Some career paths are straight lines. Others, like Arjun Prakash’s, look more like a scenic mountain road—full of bold turns, elevation changes, and a few daring pivots.
Today, Arjun is a Business Analyst Team Leader for the Data Segment in ANZ, based out of our thriving Product Engineering Center (PEC) in Pune, India. But his journey to leadership wasn't just about climbing a ladder; it was about having the courage to jump off one and build his own.
The "Bold Turn" that changed everything
Arjun grew up in Bangalore in a family where academic excellence wasn’t just encouraged—it was the baseline. "My parents gave me two options: Engineering or Medicine," Arjun laughs. "They actually decided Medicine was too hard for me, so Engineering it was!"
After a BTech in Computer Science and a five-year stint as a software developer in the bright lights of Las Vegas, Arjun hit a realization that many tech professionals face but few act on: the screen wasn't enough.
"Writing code for eight hours was never my calling," Arjun admits. "I realized I’m a ‘people person.’ I wanted to find the spot where technology and human connection meet."
He took the ultimate leap: quitting his stable U.S. job, moving back to India, and refusing to settle for another dev role. He "stuck to his guns," pivoted into business analysis, and eventually found his way to Equifax.
What makes PEC culture click for him?
When Arjun first saw a LinkedIn job post for Equifax, he almost didn't apply. "I thought they only wanted people with deep banking or credit bureau experience. I couldn't be happier to say I was wrong."
Since joining in early 2024, Arjun’s trajectory has been a whirlwind. Promoted to team lead within nine months, he credits the unique environment of the PEC for his growth.
Few things that stood out for him:
A young and growing ecosystem where visibility and impact are real.
Leaders and mentors who are accessible and invested in your growth.
Strong emphasis on learning and certifications, including reimbursement and recognition.
A truly global environment, interacting daily with teams across India, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and the UK.
A culture that values work-life balance, not just as a phrase but as a practice.
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Arjun’s Playbook for Career Growth
Arjun doesn’t believe in a "one size fits all" approach to success, but he does live by four non-negotiables:
Stay curious: The day you stop learning is the day you plateau.
Choose alignment over convenience: A high-paying role that drains you isn’t sustainable.
Invest in mentors: A good mentor can shorten your learning curve dramatically.
Build self-belief. There will be phases where external validation is missing. That’s when internal conviction matters most.
Powering Your Possible
Arjun’s story is a testament to what happens when you stop doing what’s expected and start doing what excites you. At Equifax, we don't just hire resumes; we hire people with the grit to pivot and the passion to lead.
"I know it’s the right fit," Arjun says, "because I actually look forward to logging in every day."
Ready to find your own "true calling" in tech? Explore our open roles at the Pune Product Engineering Center and see how you can Power Your Possible.
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