The Expert Engineer (E2) program provides high performing, high potential technologists at Chase with an opportunity to focus on their career paths through immersive activities, mentoring and projects that build confidence, ability, networking skills and community building. We’re catching up with alumni to learn about their journeys, E2 experiences, and what the program has meant to them as they grow their careers as Chase technologists and leaders. Already an interested engineer at Chase? Visit E2 on the intranet to learn more and apply!
Growing up in the vibrant culture of the Middle East, I dreamed of becoming an engineer. It wasn't an easy dream to pursue in a society where gender roles were fixed and coming from a family where being a doctor is the only acceptable career path. It was challenging, but I was determined!
Fast forward twelve years, and now I’m part of the future of technology at Chase. It's been a journey full of challenges, achievements and the support of those around me. At Chase, I found more than just a job. I found a community that believes in me and helps me thrive despite many odds I have faced early on.
Being part of the E2 program has opened opportunities I never imagined, teaching me the value of resilience, teamwork, and mentorship. One of my proudest achievements was initiating an AWS Certified Solution Architect - Professional cohort study group for our women in technology, which resulted in four women passing the certification exam within three months and all four women becoming AWS Professional certified, including myself. Watching others I’ve mentored succeed by taking an internal mobility and thriving in their new role has become one of the most rewarding aspects of my role. Over time, I’ve grown beyond technical expertise, taking on more responsibilities, filed my first patent, and advocating for diversity in technology. I’m grateful for the trust and opportunities that have come my way, and I’m excited to continue shaping the future at Chase while supporting those around me.
The E2 program was an essential step in my development as a technical leader, offering a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical, hands-on experience. The program included deep dives into cutting-edge technologies and collaborative problem-solving sessions, fostering a culture of continuous growth and resilience. Each challenge was a learning opportunity, and every setback became a very valuable lesson.
A path to empowerment
The E2 program is designed for top-talented engineers and each year only about 100 are selected. When each new class comes together, they embark on an immersive program that builds across three in-person modules, where participants work on technology challenges through “quest” teams, dive into case studies and senior leader panels, and learn new skills and tools.
In 2015, one of the E2 Leads recognized my potential, believed in my talent, and encouraged me to apply. At the time, I wasn't fully aware of the program so I asked for more time to explore its possibilities and determine if I could get in. I made a promise to myself that when I applied, I would succeed on my first try. I began gathering as much information and feedback as possible to thoroughly prepare myself.
In 2022, I felt ready and the opportunity to join the E2 once again presented itself. At that time, I recognized E2 as a chance to not only enhance my skills but also to expand my perspective and drive impactful change.
As a woman in engineering, I was aware of the lack of female representation. This realization emphasized the need to pave the way for future generations of female technologists. The E2 program provided me with a platform to amplify my voice, demonstrate my capabilities and inspire others to pursue their passions with patience and confidence.
Embracing the journey
My journey through the E2 program has been nothing short of transformative. From the start, I was supported by incredible senior leaders, mentors, my coach and an internal leadership and development program for women that drives professional and personal development, Women On The Move TIF – TakeITforward Columbus, during the application process. The E2 selection interviews were tough, setting a high standard for all of us. Every step, from enriching learning experiences to collaborative case studies with like-minded technologists, was an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. I learned the true meaning of the power of resilience, adaptability and innovation—to embrace challenges as steppingstones to success and to never lose sight of the impact I could make, both as an individual and as part of a larger community.
My journey through the application and interview process was both exciting and rewarding, even though it was a lot of hard work.
In the final round of the E2 selection process, we were tasked with developing solutions to complex issues. I proposed a solution related to data retention, inspired by an internal town hall's emphasis on innovation, and discovered that my solution was in line with Chase’s approach. This alignment with the organization's forward-thinking goals was so exhilarating that I couldn't sleep that night!
