Samruddhi Bhapkar shares her journey in the telecom industry, her work as a Member of the Technical Staff in the RAN Business Unit, her future plans and more.
Tell us about your journey to Rakuten Symphony.
I was born and raised in Pune, a city located in western India. After completing my engineering degree in 2021 from Pune University, I was eager to start my career in a field that was not only innovative and challenging but also had the potential to benefit many people. Despite having no prior knowledge of the telecom industry, I joined Altiostar Networks, which is now part of Rakuten Symphony, driven by a strong desire to grow and learn.
I’m currently based in Bengaluru as a Member of Technical Staff, working on 5G technology. Being part of Rakuten Symphony has given me the opportunity to work on impactful projects that shape the future of connectivity, and I’m excited to continue growing in my role, knowing that the work I do can actually impact the lives of millions around the world.
What makes Rakuten Symphony such an interesting place to work from a technical standpoint?
I can confidently say that our pioneering approach to Open RAN and virtualized network solutions, pushing the boundaries of telecom with software-defined, open, and cloud-native technologies, is unparalleled. Unlike traditional telecom companies, Symphony’s commitment to innovation and disruption creates an environment where every project feels transformative.
The company’s collaborative culture encourages the free exchange of ideas, making it a dynamic place to work. There’s also a strong focus on empowering employees with ownership and responsibility early in their careers, which drives personal growth and innovation. Our emphasis on staying ahead of trends like 5G and Open RAN provides an exciting opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and continuously expand one’s technical expertise.
Describe your roles and responsibilities in your current position?
As a Member of Technical Staff working on the UE Simulator, my responsibilities include designing, testing, and deploying simulators for ENDC, LTE and SA technologies. This involves troubleshooting and ensuring that the infrastructure we’re building is both scalable and reliable.
Although I am just starting out in my career, I’m already gaining valuable hands-on experience in problem-solving and learning how to work effectively across teams. Each project I work on helps me refine my skills and deepen my understanding of 5G technology and its role in the telecom industry.
What has been the highlight of your time at Rakuten Symphony?
The highlight of my time at Rakuten Symphony has been the opportunity to work extensively with 5G networks. As I mentioned earlier, I have gained hands-on experience by troubleshooting and optimizing various systems within the network. This experience allowed me to dive deep into understanding the complexities of 5G technology and its key components. The challenges I faced along the way not only improved my problem-solving skills but also provided me with a comprehensive understanding of how 5G networks function and how to enhance their performance for better efficiency and reliability.
What are some hobbies you enjoy in your downtime?
Outside of work, I am passionate about sports, especially Tchoukball (a popular indoor 7 member team sport started in Switzerland and containing elements of handball, volleyball and squash), which I played at the national level during my teenage years. I also represented my state in softball during the same period. All of this was made possible by the arrival of a new PT teacher at school who was a pro softball player. Under his guidance, I picked up these new sports and found out that I was quite passionate about them.
In addition to sports, I love dancing, which for me is the perfect way to express myself and stay active. While I have never trained professionally, I performed on stage during my school and college days. Dancing not only helps me unwind but also keeps me energized and mentally sharp.
I also enjoy sketching and painting, something I have been passionate about for as long as I can remember. Occasionally, I upload some of my creations on Instagram. This creative outlet allows me to relax and recharge. I believe that creativity in art complements my problem-solving abilities at work, giving me a balanced approach to both analytical and creative challenges.
Who inspires you?
My biggest inspiration comes from my sister Sneha Bhapkar, who is an entrepreneur. She built her business from the ground up right after college at the age of 22. Watching her overcome obstacles with determination and resilience has taught me a lot. Her ability to stay focused and positive, even in challenging times, motivates me to approach my own work with the same mindset.
I am also deeply inspired by the diverse team I work with at Rakuten Symphony. Their knowledge, professionalism, drive, and constant pursuit of excellence encourages me to give my best every single day.
What’s next for you?
Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue growing in my role and to deepen my knowledge of 5G technology. I’d love to take on more responsibilities related to network optimization and automation as we scale up 5G deployments (these are the crucial elements of networks of today and something Rakuten Symphony specializes in). I’m also eager to work on more complex projects that will challenge me and allow me to contribute in new ways.
In the long term, I hope to take on a leadership role within the company, where I can guide and mentor newer team members, especially as a woman in tech. As for life outside work, I think it’s time for me to take professional dance lessons.
