Sanjana Wadhwa’s journey from a small town in India to working at Apple in Silicon Valley is a story of curiosity, creativity, and consistency. Growing up surrounded by canvases and code, she developed a passion for building at the intersection of art and technology, leading her to pursue a graduate degree in Computer Graphics and to contribute at industry leaders like Nvidia, Google, and Apple.
In this conversation, Sanjana shares insights on navigating rejections, leveraging networks creatively, and keeping the human experience at the center of innovation. We’re grateful to Sanjana for taking the time to share her experiences and lessons for those looking to build meaningful, creative careers in technology.
IMAGE: SANJANA WADWHA
Your journey from a small town in India to Nvidia, Google, and Apple is inspiring. Can you share a specific moment when you felt your “3 Cs” (curiosity, creativity, consistency) guiding you during a career-defining redirection?
During the first semester of my graduate program, I faced multiple rejections during the on-campus recruitment drive. That experience pushed me to reflect on my approach and refine both my interviewing skills and my sense of direction.
I reminded myself to work on projects I’m passionate about and enrolled in courses like Geometric Modelling and Data Visualization during my second semester. These gave me a strong foundation in computer graphics and the skills to apply for relevant rendering and visualization roles.
With consistent improvement in interview techniques, curiosity to follow my vision, and creativity in leveraging my network, I was eventually able to land a role at Nvidia in Silicon Valley.
In hindsight, those earlier rejections were a blessing—none of those earlier interviews were for positions in California or in fields that became central to my career. They redirected me toward an opportunity that aligned far more closely with my interests and set the stage for many future roles.
You’ve mentioned growing up painting landscapes while also learning to code. How has your artistic background influenced the way you approach building technology, especially in user experience design?
Painting taught me patience and attention to detail. I’d spend hours capturing shadows and reflections, which trained my eye to see form, light, and balance—skills that translate directly to UI aesthetics.
But painting also taught me how to build things structurally, from sketch to developing layers of paint. This mirrors how I approach complex systems: logically, methodically, but always with a creative vision. My art background helps me bridge the gap between engineers and designers and keeps the human experience at the center of innovation.
You landed your first internship through a professor’s previous PhD student. What advice would you give to students or early-career professionals on leveraging their network creatively, especially when starting out?
“Networking” can sound intimidating, but it doesn’t have to mean walking into a room in formal attire and delivering your elevator pitch to 50 strangers. Real networking is about building meaningful connections, often with people you meet organically—like classmates, professors, or even family and friends—and reaching out with genuine curiosity.
Cold messaging on LinkedIn isn’t as effective as it used to be. Instead, try connecting with people who share mutual links, such as school alumni or individuals working in your field of interest, and ask thoughtful, specific questions.
Don’t be afraid to seek guidance or support. Most people remember what it was like to start out and are often willing to help if you approach them sincerely.
You actively mentor through programs like AnitaB.org’s. What is one piece of mentorship advice you find yourself giving most often, and why?
“Step outside your comfort zone.” I see many students waiting for the right opportunity or permission to act, but growth only happens when you’re uncomfortable.
After my undergraduate degree in India, I had a job offer, but I made the difficult decision to move to a new country for graduate school. It was scary, especially figuring out funding and starting over in an unfamiliar place. With the support of loved ones and belief in my long-term goals, I took the leap. That decision changed everything, and I’ve tried to live that way ever since.
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