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Samee Zahid
Engineering Lead [ML & Data] @ Chipper Cash
Professional Background
Samee Zahid is a distinguished generalist engineer with a specialization in end-to-end machine learning (ML). He possesses a wealth of experience spanning data analysis, feature engineering, model training, deployment, evaluation infrastructure, and A/B experimentation. His expertise includes but is not limited to topic clustering, location inference, spam detection, local intent classification, search indexing, and various natural language processing (NLP) techniques. As an ardent advocate for leveraging technology to improve lives, Samee is particularly excited about how emerging technologies can bring transformative changes to developing economies.
In addition to his extensive background in machine learning and data science, Samee is proficient in Android development. He is currently expanding his skill set by exploring JavaScript and React, reflecting his commitment to constant learning and adaptation to new technologies.
Samee's professional journey is marked by his ability to maintain a strong product focus and a keen big-picture instinct. This combination has enabled him to contribute significantly across various organizations and roles throughout his career.
Education and Achievements
Samee has a solid academic foundation in computer science, having earned his Bachelor's Degree from Grinnell College. His educational journey also includes A-Level studies at Lahore Grammar School and an enriching off-campus study program at AIT-Budapest, allowing him to gain a diverse perspective on computer science and engineering.
Throughout his career, Samee has taken on impactful roles at several leading organizations within the industry. These opportunities have not only enhanced his technical skills but also equipped him with a unique understanding of product development and engineering leadership. At Chipper Cash, he currently serves as an Engineering Lead, where he leads teams to deliver cutting-edge financial technology solutions.
Previously, he held the position of Senior Software Engineer at Chipper Cash, following his tenure as a Software Engineer at Google. His broad experience also includes impactful mentorship roles, including his time with Venture for Pakistan, where he played a vital role in guiding aspiring engineers and entrepreneurs.
Samee's career is adorned with several key roles that reflect his versatility and capability. As a Product Lead at Grinnell AppDev, he was instrumental in driving projects from conception to deployment, fostering an environment of innovation. His extensive internship experience during his formative years includes being a Software Engineering Intern at reputable companies like Yahoo, Kifi (acquired by Google), and Ingrain.io. He also demonstrated leadership as an Undergraduate Researcher at the Grinnell Laboratory for Interactive Multimedia Experimentation and Research.
His early professional ventures also saw him take on roles such as Android Lead at Grinnell AppDev and Tech Consultant at Grinnell College, where he shared his knowledge and skills with fellow students and faculty. Samee started his career as a Sauté Cook at Grinnell College, and during summer internships at Bank Alfalah Limited, he gained insight into the banking sector, further diversifying his career experiences.
Achievements
Throughout his career, Samee Zahid has achieved a commendable array of accomplishments that underscore his capabilities as an engineer and leader. His notable expertise in machine learning techniques has allowed him to develop innovative solutions that enhance product functionality. His work in A/B experimentation and evaluation infrastructure showcases his understanding of analyzing data to drive informed decisions that lead to successful product launches.
Samee's proficiency in programming languages such as C++, Python, SQL, and Bash, as well as his experience with relevant tools such as Kubernetes, Map-Reduce, Colab/Jupyter, and data visualization techniques, further amplify his qualifications. These technical skills have been pivotal in his roles, enabling him to create sophisticated solutions that address complex challenges in the software development landscape.
In addition to his technical prowess, Samee's ability to mentor and coach emerging talent sets him apart in the engineering community. His former coaching role with Major League Hacking reflects his dedication to fostering skills in others while staying actively engaged with the educational aspects of technology.
Samee Zahid is not only a skilled engineer but also a continuous learner who appreciates the power of knowledge. His favorite books, including The Beginning of Infinity by David Deutsch, Behave by Robert Sapolsky, and Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman, resonate with his analytical mindset and reflect his commitment to understanding the world around him. This rich tapestry of knowledge continues to inform his professional journey, inspiring his contributions to the tech industry and the communities he serves.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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