Career Chats : Nadya Dorofeev

You've probably heard the phrase "a career path is never a straight line." It can be scary not to know what you want to do, or know what you want but not how to get there. Career Chats is a series aimed at tackling these uncertainties. The series highlights women in different roles across LinkedIn and the unique journey that led them to where they are today. We hope these stories will help you find your path to your dreams.

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Career Chats with  Nadezhda (Nadya) Dorofeev

Role: Senior Software Engineer, LSS Search at LinkedIn

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Q: Walk us through your career path so far.

I came to the United States almost 18 years ago knowing very little English, 700$ in my pocket, with no job and no friends and family.  At the time, I was already finishing my University in Russia and had a bright future working at a very prestigious firm in Moscow. But I left it all for the opportunity in the United States, knowing that I will accomplish much more.  I was waiting tables, working at the bar, learning English in College, and practicing it with my customers. I went back to school to finish my Masters (In Finance) and started looking for a full-time job. I was sending 20-30 job applications daily and went to every career fair possible. I had very little money and couldn't afford to buy a nice suit for the interviews, so I was buying clothes and keeping the price tag, wearing it carefully and then returning it right after the interview.

I had my fair share of humiliating experiences. Once a manager was so disrespectful during my interview. He even put his feet on a table and laughed at my English. Right away, I knew that I was not getting the job. But I made up my mind to work at the very same company no matter what!  At another career fair, I handed my resume to the HR at the same company who said: "Ah, we were going to call you, I recognize your name from the applications we have received, all 6 or 7 of them 🙂”. Needless to say, I got the job and was promoted quickly. I finished my Master’s degree and was able to finally get the job for my Finance major. Later, I was able to get my dream job at the time - in Wealth Management. I enjoyed working with clients and was given a great opportunity to move to Florida and go through the development training program with the same company. I soon realized that that job is not for me. 

Soon enough, I was able to get a job in GE as a risk analyst. I was very successful at GE. I soon realized that I wanted to become a software engineer. I went back to school in the evenings while continuing to work full time. By this time, I had friends and support and was in a much better position financially. Some people tried to discourage me, saying that I would not be able to learn tech at this point. I heard laughs behind my back. I was able to get my dream tech job halfway through my Masters degree in Computer Science. My management was very supportive and helped me to get an interview with one of the startups they recently acquired. I worked very hard to prepare for my interview and landed a job there!After a couple years, I started preparing for the interviews for the Silicon Valley companies. I interviewed with a lot of companies but FAILED miserably in all of them. That was very discouraging. But, I knew that if I worked hard, I would get it. Somewhere during this time, I got pregnant with my beautiful daughter. By the time I received offers I was almost 8 months pregnant. When I joined LinkedIn, I was almost due. LinkedIn was so supportive and made me feel very comfortable taking my maternity leave shortly after I joined. I have been at LinkedIn for 3 years now and couldn’t be happier with the culture and talented people I have been working with.

Q: What is the best advice you have gotten so far in your career?

DON'T BE AFRAID OF TRYING. Filter all the noise that people try to distract you with. Believe in yourself, work hard, and no matter what it is you are after, it WILL come to you!I also got this advice from a very successful man I met in Italy last year - “While trying out new things, ENJOY THE PROCESS!” We tend to get very upset when we fail and get very happy when we achieve something, but these are the shortest intervals of your whole journey. I took his advice myself; it changed my perspective so much. Besides my great job and family, I found my passion in coffee!  It is extremely challenging, but I am enjoying the process ;)

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I envision myself as a technical architect, deeply immersed in technical challenges and solution-building. My passion for tackling complex problems and crafting innovative solutions will continue to drive me forward. I aspire to be recognized as a trusted technical leader, leveraging my expertise to guide teams in developing modern software systems that push the boundaries of what's possible. I am committed to contributing to the forefront of technology and making a lasting impact in the field.

Q: What is something that is not on your LinkedIn Profile?

Recently, I launched my own coffee roasting business  (LiftUp Roast) and this is something that is still not very visible on my LinkedIn profile 🙂. It is very exciting and challenging at the same time. My main motivation comes from the positive feedback I receive when people try my coffee and ask where they can get more. The joy and satisfaction I see in their eyes when they take a sip is what drives me to continue perfecting my craft. I'm proud to be a part of creating warm and inviting atmospheres in people's homes and making their mornings even better.

Want to see more posts like this? Check out our past Career Chats HERE