In the dynamic and rapidly changing realm of technology, Swetha Singiri emerges as a paragon of innovation and leadership. Boasting over 15 years of experience in data engineering and management, Swetha has played a pivotal role in some of the world’s leading tech firms. Her ascent from a Project Engineer at Wipro Technologies to a Senior Data Engineering Manager at Meta underscores her exceptional expertise, unwavering dedication, and fervor for data-driven decision-making. In this exclusive Q&A, Swetha delves into her insights, experiences, and the invaluable lessons she’s gleaned throughout her remarkable career.
Swetha Singiri
Q1: Swetha, could you tell us about your early career and how you got started in data engineering?
Swetha Singiri: Absolutely. My journey in data engineering began at Wipro Technologies in 2004, where I started as a Project Engineer. I was involved in a UK asset management project, which required migrating data from the existing GDH data warehouse to a new platform. This experience allowed me to delve deep into data analysis, development, and migration processes. Leveraging my expertise in PL/SQL, I developed procedures and packages to enhance functionalities and optimize performance. This foundational experience at Wipro set the stage for my future roles in data engineering and management.
Q2: What motivated you to transition from software engineering to data engineering?
Swetha Singiri: My transition from software engineering to data engineering was driven by a growing fascination with the power of data and its potential to drive strategic insights. While working at Yahoo! as a Senior Software Engineer, I was exposed to large-scale data management and database solutions for media properties. This experience made me realize the critical role data plays in shaping business strategies and improving decision-making processes. The complexity and impact of data engineering projects motivated me to specialize in this field and leverage my skills to drive meaningful outcomes.
Q3: Can you share some of the most challenging projects you’ve worked on and how you overcame those challenges?
Swetha Singiri: One of the most challenging projects I worked on was the overhaul of Meta’s video VPV and consumption data foundation. We needed to enhance logging coverage and scalability to support in-depth distribution funnel analysis. This involved managing a vast amount of daily data. The key challenges were optimizing data coverage significantly and reducing CPU consumption substantially. By pioneering efforts in designing VPV and video consumption data models, we achieved faster query times and significant reductions in overall storage. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and meticulous execution were crucial in overcoming these challenges and achieving remarkable results.
Q4: How did your role at Intuit shape your career in data engineering?
Swetha Singiri: My role at Intuit as a Senior Data Engineer was pivotal in shaping my career. I led the end-to-end development of a recommendations engine for the txtWeb application, which resulted in over 11 million mobile users and 500 million user requests. This project involved leveraging HDFS for raw data processing with PIG and Sqoop, enhancing data analytics and frontend dashboard support. Additionally, I oversaw the migration and data modeling of the application from MySQL to Netezza and Oracle databases. These experiences honed my skills in data engineering, project management, and strategic planning, preparing me for more complex roles in the future.
Q5: Your tenure at Meta has been marked by several significant achievements. Can you elaborate on some of these and their impact?
Swetha Singiri: At Meta, I’ve had the opportunity to lead and contribute to several impactful projects. One notable achievement was leading the transformation in dashboard data quality. We improved data accuracy, reliability, and visualization consistency of numerous video dashboards through a comprehensive certification process. This effort resulted in a 100% completion rate, greatly increasing the number of critical dashboards used for influencing product strategies. Additionally, I spearheaded the Video Quality Machine Learning project, which enhanced ranking and recommendation models and reduced low-quality videos. These projects not only improved data quality and user experience but also drove significant business outcomes.
Q6: How do you foster collaboration and innovation within your teams?
Swetha Singiri: Fostering collaboration and innovation is central to my leadership approach. I prioritize creating an inclusive and supportive environment where team members feel empowered to share their ideas and take ownership of their projects. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and open communication channels are essential for encouraging collaboration. I also emphasize the importance of continuous learning and professional development. Mentorship plays a significant role in my leadership style, helping team members grow and make meaningful contributions. By fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration, we can drive impactful outcomes and achieve our goals.
Q7: What are some of the cutting-edge technologies and best practices you leverage in data engineering?
Swetha Singiri: In data engineering, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and best practices is crucial for staying ahead. At Meta, we use a variety of technologies, including Hive, Presto, Spark Scala, and Python programming. We also implement advanced machine learning algorithms for data analysis and predictive modeling. Best practices such as standardized logging processes, common dimensional frameworks, and user anonymization are essential for ensuring data quality and privacy compliance. By staying abreast of the latest technological advancements and adhering to best practices, we can deliver high-quality solutions and drive innovation.
Q8: Can you discuss your contributions to the field of data engineering outside of your professional roles?
Swetha Singiri: Outside of my professional roles, I actively contribute to the data engineering community through various avenues. I am an advisor at Hetz Data Program and a member of the Forbes Technology Council. I also serve as a judge for the Globee Awards for Technology and Disruptors, as well as the MIT $100k Launch competition. Additionally, I participate in panels and Q&A sessions on topics such as career growth, women’s leadership, and self-advocacy for data engineers. Through these activities, I aim to share my knowledge, mentor aspiring professionals, and contribute to the growth and development of the data engineering field.
Q9: What awards and recognitions have you received that hold special significance to you?
Swetha Singiri: Several awards and recognitions hold special significance to me. At Meta, I received the “Women to Watch” Award and the “Influencer Award” from Women in Data, which highlight my contributions to the field and my influence within the organization. Being recognized as the “Top Privacy Contributor” and “Top Contributor” for Profile Plus migration at Meta were also significant achievements. These awards reflect my commitment to excellence and my impact on data engineering projects. Additionally, receiving the “Spotlight Award” at Intuit for the txtWeb project and the “Best Performer Award” at Yahoo! for the PIEDB project were memorable milestones in my career.
Q10: What advice would you give to aspiring data engineers and those looking to advance in their careers?
Swetha Singiri: My advice to aspiring data engineers is to stay curious and continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow. The field of data engineering is constantly evolving, so it’s essential to stay updated with the latest technologies and best practices. Building a strong foundation in data architecture, database management, and data analysis is crucial. Additionally, developing soft skills such as problem-solving, communication, and collaboration is equally important. Don’t hesitate to take on challenging projects, as they provide valuable learning experiences. Lastly, seek mentorship and networking opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into career advancement.
Swetha Singiri’s impressive journey through the landscape of data engineering showcases her unparalleled expertise, relentless dedication, and innovative spirit. At prestigious tech giants like Meta, Intuit, and Yahoo!, Swetha has been instrumental in elevating data quality, enhancing analytics, and influencing strategic decisions. Her unwavering commitment to fostering teamwork, providing mentorship, and championing continuous learning has propelled her teams to outstanding achievements. Swetha’s career serves as a powerful source of inspiration for aspiring data engineers, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, resilience in the face of challenges, and the transformative power of data in driving significant outcomes.