Presenting my case study was a pivotal moment that shifted my mindset and opened new perspectives, reinforcing my passion for innovation and development. This transformative experience left me eager to see where my E2 journey would lead.
For those fortunate enough to participate in Chase’s E2 program, the rewards are boundless. Participants thrive in a culture of continues learning and experimentation—a space where curiosity, determination and collaboration are not just encouraged but celebrated. Mentorship from seasoned professionals and exposure to real-world challenges provide invaluable insights that go beyond conventional education.
Moreover, the program fosters a sense of belonging where ideas are shared and exchanged, and innovation truly flourishes.
A perfect example of collaboration within the E2 community is our team's journey to enhance a support platform. We faced several challenges along the way but tackled them head-on by diving into large language models (LLMs) from scratch. We spent many weekends meeting and refining our solution, which really showed the strength of collaboration and shared learning.
Together, we developed two LLM models: Sentiment Analysis and Topic Modeling. Sentiment Analysis helps refine the knowledge base by categorizing tickets as good or bad, while Topic Modeling generates relevant topics for user scenarios. This approach optimizes ticket handling, improves self-service experiences, and enhances employees’ satisfaction.
Our solution not only streamlines support processes but also promotes ongoing growth and adaptability, making the support system more efficient and responsive. This journey has truly highlighted the value of collaboration and innovation within the E2 community.
Lujain and fellow E2 alum Robins Mathew collaborating during an E2 session.
Impact and legacy
Many E2 graduates have elevated their careers using their collaboration and problem-solving skills, coupled with their technical acumen, to positively influence products and services technology that customers and employees use every day while helping others in the technology community grow.
The E2 program has equipped me with the tools, knowledge and confidence to tackle any challenge that comes my way—to continue breaking barriers and shaping the future of our firm. My biggest takeaways from my E2 experience are:
- Value your customers: Understand the needs of your customers, whether they are colleagues, product teams, technologists or end users.
- Business impact first: Think about the business impact when crafting solutions; be a great technologist with a business-driven mindset.
- Ensure it works: Before assuming, make sure your solution actually works.
- Simplify the journey: In innovation, simplicity is key – aim for faster, secure and more impactful outcomes for the business.
- Build trust: Be vulnerable and communicate openly with your team to gain trust and be trustworthy.
- Overcome fear - challenge yourself and others: If you know your allies, competition and yourself, you need not fear the results. Embrace challenges to foster growth in yourself and those around you.
- Shine under pressure: Great leaders excel when faced with pressure.
- Have faith in your journey: As future expert engineers, we must contribute to building our engineering community and always advocate for doing the right thing.
Finding a professional home
Each day I walk through the doors of Chase it feels like coming home. For over a decade, I've been part of a culture that values diversity, encourages growth and fosters innovation. Here, I’ve found friends, mentors and allies who saw my potential and encouraged me to chase my dreams. It's been a journey of ups and downs, but through it all I've grown, learned and made my mark on the company. As a woman in engineering, I've found my voice, my passion and my purpose—all thanks to the incredible support of the Chase technology community.
As I reflect on my journey through the E2 program, I am filled with pride and gratitude. I am proud of my progress, the barriers I've overcome and the impact I've had on those around me. But above all, I am grateful—for the opportunities, the support and the belief in my potential. My journey may have begun as a quest for personal fulfillment, but it has evolved into a mission—to empower, inspire and pave the way for a future where every woman and technologist can pursue their dreams without fear or hesitation.
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For informational/educational purposes only: The opinions expressed in this article may differ from other employees and departments of JPMorgan Chase & Co. Opinions and strategies described may not be appropriate for everyone and are not intended as specific advice/recommendation for any individual. You should carefully consider your needs and objectives before making any decisions and consult the appropriate professional(s). Outlooks and past performance are not guarantees of future results. Any mentions of third-party trademarks, brand names, products and services are for referential purposes only and any mention thereof is not meant to imply any sponsorship, endorsement, or affiliation.