Navigating the Journey as a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Architect
Written on
Chapter 1: Introduction to My Journey
Allow me to introduce myself: I’m Sharmila, a 27-year-old software engineer at Microsoft, currently working as a Cloud Solution Architect. In 2021, after spending six years in the workforce, I embarked on my journey with Microsoft. In this post, I will share valuable lessons that I wish I had known earlier in my career—insights drawn from my experiences and beliefs that I hope you find beneficial.
- Taking Action is Key to Gaining Experience
While experience is beneficial, you don’t need to be an expert to begin making progress. Many people mistakenly believe that they must have extensive knowledge before they can take action. Don’t allow fear of mistakes or lack of complete understanding to hinder you. Take initiative, seek help, and put in effort; I am confident you will find a way to succeed.
People often focus solely on their goals, but it's important to appreciate the journey itself. Goals may be finite, but the learning process is endless.
- Perfect English is Not a Requirement
This point is an extension of the previous lesson, but it's significant enough to stand on its own. You don’t need to speak English flawlessly or like a native speaker. Colleagues will rarely notice your grammatical mistakes. While I encourage you to improve your language skills if possible, don’t let the fear of imperfection stop you from pursuing opportunities.
- No One is Above Others at FAANG Companies
The tech giants known as FAANG—Facebook, Microsoft, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Alphabet (Google)—may seem intimidating. When I first joined Microsoft, I worried about fitting in with my peers. However, I soon realized that everyone at these companies is just a regular person, knowledgeable in some areas and not in others. While I made great connections at Microsoft, I also formed valuable friendships at previous workplaces.
Ultimately, everyone has something to teach and learn from one another. No one is superior or inferior; we all have our strengths and weaknesses. The key is to foster a culture of knowledge sharing.
- You Can't Achieve Everything at Once
I often grapple with the pressure to complete every task immediately, whether it’s a research paper, a narrative, or specifications. However, prioritizing often means leaving some things undone. I learned to value other aspects of life, like sleep, self-care, creativity, and relationships. After reflection, I chose not to sacrifice my well-being for work.
Life encompasses more than just professional obligations, and I must establish boundaries to allow time for everything that matters.
- It's Not Always Personal
We often assume that our successes or failures are solely tied to our personal performance. This year, I discovered that decisions not going my way can be unrelated to my abilities. This realization is crucial as it allows me to approach challenges with a calm mindset. Often, these decisions stem from methods or objectives beyond my control.
- Prioritize Your Health
Spending long hours in front of a computer can lead to severe back problems if poor posture is maintained over time. Invest in ergonomic furniture and remember to take breaks, hydrate, and exercise. I used to disregard this advice, but as I age, I realize the repercussions of neglecting my health.
- Listen More, Speak Less
The most significant lesson I've learned is to absorb knowledge from others. I often remind myself to "be quiet and listen." There's always someone present who knows more than you do, even if they don't openly share it. Stay open to feedback, engage with others, and allow them to challenge your perspectives.
- Embrace Creative Thinking
As an architect, it's crucial to connect the development team with the business side. To excel, you should deeply understand both the company and the product. This knowledge enables you to make informed decisions that consider both technical and business aspects. Ultimately, many choices involve balancing risks with potential rewards.
Stay tuned for more insights, and feel free to share your thoughts if you enjoyed this article!
Chapter 2: Insights from My Role
In this video, "Exploring the Role of a Microsoft Cloud Solutions Architect," I delve into the various responsibilities and experiences that define my role at Microsoft.
In the video titled "What Do I Do as a Cloud Solution Architect (CSAs) At Microsoft?", I provide a closer look at my daily tasks and the impact of my work.