A Day in the Life of a Computer Scientist at Adobe

It's already been 3 years since I joined Adobe as a Computer Scientist.

Every single day brings new challenges and exciting things to look forward to. 

I often get asked by mentees about what my work entails at Adobe, so I thought it would be great to dedicate a blog to describing a typical day in my life as a Computer Scientist Engineer.

First things first, expect a lot of coding. 

As a Computer Scientist, I spend a significant amount of time writing lines of code that form the building blocks of various software applications. 

Whether it's developing new features, fixing bugs, or optimising existing code, coding is the foundation of my work. 

But coding is just the beginning. 

Debugging is another important aspect of my work that requires attention to detail, and problem-solving skills. 

Speaking of problem-solving, it's an integral part of my role. Every day, I face new challenges that require creative solutions.

So now, let me give you a sneak peek into a typical day in my life at Adobe as a Computer Scientist.

Stay tuned till the end as I'll be sharing some tips to help you become a computer scientist!

🎯 10 AM - Kicking off the day

I reach the office by 10. The day usually starts with a Scrum meeting.

This meeting is super effective as it allows us to dive into discussions about our ongoing work, and any obstacles we might be facing, and brainstorm solutions to overcome them.

It's a great way to start the day on the same page with my teammates.

🎯 10:30 AM - 1st work session and tackling challenging projects

After the Scrum meeting, I have two work sessions of 2-3 hours each. 

I start the first session at 10:30 am and work on my tasks, aiming to complete at least a few of them. 

Sometimes, I get challenging projects that push my problem-solving skills to the limit. These projects allow me to grow and learn.

I also encounter a lot of ad-hoc issues on a daily basis. 

These can be infrastructure-level issues or minor glitches in the tools we use. 

Solving these issues requires debugging and collaborating with my teammates to find the best solutions. 

It keeps things exciting and requires us to think on our feet.

I finish my first work session at 1:30-2 pm, and then I go for lunch.

🎯 2 pm - Spending quality time with colleagues

Lunch usually lasts for 30-45 minutes, and during this time, I enjoy spending some quality time with my colleagues. 

We chat about all sorts of things, not just work. 

We discuss our interests, share insights, and sometimes even brainstorm ideas.

It also gives us a break from staring at computer screens all day. It helps me to recharge my mind and feel more energised for the rest of the day. 

🎯 3:00 pm - Diving into the second work session

After lunch, I begin my second work session, which typically lasts from 3:00 to 6:00 PM. 

During this time, I may attend meetings or focus on code reviews. If there are no specific meetings or reviews scheduled, I continue working on my own projects.

I make it a point to eliminate distractions and focus solely on the task at hand. 

This concentrated work time allows me to make significant progress and stay in the zone. 

Of course, there are times when challenges arise, which require me to think creatively and collaborate with my team.

🎯 6 pm - Wrapping up

From 6-7, I try to wrap up my work. If there are any pending tasks, I stay back a bit longer to complete them.

I also take some time to plan for the next day. I review my to-do list and prioritise the tasks based on their importance and deadlines. 

This helps me hit the ground running in the morning and ensures that I have a clear roadmap for the day ahead.

During this time, I also take note of any upcoming meetings, collaborations, or projects that require my attention.

Staying organised also reduces stress and enables me to make the most of my workday. 

After office hours routine includes taking mentoring sessions or brushing up on my own data structures and algorithm skills.

I also spend some time every day catching up on the latest tech updates that I share with my mentees. 

I find it incredibly fulfilling to share my knowledge and experiences with mentees.

I enjoy seeing them grow and develop their skills, and I take pride in knowing that I am playing a role in shaping the future generation of software engineers.

It's crucial to strike a balance between work and personal life to truly enjoy your professional journey.

If I don’t have any sessions lined up, I spend some time with my family.

On weekends, I try my best to avoid work altogether and focus on my mental and overall well-being. Taking care of yourself is key to sustaining a fulfilling career.

I don’t believe in overworking myself for 12 months. I keep shuffling between long-term and short-term projects.

I engage in activities that bring me joy, whether it's pursuing a hobby, bingeing some web series, or simply spending quality time with loved ones. 

By taking time for self-care, I return to work on Monday with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Some Preparation Tips for Aspiring Software Engineers

If you're considering becoming a computer scientist, I have 2 pieces of advice for you.

First of all, take some time to reflect on “Why do you want to become a software engineer”. I have observed that a lot of people don’t even know why they want to enter this field.

Understanding your personal drive will help you stay committed and find long-term satisfaction in your career. 

When faced with challenges or setbacks, this sense of purpose will keep you motivated and focused on your goals.

Secondly, for the initial years of your career, “Focus on building your core computer science skills”. 

Focus on subjects like Operating Systems, Database Management, and prepare Data Structures and Algorithms. These foundational skills will elevate your performance and make you a better-rounded professional.

Practical experience is just as important as what you learn in school or college when it comes to being a computer scientist. 

Look for opportunities to work on real-world projects, like internships, research positions, or personal projects on the side. 

By getting hands-on experience, you'll not only deepen your understanding of the subject but also learn how to apply what you've learned to real situations. 

Plus, you'll develop essential skills like working in a team, communicating effectively, and solving problems, which are highly valued in the industry.

In a field that evolves rapidly, it's crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in computer science. 

Subscribe to relevant blogs/publications, follow influential researchers and industry experts on social media, and participate in online communities and forums. 

By staying connected with the wider computer science community, you'll be aware of emerging trends, cutting-edge technologies, and new opportunities for personal and professional growth.

And finally, find experienced professionals in the field who can guide and mentor you. 

They can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and provide insights into the industry. 

Mentor-led preparation can significantly accelerate your learning and help you navigate your career path more effectively.

If you're looking for a mentor, I'm here to offer guidance and support. 

With 8+ years of experience and expertise in this field, I can provide valuable insights, review your projects or resume, conduct mock interviews and offer career advice. 

Let’s connect on a free 1:1 call to discuss your pain points.

Together, we can work towards your goals and help you succeed in your software engineer journey.

I hope this glimpse into a day in the life of a Computer Scientist at Adobe has been insightful for you. 

Remember, every day brings new challenges and opportunities for growth, making this career truly exciting and fulfilling.

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