Solomon Berry is an entry-level Software Engineer at Meta, based in the Seattle, Washington office—Meta's second-largest location globally, after its headquarters in Menlo Park, California. In his role, Solomon works in a hybrid environment, splitting his time between the office and remote work, which allows him to collaborate closely with his team while also benefiting from the flexibility of working from home three days a week.
Main Responsibilities:
As a new member of the engineering team, Solomon's primary responsibilities involve tackling various coding tasks. He appreciates that, as he gains experience, the scope of his tasks is expanding, allowing him to work on increasingly complex features. This progression not only keeps him engaged but also fuels his passion for software engineering. In addition to coding, Solomon leads the E2E (End-to-End) testing Better Engineering initiative for his team, ensuring that their projects meet high-quality standards. Moreover, he is channeling his creativity into designing the team's swag for the current half, adding a personal touch that fosters team spirit.
Most Rewarding Task:
When asked about the most rewarding task he has undertaken, Solomon reflects on the various projects he has managed. He notes that every time he gets the chance to work on something more involved, he finds a new favorite. Recently, he collaborated with some Mission Control employees—who are responsible for organizational management—on defining permissions for managers and directors within Meta's internal organizational tools. This experience has allowed Solomon to take more ownership of the features he’s working on, as he actively engages with stakeholders to provide them with the utilities they need. The satisfaction of contributing to projects that impact the company significantly is one of the highlights of his early career.
Advice for Aspiring Engineers:
When it comes to giving advice to students interested in entering the field of software engineering, Solomon emphasizes the importance of academic and practical preparation. He recommends pursuing a minor in Computer Science to solidify foundational knowledge and suggests that students engage in coding challenges on platforms like NeetCode and LeetCode. "Apply like crazy," he advises, "and don’t hesitate to seek out referrals, as they can significantly enhance your chances of landing an interview."
Bucket List Aspirations:
Solomon is enthusiastic about life outside of work, especially regarding his travel plans. He shares that one of the exciting items on his bucket list is his upcoming trip to Spain for a week in November. "It’s going to be super fun!" he exclaims. Beyond international travel, Solomon is also an avid player of competitive spikeball. He participates in tournaments across the United States, blending his love for sports with adventure and competition.
Life Philosophy:
While Solomon doesn't adhere to a specific motto, he finds wisdom in a simple yet profound saying: "If you put in the work, and expect to win, you normally will." This perspective drives his work ethic and approach to both his professional endeavors and personal pursuits.
Solomon Berry is carving out a promising career at Meta while balancing his professional responsibilities with a vibrant personal life filled with travel, competition, and a dedication to continuous improvement. His journey is a testament to the importance of hard work, proactive learning, and the value of pursuing one's passions.
Reach out to Solomon to learn more about his job at Meta
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