Employee spotlight: Anshul Varshney

What makes 84.51˚ an intriguing company? Is it the flexible hybrid work options, the free food regularly found around the office or the challenging problems that we tackle? While these aspects are undoubtedly great, it’s the people that make working here truly special. Check out our Employee Spotlight series to learn more about who we are and the unique traits of our teammates.

Hometown:  Tirupati, India Office Location:  Cincinnati, Ohio Start Date:  June 2018 Job title:  Manager, Data Engineering

Describe your role.

I lead a team of three engineers to build a brand data product. We integrate data from both internal and external sources, enhance its quality using data science techniques, and provide access to it through APIs and unity catalog to users and teams across 84.51°. I also design the software architecture, ensuring we follow best practices and design patterns throughout our development process.

How long have you worked in engineering and what inspired you to pursue this field?

I have been in the engineering field for more than 12 years, with the last 6 years at 84.51°. I began my career as a full-stack software engineer. When I joined 84.51°, I collaborated with data scientists to integrate their models into the Prism application, making it available for audience targeting. I was fascinated by the tools and techniques used in this audience targeting process, which led me to develop new skills and 84.51° provided me opportunity to move into a data engineering role.

What interested you in joining 84.51°?

I first heard about 84.51° during my master’s program when they gave a presentation at my university. The unique name and the data science work they showcased instantly caught my attention. Three years later, I came across an opportunity at 84.51°. Having already heard great things about the company culture, the impactful work, and the perks, it was a no-brainer to grab this chance.

What has been the most memorable experience or favorite project you’ve worked on?

One of the most memorable experiences I've had was when my team and I re-architected our audience recommendation process. Originally, it was all on-premises, but we wanted to migrate it to Azure. I worked on proof of concepts (POCs) and analyzed various Azure services to determine the best fit for our needs. This project not only deepened my understanding of Azure but also enhanced my skills in architecting software.

What’s your favorite part about working at 84.51°? Do you have a favorite benefit or perk that is offered?

What I love most about working at 84.51° is the culture. It has the innovative, dynamic feel of a startup where you can freely present your ideas and be fearless. At the same time, it has the established software development practices and stability of a mature company, providing reliable, science-based insights and recommendations to customers seamlessly. The flexible work options allow me to balance my commitments and maintain a healthy work-life balance, which in turn boosts my productivity. Plus, the generous vacation and benefits are a huge bonus!

What advice would you give to those who are considering working in this field?

My advice for anyone considering a career in engineering is to always stay updated with the latest technologies. The tech world evolves rapidly, and keeping your skills current is crucial. Look for companies that focus on building products with cutting-edge technology and provide opportunities for skill growth and career development. Additionally, be curious and open to learning new things, and don't be afraid to take on challenging projects. Building a strong network of like-minded professionals can also be incredibly valuable for your growth and development in this field.

What do you like to do in your free time outside of work hours?

In my free time, I love to travel and explore new places, learning about their history along the way. Recently, I've developed an interest in home improvement projects. I also enjoy trying out different food items and occasionally experimenting with new recipes at home. Plus, I always look forward to weekend get-togethers with friends.