Software Development Engineer, Divyam Kumar shares his five-year journey from intern to experienced contributor at Swiggy.
In 2019, an excited and enthusiastic Divyam Kumar began his career as an engineering intern with Swiggy. Five years later, he finds himself leading projects and initiatives that positively impact millions of customers. Currently a Software Development Engineer (SDE-II) at Swiggy, he continues to unlock success with the same ‘fresher’ energy. Packed with memorable experiences and lessons, here’s his story.
1. What was your role when you first joined Swiggy and how has that evolved over the years?
I joined Swiggy fresh out of college as a Software Engineering Intern. From working on focused tasks as an intern to now contributing to large-scale projects impacting millions of customers, it has been a rewarding journey by far. As an SDE-II, I currently lead multiple initiatives, mentoring new engineers, and exploring innovative solutions to complex problems – all of it with the same enthusiasm I brought on my first day here!
2. Tell us about your first day at Swiggy.
I remember being excited and nervous in equal measures. But the moment the team welcomed me, I was at ease. The onboarding was smooth, and I was briefed on a project I would be working on. It was thrilling to know that my work would directly impact customers. By the end of day one, I couldn’t wait for more and was ready to dive in!
3. How would you describe your Swiggy journey so far?
It has been nothing short of a transformative journey! I have had the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and solve real-world problems for customers. Each project made me push boundaries and learn from some of the industry’s brightest minds. Swiggy’s dynamic environment has shaped me into a more skilled and confident engineer, and the culture of collaboration and innovation has made every day exciting.
4. What inspired you to join Swiggy?
I was drawn to Swiggy because of the company’s impact on people’s everyday lives and the opportunity to work on large-scale projects. The chance to solve challenging problems in an innovative and energetic environment made Swiggy my top choice. Moreover, Swiggy’s presence in the market as a leading food tech and quick commerce brand reassured me that it was the right place to start my career.
5. And what do you think has played an important role in your decision to stay with Swiggy?
An environment where learning never stops! Swiggy’s culture of experimentation and collaboration has been a major factor in my decision, and every day comes with a new problem statement to overcome. The company’s focus on personal and professional growth has made my time here incredibly fulfilling. The best thing is the camaraderie between teammates with a shared sense of purpose, which has kept me motivated to continue growing here.
6. What would you say has been your best moment at Swiggy?
One of the stand-out moments for me was seeing a feature I worked on go live for the first time! Another moment was being part of the team that solved a major scalability challenge during a high-demand festive season. The adrenaline rush, teamwork, and eventual success of that project made it an experience to remember and cherish!
7. From all that you’ve learned in your time here, are there any lessons that you will carry forward?
For sure! One of the biggest things I’ve learned is the importance of adaptability. In a fast-paced environment like that of Swiggy, one must be open to change and learn new skills. I have also learned the value of collaboration, as great ideas and solutions often come through teamwork. Lastly, staying customer-focused and having a problem-solving mindset taught me how to approach challenges empathetically and efficiently, both in work and in life.
8. Which Swiggy value do you connect with the most?
For me, it’s the Consumer Comes First value. Swiggy’s every decision revolves around creating the best possible customer experience. It’s amazing to know the work I do brings joy and eases the lives of millions. Keeping customers as your focus not only drives innovation but also reminds us of the purpose behind all the effort.
9. And lastly, what would you say to the Day One version of yourself?
I would encourage my Day One version to ask questions and embrace the learning curve. I would tell him to have trust in his abilities, and that every challenge is a way to grow. He must stay curious, stay humble, and never forget to enjoy the process. It’s a long, sustained journey, not a sprint!
