Member-only story
Finding Work as a Data Engineer Requires Persistence
By Kavya Narasapura Ramesh
My journey as an international student in the United States has been shaped by ambition, resilience, and constant growth. The dream began during my undergraduate studies, but I chose to first gain industry experience before making the move. I worked for two years as a Data Engineer at Sonata Software, where I built a foundation in data analysis, Azure cloud services, Python, SQL, and dashboard development.
The road to the U.S. was not straightforward. My first visa application was rejected, yet I refused to let that stop me. I applied again, was approved, and arrived at the University of Toledo a week after classes had started. Adjusting to the academic pace, adapting to a new culture, and living far from family demanded independence and focus. These challenges became catalysts for personal and professional growth.
Now, I am in the job search phase. The market is competitive. I have applied to hundreds of positions, received only two interview calls, and faced many rejections. I remain committed to progress. I am studying for the Microsoft PL-300 certification to strengthen my Power BI and DAX skills. I continue developing expertise in data engineering, data analysis, and cloud technologies.
