In Conversation with Rashmi Rao, the India Based Head of the Salesforce Development for SMA, APAC

Today, we spotlight a conversation with Rashmi Rao, the head of the Salesforce Development Department for SMA, a vastly experienced software development specialist with over 15 years of hands-on expertise in requirements gathering, analysis, and effort estimation for IT projects. Rashmi joined SMA in August 2017. Rashmi handles management and development needs across APAC, Americas, and EMEA regions. Rashmi is one of the most influential leaders in the Salesforce Development arena, and her journey is an inspiration and learning for aspirants in the software development field. Let’s learn more about her journey and what advice she has to give to young talent in the sector!

SMA: Talk to us about your educational background and journey.

RR: I am an avid learner and have always believed in the power of technology to drive sustainable growth and development globally. After graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Telecommunications (BE in EXTC) from Mumbai University, Mumbai, India, I entered the professional world in December 2007 as a requirement analyst/software developer with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) at Chennai, India. Since then, I have accumulated extensive experience in various technologies such as Java, PL-SQL, Informatica, Salesforce, Mulesoft, and others. Over the last 15 years, I have worked with some of the biggest IT and technology giants, such as TCS and IBM. The journey that started as a software developer has now reached a point where I am leveraging my expertise as an IT leader, and it has been an exciting and humbling experience so far.

SMA: What drew you towards the energy sector and especially SMA

RR: Energy is not only the most crucial enabler in the modern world but also critical from the global sustainability and growth perspective. Alongside these considerations, the fact that SMA offers excellent opportunities for technological innovation, career growth, and global collaboration drew me towards SMA. SMA is a leading name in the world of solar energy, and I was keen to find opportunities to work on innovative projects and develop and implement advanced technologies that could contribute to the digital transformation of the solar industry.

I am an avid learner and have always believed in the power of technology to drive sustainable growth and development globally.

Rashmi, Head of Salesforce Development

SMA: Tell us about your role at SMA

RR: I am currently designated as the “Head of Salesforce Development,” a role that involves designing Salesforce solutions and leading developmental efforts that can boost sales and service outcomes for SMA.

I oversee end-to-end project implementation, beginning with Requirement Analysis, Solution Design, Quality Assurance, Deployment to IT service management, and continuous product improvement.

One of the most impressive things about working with SMA is that there is ample opportunity for co-learning. I am glad I have been given the opportunity to mentor team members, share knowledge and expertise, and play a crucial role in nurturing and coaching young talents at SMA.

SMA: What is the best part about your job, and why

RR: It is often said that one thrives in a role and segment that they are passionate about. Through my work in the solar sector, I have opportunities to work towards reducing carbon emissions, combating climate change, and promoting a more sustainable future in my small way. Another great thing about my job is learning about new Salesforce.com products, exploring their features, and applying them to build flexible and scalable enterprise applications at SMA. Salesforce has been the dominant CRM in the global CRM market for over a decade now, and it’s myriad product suites, and innovative cloud features keep evolving year-on-year. The ability to contribute ideas and see them implemented successfully creates a sense of ownership and great job satisfaction for me.

SMA: What are the kinds of opportunities you see in the sector?

RR: The solar sector is literally the sunshine sector globally. The world is speedily transitioning into a clean and sustainable energy ecosystem regardless of the countries or industries. This shift towards renewable energy, coupled with ever-rising power consumption, would ensure that solar power remains at the forefront of the future of energy. The fact that it is not only renewable but abundantly available holds incredible benefits for us all. The day is close when the solar sector will become the primary energy source for all our needs and help us phase out traditional and environmentally harmful energy sources. Being a pioneering name in the solar sector, SMA has tremendous career growth, leadership, and specialization opportunities in IT solutions, and the company will surely continue being a key contributor to the solar revolution globally.

Do you want to actively shape the energy supply of the future? Then SMA is the right place for you. Reach out to us through Careers page.