Python, Parenting, and Patients
As I was wrapping up my computer science master’s in 2015, I began searching for my next career move. At the time, I was a new mom, working as a senior data engineer at a healthcare not-for-profit, leading multiple analytics projects focused on medical code management.
I was looking for a niche opportunity to blend my existing work in healthcare with data engineering. Ultimately, I discovered a McKinsey healthcare data engineering position on a job board that seem to strike that perfect blend. I applied, was contacted by a McKinsey tech recruiter, and here I am.
Growth in healthcare and engineering
Since I started as a McKinsey senior data engineer (or analyst), I’ve been promoted to a data-engineering specialist, and now manager. I lead our data engineering and payment innovation team within the firm’s Healthcare practice.
I work extensively with people and play a significant role in the development and deployment of new tools. I work on topics ranging from value-based care to cost effectiveness and unit price normalization.
Combating COVID-19 and saving lives via Python
As a technology lead, a big part of my job is working with partners and stakeholders to understand their analytics needs and identify ways in which we can support them. Once I understand the scope of each project, I work with the rest of the team to architect and identify optimal solutions to shape the technology roadmap. We use Domo, Hive, PySpark, Python, SQL, Tableau, Talend, and others to build tools and products that deliver meaningful insights, and help drive organizational transformation. For example, one of my recent and most meaningful projects was helping to develop COVID-19 capacity modeling on primarily Python. Our solution analyzes hospital bed capacity and medical supply availability across various US states and internationally. It helps our clients better meet critical needs for COVID-19 patients. It’s one of the most impactful projects I’ve done because our analysis is positively impacting people’s lives, right now, as we still fight to get COVID-19 under control.
Giving back to our junior technologists
As a manager, I have the privilege of coaching and mentoring junior technologists on skills that can help them grow as engineers and aspiring tech leaders, such as different programming languages, finding balance, and effectively communicating to a tough stakeholder.
I am happy to give back, as McKinsey has provided me with ample training in data engineering, stakeholder communications, navigating the role of a manager, storylining, and even courses that go beyond the workplace, such as how to be a successful working mother. The level of leadership and tech learning I’ve had at McKinsey is simply unmatched.
Upskilling
Specifically, on the tech front, McKinsey offers access to an array of workshops, certifications (e.g., AWS, Azure, Hadoop, Oracle, Scrum, Spark, etc.), masterclasses, e-learnings (e.g., Udacity, DataCamp, Linux Academy), workshops, etc. to help data engineers upskill. I’ve personally taken our Kedro Bootcamp for Beginner Users, Docker Fundamentals, and Big Data on AWS, among others. Access to such workshops and on-the-job training have broadened my skills in data engineering and leadership. As I deepened my technical expertise and engineered new capabilities for our healthcare solutions, I was recognized with advancement opportunities.
Finding support as a tech leader and mom
People here, including firm partners, are open to positive change and feedback. They’re invested in my growth. They are understanding and genuinely caring. During these unprecedented times, we have been looking out for each other to make sure everyone is alright. I have leaned on McKinsey’s parents’ network to discuss challenges around work/life balance and childcare support.
Outside of work
Outside of work, I love to pass the time ice-skating, playing tennis and volleyball, and enjoying time with my son. I’m also an active member of our Parents at McKinsey and Women in Tech communities.
Ultimately, at McKinsey, I’ve received the room, support, and resources to grow. It’s still a hard to believe that it all begin with a casual scroll on an online job board.
More about Sangeetha
Based in the New York City area, Sangeetha is a data engineering manager, specializing in the healthcare industry. Prior to McKinsey, she worked as a data engineer at AIG Insurance and the nonprofit, EmblemHealth. Sangeetha has also held data and systems engineering roles at IBM and Tata Consultancy Services in Chennai, India. She holds a bachelor’s in electronics and communication engineering from Anna University in Chennai, and a master’s in computer science from New York University.
For more information on McKinsey's data engineering career paths, visit mckinsey.com/TechCareers.
Note: All videos were filmed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.