with people I might never have met otherwise. Those moments of connection were truly special and made those classes stand out for me.

And then there were the software engineering classes, which I found fascinating where we dove deep into technical topics. Mr. Thomas Broussard really brought the subjects to life. The digital marketing course by Mr. Bill Manos was also one of the highlights. It was very interactive, which made learning about such a dynamic field even more engaging.

But beyond the classroom, the Project for Research and Innovation (PRI) was where things really clicked for me. Working with my classmates on a project we were passionate about for nine months was an experience like no other. It wasn’t just about the work; it was about the friendships we formed and the sense of accomplishment we shared.

Exactly how does the Project for Research and Innovation (PRI) help you in your career development?

Throughout the PRI project, I took on the roles of both Project Lead and developer. I had the pleasure of working closely with a diverse team from different backgrounds and specializations. Now, as a front-end developer in my current role, getting along with everyone and fostering teamwork is key. PRI really helped me grasp the ins and outs of project management. It’s like having a crash course on how to make things happen smoothly.

What is your favorite memory from studying at EPITA?

For me, EPITA was more than just a school, it was a melting pot of friendships from around the globe that continue to thrive even today. We shared a multitude of experiences, providing unwavering support to one another in both our professional and personal endeavors.

I lived in one of the EPITA accommodations, where I shared the house with 4 other classmates from different countries. Late-night study sessions, early morning commutes to class, and the rush to finish projects before deadlines, we did it all together, weaving the precious moments. Among my housemates, two were in my specialization. We were a team, tackling assignments and projects with determination and getting things done by helping each other.

The Integration Week at the program’s commencement was a memorable experience. Serving as an effective icebreaker, it provided us with the opportunity to meet our classmates and forge new friendships.

After a year’s classes, what internship have you done?

Following a year of coursework, I embarked on my end-of-studies internship at a startup situated in Station F. I discovered the opportunity through the Station F website, which led me to a position at Semana, where I served as a web developer for six months. When I joined the company, it was in its early days, just starting out and still relatively small. It’s been incredible to witness their growth journey firsthand. I even find myself using Semana’s product in my current job. It’s pretty cool to see how things have come full circle!

After completing my internship, I transitioned to a full-time role at Worldia, a B2B travel company based in Paris.

After the internship, you started looking for a job. How was your job search?

Honestly, it was a bit of a whirlwind. While EPITA gave me a solid foundation, finding the right fit took some time. I went through the entire process with different companies, the interviews, technical tests, everything. But there was always a hiccup with the work visa, and many offers fell through because of it. So, I started being upfront about it from the get-go, which definitely saved me some headaches.

Then, I stumbled upon “Worldia.” It just felt right. They understood what I could bring to the table, and their focus on the travel industry was a perfect match for my interests. Plus, who wouldn’t want to work on organizing dream vacations, right? As a front-end developer there, I felt like I was making a real impact.

After a rewarding couple of years at Worldia, I recently took the leap to join AB Tasty as a Frontend Developer. AB Tasty is a customer experience optimization company, empowering businesses to implement data-driven marketing strategies. I’m excited to see where this new adventure takes me.

Can you please tell us a little more about your job duties?

I was part of one of the two technical teams at Worldia, which were organized based on different business scopes. In my team, there were about 10 members, including back-end developers, front-end developers, and product managers. The product managers were responsible for outlining the features and passing them on to us developers. Then, we would work on developing them.

During my time there, I also had the opportunity to lead the front-end team for code quality. I held this position for almost a year. In this role, I provided the team with guidelines, focused on maintaining clean code practices, and oversaw testing and code implementation.

And in my current role at AB Tasty, I’m part of a feature team that focuses on handling the reporting and analytics aspect of the project. My responsibilities are similar to those I had before as a Frontend developer in the team.

How is the culture of your company?

Well, let me share my journey during the two years I spent at Worldia as it holds particular significance. At Worldia, it was all about personal growth. We were encouraged to explore different areas and roles that caught our interest. Whether you were a seasoned pro or just starting out, there was always space to learn and take on new projects. This aspect was particularly valuable for me as a recent graduate stepping into the professional world.

This job marked my first official step into the professional realm. While I had done some freelancing before, it was nothing like the teamwork and collaboration I experienced there. Having the opportunity to grow and develop from the get-go meant a lot to me.

English was the main language spoken in our office, given our international presence with an office in Berlin. That meant our meetings and documents were all in English. While some colleagues weren’t fluent in French, I made an effort to communicate with everyone in Paris in French. They were incredibly supportive, and it was fantastic for improving both my technical skills and everyday French conversation.

What advice would you give to students looking to get into your industry?

EPITA has provided me with a strong groundwork in both technical abilities and industry insights. It made a big difference in helping me break into the professional scene. But let’s face it, learning doesn’t stop at graduation. Especially in tech, you’ve gotta be proactive about staying on top of new stuff. Don’t wait for someone to hand it to you on a silver platter; if you’re passionate about something, dive in and soak up all you can.

While you’re in school, don’t just stick to the textbooks and lectures. Get your hands dirty with projects, collaborate with your classmates, and pick your professors’ brains. Trust me, those real-world experiences are the ones that’ll stick with you.

And once you’re out there, keep the fire alive. Stay curious, keep learning, and stay plugged into what’s happening in the industry. It’s the secret sauce that’ll keep you ahead of the game as you navigate your career path.

Would you recommend EPITA to other students?

Absolutely! If you’re interested in one of EPITA’s specializations, I highly recommend it. The school offers a fantastic blend of cultural exchange, technical expertise, and valuable industry experience. Plus, the support from professors whenever you have questions is a huge bonus.