Build a Professional Identity

In the early years of my career, around 2002–2003, while working in my first project in Chennai, I developed a habit that I didn't think much about at the time.

Whenever a complex issue came up, I would take it. Even if it meant staying late. Even if it meant working weekends.

I still remember spending hours in front of those green-and-black mainframe screens, trying to trace issues that didn't make sense initially.

There was one particular incident where a major data issue had to be resolved over a weekend. I spent almost two full days debugging, analyzing, and tracing the root cause. By Monday, I had the answer.

That moment changed how people saw me. And slowly, a pattern emerged. Whenever something difficult came up, people would say: "Give it to Girija."

At that time, I didn't realize it. But I was building my professional identity.

And that identity led to early recognition, faster growth, and my first onsite opportunity in the United States in 2003.

Most professionals try to improve everything. But growth happens when you are known for something.

If you want to move into leadership, build depth first. Because opportunities don't go to everyone. They go to people who are remembered.