Spotlight: Ujjwol Bhandari

Tell us about yourself!
I am from Nepal and currently living in Bentonville, AR. I have been with Kitestring as a Software Developer for around a year and a half and currently working at client Walmart with the Flex POS team.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I like to play sports, hike, travel, and stay active. I regularly go to Memorial Park or Community Center to play soccer or go for a run. I also enjoy karaoke and am trying to learn guitar.

Tell us how you started down your career path. -Were you influenced by anyone?
I was always interested in problem-solving and logical analysis. I also liked programming, so software engineering sounded like a good career choice for me. And as the technologies change so often, I was attracted by the opportunity and challenge of continuous learning that I need to do in this career.

What are some of your favorite things about living and working in Northwest Arkansas?
I get to enjoy nature so much over here. There are many parks and trails for hiking and biking. The city isn’t overcrowded so I enjoy the peaceful energy I get wherever I go.
Being a small city, everything is that much closer and accessible, so I have fun driving around.

How have you grown professionally while on our team?
Developed my technical skills in several new and old technologies by getting involved in client projects. Also, the training provided by Kitestring has helped my time management, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

What’s one thing – either industry-related or not – you learned in the last month?
I have been interested in real estate and investing in general. So, I was trying to learn more about the subject by reading through some internet articles and watching videos.

What keeps you motivated?
Being able to learn new things and apply my knowledge for good. Also solving problems and overcoming challenges motivates me. Staying mentally and physically in shape is equally important to me.

Where is your favorite destination you’ve visited, and why?
Last year, I visited Seattle where I went on a hike in Mt. Rainier National Park. I was close to the snowcapped mountains and the wildflowers were blooming at the time. The sound of the river from the mountain was echoing by the trail. It was such a nice view and reminded me of my home where I grew up around the hills.

What do you enjoy most about volunteering?
I believe we should be supporting each other and helping those in need and volunteering is something that helps me contribute towards that. Knowing that it can bring more joy or reduce the suffering of those who are directly or indirectly impacted by the work we can do as a group makes me happy.

If you could talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Keep enjoying life, and never shy away from struggles because it’s what makes you grow so embrace that and turn it into a learning experience. And start taking better care of your hair while you have it 😀