My Journey into Software Engineering
I still remember the moment I took my first step into software development. A blend of curiosity and uncertainty led me to pursue a career in this field. Like me, you might ask yourself: Is Software Engineering my cup of tea? Well, I wasn’t always sure it was mine either. But life has a way of revealing paths when you least expect it.
My journey began in school when I was first introduced to programming. Coding fascinated me, but I also had other interests, like graphic design. Choosing engineering wasn’t solely about passion; industry growth was a huge factor. Software Engineering is one of the fastest-growing fields with endless opportunities, so I took the plunge.
My First Steps as a Developer
Fast forward a few years, and I started at SAFE, a tech startup that gave me the perfect launchpad. Like many fresh graduates, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Cyber Risk Quantification, the core of my work today, was just a concept back then. I joined SAFE as a Technical Trainee in 2020, and over time, my role grew into that of a Software Developer III.
The early stages of my career were filled with opportunities to work across different systems. I quickly realized that software engineering wasn’t just about writing code — it was about crafting solutions, engaging with cross-functional teams, and delivering value to clients. I often found myself in collaboration sessions where we would brainstorm, test ideas, and iteratively improve our systems, a process that refined my technical skills and sharpened my critical thinking.
During my early days, I worked on backend systems. While I had some internship experience, the problems I solved at SAFE helped me grow immensely. It wasn’t just about coding—it was about problem-solving, understanding complex systems, and building solutions that matter. One of the best parts of working here is the team. The people you work with shape your experience, and I’ve been lucky to have a team and leaders who believe in continuous learning and pushing boundaries.
Growing as a Software Developer
As I grew into the role of a Software Developer III, one of the most pivotal projects I took on was building and scaling SAFE's Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) solution. This project was a game-changer for the company, offering enterprises an AI-powered solution to manage their cybersecurity risks. TPRM integrates features like outside-in security ratings, questionnaire-based assessments, and zero-trust principles, providing businesses with a comprehensive view of their third-party ecosystem. One of the key innovations was the ability to prioritize third parties based on business risk and critical controls, helping companies mitigate vulnerabilities proactively. The scalability of this solution, alongside its fixed pricing model, allowed the addition of unlimited vendors without extra costs, making it a standout venture for SAFE. Leading the development of this solution pushed me to tackle challenges like integrating complex APIs, improving system performance, and refining user experience, ultimately making it one of the cornerstone projects in my career.
Overcoming Challenges and Learning Along the Way
One of my most significant achievements so far has been developing an enterprise-level product that does outside-in assessment, a tool that helps assess trust in a zero-trust world. The challenges were many—learning new technologies, improving system performance, integrating complex APIs—but each hurdle taught me more than any classroom ever could. It was the first serverless product that SAFE ever had. Every day was a new learning curve, from optimizing code to improving API response times, which, as I learned, can significantly impact user experience.
At SAFE, we believe in constant evolution, always looking for ways to improve and optimize. This has allowed me to work on a variety of projects that have not only developed my technical skills but also helped me understand the broader business implications of my work.
What Lies Ahead?
As I mark my fourth year as a Software Developer, I’m excited for what’s next. Currently, we’re working on Cyber-risk singularity—a one-stop solution for all cyber risk challenges. A significant focus moving forward is scaling and enhancing the reliability of our outside-in security ratings. These ratings offer a comprehensive, external view of third-party cybersecurity risks, enabling businesses to identify vulnerabilities before they become critical threats. Improving the precision and reliability of these assessments is a key priority for me. SAFE has been instrumental in shaping my skills, and I’m confident that the future holds even more growth opportunities. Every day presents new challenges, and the satisfaction of overcoming them is what keeps me motivated.
Being a software developer is about much more than just coding—it’s about making an impact. It might just be the most rewarding decision you make.