My background in Software Engineering

In August of 2020, during the pandemic era, I received an email from Uber. They were seeking drivers in NYC that were willing to change carreers and dive into Software Engineering.

I could not believe it at first since this was a dream of mine for a long time. It was like an opportunity that came from the heaven. Uber made a Partnership with Pursuit, a one-year intensive program designed specifically to help adults from underserved backgrounds launch careers in technology.

Time to graduate

Graduating from Pursuit was a deeply meaningful moment in my life. It didn’t just mark the end of a year of intense studies and challenging projects — it signified the beginning of a new chapter as a professional developer. During the graduation ceremony, as I watched my peers celebrate their own achievements, I felt a mix of pride, gratitude, and excitement for everything we had overcome together.

One of the moments that stuck with me the most was when we were asked to reflect on our first day in the program. I clearly remembered the uncertainty I felt and the doubts about whether I could learn everything that was ahead of me. Seeing how those insecurities transformed into confidence and technical mastery was an experience I’ll never forget. At Pursuit, I didn’t just learn how to write code — I learned how to solve real-world problems, collaborate with others, and keep my curiosity alive.

When I received my certificate, I realized that Pursuit had prepared me for much more than a job. It gave me a community, a purpose, and the confidence that no matter the challenge, I have the ability to learn, adapt, and grow. That day, I didn’t just graduate as a software engineer — I walked away as a professional ready to make an impact in the tech industry.

At the end of my journey at Pursuit, I was able to decipher any data structure and algorithm problem that I came across. I felt imparable and I was ready to go to the next step: The interview with Uber.

In addition to the formal training, I supplemented my learning with Udemy courses. These online classes allowed me to explore specific areas of Android development at my own pace. Whether it was mastering Kotlin or diving deep into Android’s lifecycle, Udemy became my go-to resource for filling in gaps and reinforcing what I had learned through Big Nerd Ranch.

The internship wasn’t just about coding, though. It was also about learning to collaborate in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. The team was incredibly supportive, always ready to offer guidance and feedback. I learned the importance of communication, teamwork, and agility—skills that are just as critical as technical knowledge in the tech industry.

Alongside the One Earner Referrals project, I also worked on two other key initiatives: the Learning Center and Partner Onboarding. The Learning Center was designed to provide Uber drivers with the resources and training they needed to succeed. My role was to help create a user-friendly interface that would make it easy for drivers to access the information they needed, whether they were new to Uber or experienced drivers looking to enhance their skills.

The Partner Onboarding project was another critical initiative. This project aimed to streamline the process for new drivers joining Uber, making it as smooth and efficient as possible. I worked on developing features that simplified the onboarding process, ensuring that new partners could get on the road quickly and with all the necessary tools and knowledge.

My journey from intern to full-time employee at Uber was marked by growth, learning, and the satisfaction of contributing to meaningful projects. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to work with such talented and dedicated teams, and I’m excited to continue this journey, helping to shape the future of Technology like I did at Uber.

The Horatio Phase

I recently worked as a Compliance Analyst at Hire Horatio, supporting the team at Arkham Intelligence. In this role, I was responsible for ID verification, AML (Anti-Money Laundering), EDD (Enhanced Due Diligence), and proof of address (POA) reviews.

I served as the main bridge between the Compliance and Customer Service departments, ensuring timely resolutions and maintaining the integrity of our onboarding and review processes. This role strengthened my communication, attention to detail, and decision-making skills under pressure.

Additionally, I trained new compliance analysts, helping them quickly understand and apply internal procedures and quality standards. This experience allowed me to mentor others while maintaining high levels of operational consistency.