My journey from Engineer to HR Tech: Taking bold risks

Filter Results

Topics

Audience

Industry

Year

How I transformed my career from engineer to HR tech enthusiast by embracing bold risks

25 Oct 2024
- admin
- Student Journey
Dakshdeep, Senior Vice President at People Strong, has built an impressive career spanning nearly a decade with the company. With expertise in product management and digital transformation – two of today’s most sought-after career fields. He has become a leader in navigating market trends and customer feedback to ensure top-notch product development. Having previously worked with HCL Technologies and holding a PGPM from SOIL Institute of Management, Dakshdeep has consistently upskilled himself, including completing a product management program at ISB. He describes himself as a ‘cartographer’ who charts the journey of product roadmaps, bringing a unique blend of strategic vision and innovation to his role. People Strong, a company revolutionising HR practices, has greatly benefited from his forward-thinking approach to digital transformation.

How did I become a part of Human Resources?

I believe in experimenting and embracing different roles and opportunities as they come. Life doesn’t always go as planned, and it’s important to remain open to new possibilities. My journey reflects this mindset. I started as an engineer by choice, but HR came to me by chance. After graduating as an engineer, I joined HCL as a software engineer, but the recession hit, and I had to rethink my career path.

I was always inclined toward sales and marketing and was clear that I wanted to pursue my master’s degree. However, during the recession, I was offered an opportunity to become a recruiter. I decided to take it up, thinking it would be a great way to experiment, and learn something new, in the hope that it might help during my master’s. And that’s how I found myself in HR.

Why did I choose the SOIL Institute of Management for my management education?

A few years into my recruitment role, I heard about the SOIL Institute of Management from a colleague who was part of the first batch. I was intrigued by the curriculum and decided to take a leap of faith.

I wasn’t keeping any high expectations. The worst-case scenario, I thought, would be going back to my role at HCL with a modest salary hike. But, I’m a firm believer in taking risks.

And it was a risk that paid off!

The most memorable and transformative experiences of my life!

My time at SOIL was filled with learning, growth, and fun. I was part of the student council, even though I often got called out for being late to the morning circle. Those were valuable minutes I missed out on, and I still remember how Anil Sir used to scold me for it. However, these moments taught me discipline and accountability.

One of my professors, Noel, taught organisational design. I remember getting caught talking during an exam, which led to my paper being cancelled. It wasn’t intentional cheating; just a casual conversation gone wrong. That incident taught me the importance of focus and integrity in everything I do. It was a lesson I carried with me throughout my career.

The biggest realisation I had at SOIL was the importance of risk-taking and pushing beyond my boundaries. I learned to experiment with new things, discover my strengths, and connect with a larger purpose. Life isn’t always about the plans you make; it’s about being open to what comes your way.

When the time for placements came, we were motivated by the success of the senior batch, who had all secured good jobs. Though we only overlapped for 15 days, the sense of community and support among students made a significant impact. We were six people living in a flat, burning the midnight oil to complete our assignments, ensuring originality and fostering creativity.

The decision that shaped my career, post-SOIL

After SOIL, I was rehired by HCL as part of their process and technology team. This was my first exposure to HR tech, and it opened my eyes to the vast world of HR processes, policies, and employee experience. It wasn’t just recruitment anymore; I began to understand the entire HR landscape and how it fits together.

After three and a half years at HCL, I took another risk—leaving a company with over 100,000 employees to join PeopleStrong, a much smaller organisation with only 150 employees. While I had an offer from Oracle, I chose PeopleStrong because I wanted to be a bigger fish in a smaller pond.

It was a decision that has shaped my career…

Why did I choose HR Tech over a traditional HR career?

The transition to PeopleStrong allowed me to delve deeper into HR tech, process consulting, and employee experience. Over the years, I realised that HR tech excited me more than the typical HR business partner role. It became my forte, and I found myself in advisory and consulting roles that suited my interests.

Many people ask why I didn’t pursue a CHRO role, but I’ve always felt more aligned with HR tech. There’s no right or wrong path in a career; it’s about what excites you and where your strengths lie. For me, it was about carving out a niche in HR tech and staying true to my passion.

What advice do I have for young professionals?
My journey has taught me several key lessons:
- Take risks: Don’t be afraid to experiment and explore different facets of your domain. The earlier you do this in your career, the better you’ll understand what excites you and where you want to focus.
- Be open to learning: Every role, no matter how small, teaches you something valuable. Even if a role doesn’t excite you initially, give it time before making a judgement. You’ll often find that these experiences shape your long-term success.
- Don’t compare yourself to others: Everyone’s career journey is different. Focus on your growth and learning, and you’ll eventually reach where you want to be.
- Stay confident: Whether you’re interviewing for a job or navigating a career transition, confidence in your abilities is key. Know your strengths, and don’t let rejections shake your self-belief.
Register TO STUDY AT SOIL

Fill out a simple form and we will reach your shortly.

UTM Source*

What’s next for me?

I’ve spent more than a decade in the HR tech space and plan to continue growing as a visionary in this field. I aim to be a valued advisor and thought leader in HR tech, helping organisations streamline processes, improve employee experience, and embrace digital transformation. I don’t know if this journey will take me another five, ten, or fifteen years, but I’m committed to seeing it through.

Ultimately, my career is about making an impact—on teams, organisations, and the industry as a whole. And that’s what drives me forward every day.

Dakshdeep Singh
Senior Vice President, PeopleStrong
PGPM-HR, SOIL Institute of Management