July 31, 2024
Dhruvi Patel is a Senior System Developer as part of the IT department at Cooper Standard. She has worked for Cooper Standard for about 2 years as a young professional in her career.
Learn more about her journey by reading her Q&A interview below:
My role involves developing, testing, and maintaining software applications that align with the Company’s goal of technological advancement and innovation. I work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality software solutions, participate in code reviews, and continuously seek ways to improve our development processes.
Over the years, I’ve worked on different projects and in different industries honing my skills on software development, project management, and team collaboration. It has provided me exposure and experience with new technologies and corporate culture. Several factors attracted me to work at this company. First, the company’s mission to drive technological innovation and create impactful solutions aligns perfectly with my professional goals and values. The supportive and inclusive culture, which promotes growth, diversity, and collaboration, was also a significant draw. Additionally, the company’s commitment to providing ample resources for professional development and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is highly appealing. My office is in Detroit, Michigan, with its vibrant cultural scene and diverse community, which is another factor that has made me feel confident in my decision to join the company. The combination of these elements made Cooper Standard an ideal place for me to grow both personally and professionally.
I graduated from Gujarat Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering.
A typical day starts with morning sessions where we talk about our tasks for the day ensuring our assignments are completed in the highest standards of quality and operational excellence. As a senior developer, I also have regular check-ins with my team to discuss our progress, challenges, and plans for the day, which I share with my senior manager. This is followed by coding and development assignments, where engineers implement features, fix bugs, or refine existing codebases. Throughout the day, there may be collaboration sessions with team members, such as pair programming or code reviews. There is also time allocated for learning and development, including online courses, workshops, and researching new technologies and methodologies that can grow skills. The day usually concludes by wrapping up any remaining tasks, updating documentation, and preparing for the next day’s client meetings. The work environment is dynamic, and the schedule is flexible to accommodate the ever-changing priorities of a day.
I’ve had the opportunity to work on several impactful projects aligning with our company’s goals of advancing in technology and innovation. Most of my projects involve collaborating with diverse teams, fostering professional growth and development. Also, I appreciate that Cooper Standard has supported me attending conferences and seminars to promote my professional growth and network with others in the tech community. I’ve also been very fortunate to travel, learning different global markets and cultures
The company culture is highly collaborative and fosters an environment of continuous learning and innovation. It emphasizes transparency, inclusivity, and mutual respect among employees. It supports employee’s creative ideas by providing them technical and financial assistance aligning with the company’s long-term goals. The organization encourages a proactive approach to problem-solving and values open communication, ensuring that all team members feel heard and valued. Overall, it’s a dynamic and supportive workplace where both individual contributions and team achievements are celebrated.
As an employee speaking from personal experience, this company invests in the growth of the employee starting from the first project. There is an emphasis on providing ample resources as well as promoting work life balance for the employees. The purpose and impact that the company wants to leave for its customers is apparent in each project. The company fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment, encouraging employees to learn and use teamwork to cross functionally collaborate with other departments. The impact and purpose of our projects resonates with our long-term goals, providing young professionals with meaningful and fulfilling work experiences.
I would advise young talent to look for opportunities to align their passions and career goals. Detroit offers a vibrant tech scene with numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. It’s important to seek out companies that invest in their employees’ development, promote work-life balance, and have a clear vision for the future. Networking with professionals in the region and attending local industry events can provide valuable insights and connections. I would encourage others to embrace the diverse culture and leverage the resources available in this area to enhance your career journey.
If I could give advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace every learning opportunity and not be afraid to take risks. It’s important to stay curious, continuously seek knowledge, and be open to new experiences. Building a strong professional network early on can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. Being able to find a balance between work and personal life is crucial for long-term success and fulfillment. Remember that perseverance and hard work are key and enjoying the journey is just as important as reaching the destination.
I like to travel, explore, and experience the vivid cultures. Detroit is very diverse and has a good range of restaurants for ethnic food. There are numerous aesthetic cafes in the area to unwind after work. Detroit’s dynamic arts scene, including museums and music festivals, further enriches my cultural experiences. My job supports a healthy work-life balance, providing the flexibility to make the most of the region’s offerings.
I am originally from India but have been living in Detroit for the past eight years with my family, and it has truly become my home. A few years ago, I relocated to Minnesota for work but quickly realized how much I missed Detroit and family. The city’s unique blend of educational opportunities, vibrant sports culture, and access to outdoor activities and natural beauty is unparalleled. Detroit’s dynamic and diverse community, along with its rich cultural and historical background, makes it a great place to live and work. The professional opportunities and quality of life here convinced me to return and stay in Detroit.
I am a firm believer in the ideology that anything can be achieved if there is hard work and perseverance. One must enjoy the process and fully immerse themselves in their careers in order to excel and find joy in their work. I value collaboration and believe that the best solutions come from diverse perspectives and teamwork. Where there is a will, there is a way, and sky is the limit if you endorse on the journey towards self-actualization and improvement. Detroit’s unique blend of history, culture, and innovation makes it an exciting place to live and work, and I am proud to be a part of this community.
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