Meet gurmeetb!
F2F Finalist
About Gurmeet Singh Budhraja
IT Professional with extensive global experience in Product and Service Engineering with an expertise in Java, Spark, Zeppelin, Kudu, Kafka, TIBCO BusinessWorks, Web Services(REST, SOAP), Spring, Hibernate, Struts, and XML. Competent using multiple open source technologies, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Cloud platform. Proven record of successfully managing numerous client engagements. Motivated by challenging situations requiring creative solutions and leading to efficient processes. Experience leading and mentoring geographically distributed teams, working using Agile (Scrum) methodology.
What is the most interesting challenge you competed on at Topcoder and why?
It’s been a learning experience with most of the challenges, so I would say all the challenges where I competed. I go through almost all the new challenges launched, and if something seems like a neat learning experience, I compete.
What is your most memorable Topcoder challenge and why?
This goes back to my first challenge ‘JH eRelease iPad App - API Integration Challenge’ - it was quite the learning experience. I learned that in addition to looking at the specs, you also need to look at what to submit and the scorecards. Now, I always score my submissions against the scorecard and then submit the submissions.
Who do you think is the most fierce or talented coder at Topcoder and why?
I’ve been following the leaderboard for a while now, and I’ve seen that ‘jiangliwu’ has been leading the board. I look forward to challenges in the coming days where I compete against him.
What is the programming language you most relate to and why?
Java, NodeJs, ReactJS, and Python. I’ve got my hands on almost all. But, Java has been close to me since I started my first job with it.
What do you do when not working?
Spend time with family/friends. My son keeps me busy most of the time.
Where do you work? Tell us about your space(s).
From home or a cafe, if needed.
If you could give your past self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Always look at the positive side of things.
What kind of music do you listen to while working on your solutions?
Jagjit Singh. While I’m working, I always have my earphones plugged in playing his collection.
What is the dream project you want to build, design, or solve for?
Build a robot that helps normal investors create wealth. The ones we have in market are either making money for Fund Managers or Fund Houses.
What’s the best tip or piece of advice you can share with other members at Topcoder?
Always look at the submissions guidelines and the scorecard. Try to score your submissions against it before the submission deadline ends.
What does Topcoder mean to you?
A very good platform to learn. I opened my Topcoder account in 2005, and I regret never using it until 2018. Whenever I meet freshers, I tell them to do their usual work but also to give 4-8 hrs a week to Topcoder. Being bachelor’s, you have a lot of time on the weekends. If the time is spent on Topcoder, it will add value in the long term.
How does it feel to be a first time TCO Finalist?
Excited. I am looking forward to it.
What are you most looking forward to at your first-ever TCO Finals?
Winning the F2F final competition. This could be game changer.
Did you strive to make it TCO this year and if so, why does it matter to you?
Yes and no. Until I became aware of this leaderboard concept, I did not know about TCO. When I saw my name, I did start working on F2F back-to-back in order to make it to TCO.