From Hyderabad to Seattle: Oracle PM’s $56k Career Boost
For many professionals, climbing the corporate ladder is a gradual process. For Ketaki Vaidya, her journey at Oracle over seven years was anything but typical. Starting as an associate software engineer in Hyderabad, she steadily advanced, transitioning into a senior leadership role and later reinventing her career as a product manager in the United States. Along the way, she secured a $56,000 pay raise, two promotions, and an international transfer.
Her story is a blueprint for navigating career progression in a competitive tech environment, and it offers valuable lessons for professionals aiming for global success.
Chapter 1: Laying the Foundation as an Associate Software Engineer
Vaidya started her post-college career in 2015 at Oracle’s Hyderabad office, earning an annual salary of INR 900,000 (approximately $10,700). While many new graduates focus solely on impressing their direct manager, Vaidya approached her career with a broader mindset.
“Managers take 360-degree feedback from the entire team. By focusing on team dynamics and keeping everyone happy, you naturally make a positive impression on your manager,” she shared.
She also prioritized regular check-ins with her manager, where she sought feedback and openly discussed her aspirations. This proactive communication helped her stand out and positioned her for career advancement.
Chapter 2: Promotion to Software Engineer
In 2017, Vaidya was promoted to software engineerwith her salary increasing to 1.2 million INR (about $14,200). This promotion came as a result of her consistent efforts to document her achievements and take credit for her individual contributions.
Inspired by female role models, Vaidya made it a point to highlight her successes during team meetings and performance evaluations. “Many women tend to credit the team without showing off their own work. I learned to balance both,” she said.
Her managers responded positively to her ambition and began assigning her high-visibility projects. This laid the groundwork for her next big leap.
Chapter 3: Leading Teams as a Senior Software Engineer
By 2019, Vaidya had risen to the role of senior software engineer with an annual salary of 2 million INR (approximately $24,000). In this position, she led a team of seven, honing her leadership and communication skills.
To ensure her work was visible to upper management, Vaidya regularly presented project outcomes to leadership, often using team chats and formal reviews as platforms to highlight her contributions.
She also took her performance appraisals seriously, drafting them meticulously to reflect her impact. “A lot of people treat appraisals as routine paperwork, but I saw them as opportunities to showcase my growth and align my goals with the company’s objectives,” she said.
Chapter 4: Pivotal Career Shift to Product Management
Despite her technical success, Vaidya felt drawn to product management — a role that combined her technical expertise with business strategy. During the pandemic, she used her free time to explore this career path.
“I set up 15-minute informational calls with over 200 professionals on LinkedIn to understand the nuances of product management,” she explained. These conversations confirmed her interest and revealed areas where she needed to upskill.
Initially, Vaidya planned to pursue a master’s degree in the US to make the career switch. However, when she announced her resignation, Oracle countered with an offer: a product management role in the US
Chapter 5: The Big Move to California
In 2022, Vaidya relocated to Oracle’s Redwood City office in California. This move marked a turning point in her career, both financially and professionally.
She negotiated her base salary to $80,000 and secured additional benefits, including a $15,000 sign-on bonus and a $15,000 relocation allowance. Vaidya’s negotiation skills were instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition.
“Don’t let your excitement show during negotiations. Research thoroughly and confidently ask for what you deserve,” she advised. Vaidya used tools like Glassdoor to benchmark salaries and sought advice from peers who had previously transitioned to roles in the US
Chapter 6: Thriving in the US Work Culture
The move to the US came with its own set of challenges and opportunities. Vaidya quickly adapted to the fast-paced, innovation-driven work culture of Silicon Valley.
One key lesson she learned was the importance of work-life balance. “Setting boundaries has improved both my productivity and personal life,” she shared.
Vaidya also began pursuing opportunities outside her immediate role, such as speaking at tech conferences and hosting podcasts on artificial intelligence. These experiences not only enriched her career but also expanded her professional network.
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Chapter 7: Building a New Chapter in Seattle
Recently, Vaidya relocated to Seattle, where she continues to work as a product manager specializing in AI. Her current total compensation, including stock units and bonuses, is approximately $130,000 annually — a significant leap from her early career earnings.
Vaidya is now exploring opportunities across different US states and industries, aiming to further broaden her horizons.
Lessons from Ketaki Vaidya’s Journey
Vaidya’s career progression offers several takeaways for professionals:
- Proactive Communication: Regular check-ins with managers and team members can ensure alignment and visibility.
- Continuous learning: Exploring new fields and acquiring new skills can open unexpected opportunities.
- Strategic self-advocacy: Documenting and showcasing achievements is key to earning recognition and promotions.
- Confidential negotiation: Research and preparation are essential for securing fair compensation.
- Adaptability: Embracing cultural differences and work-life boundaries enhances both professional growth and personal well-being.
Ketaki Vaidya’s journey is a masterclass in intentional career development. Her ability to identify opportunities, invest in learning, and advocate for herself demonstrates that success is not just about talent but also about strategy. Her story is an inspiration for professionals looking to make bold moves in their careers.
