Karteek
Head of Platform Development and Support Services
Global Product Organization
Wearing Many Hats — A Perfect Fit
After working long hours in product development for a start-up in the late 1990s, Karteek switched gears and began teaching high school as a way to give back to his community and strike a better balance between work and life.
But it wasn’t long before a new technology opportunity came knocking. During a summer break, Karteek was presented with an opportunity for a three-month Visa assignment working on product applications for a new area. “It sounded really exciting. It meant entering a new market space as well. I felt it was very innovative and that my start-up experience could add value to their efforts.”
The contract opportunity quickly led to a full-time position overseeing product development for Visa Information Management. Karteek helped build out Visa’s suite of information management products for several years, delivering centralized online applications that allowed both corporate and small business clients a better way to manage their expenses.
Since then, Karteek has been involved in building and supporting product platforms, services and methodologies. He’s collaborated with a number of people to centralize product development, services support and program management activities for the organization.
Even with his background working for a start-up, Karteek has always been impressed by Visa’s vision for the future of the applications marketplace. “I find this very intriguing. I really appreciate how open Visa is to exploring non-traditional models.”
“I think one of the reason’s I’ve stayed is because, at Visa, I am in control of my career. There’s no single track. You can wear many hats and explore different opportunities. You can pursue the areas where your talents and interests lie. You can be challenged without getting burned out.”
In addition to the work, Karteek appreciates Visa’s generosity. He’s looked to Visa’s Matching Gift Program to help support research for AIDS, cancer and juvenile diabetes, as well as CRY America. “CRY America, which stands for Child Rights and You, works to ensure that underprivileged children in India and the USA have basic rights, such as being able to go to school instead of to work. Thanks to Visa, I’ve been able to make a bigger impact on the lives of others.”
