“I am excited about how women in STEM are growing! The engineering workforce continues to suffer from gender disparity and I would like to see more gender-balanced workplaces in engineering fields. I am looking forward to more tech leaders and entrepreneurs who are women.”
That was Sneha Raikar, Senior QA Engineer at BYJU’S in the third edition of ‘Girls Who Code‘. Our new series, where women coders and developers offer a glimpse into their journey in tech, why they love working in this domain, and the lessons they have learnt along the way. In this edition, Sneha shares what inspired her career in tech, a struggle she faced and how she overcame it and why we need more women in STEM.
Also read: ‘Don’t Be Afraid Of Failure, It’s A Chance To Learn’: How Poornima M Navigated Her Career in Tech
Edited Excerpts
When did you know that you wanted to work in tech?
It started out with a fascination for computers and how they seemed to make work easier with the click of a button. Since I was curious about how computers worked, studying engineering was a natural choice and I opted for Information Technology. Over the years, I realised the importance of technology and how it drives growth and innovation. After gaining exposure and experience at some tech companies in Bangalore, I landed a role at BYJU’S as a Senior QA Engineer in 2020.
What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you deal with it?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in life was related to my father’s health. He had to undergo a liver transplant surgery in Hyderabad and I was here in Bangalore. Just days after my joining, I had to travel to Hyderabad. It was a tough time for me personally. But more importantly, what helped me overcome this difficult time was the supportive environment at BYJU’S. I have leaned on many amazing mentors to advocate for me when I could not, and I strive to do the same for other people who share similar experiences.
What is a piece of advice that you have found useful?
The only thing that is constant is change. Learning how to adapt to change has helped me stay afloat in challenging times and stand strong in seemingly hopeless situations.
Also read: ‘Stop Seeing Us As Women in Tech But As Tech Leaders’: How Trupti VG Is Championing Change
What motivates you every day?
Facing new challenges, exploring uncharted areas, and attempting to solve issues that could potentially affect many lives is something that motivates me to bring my best to my job every day. It would be unfair not to mention the amazing people I work with — the most inclusive culture in any company I’ve ever worked at.
What are you most excited about in technology?
I am excited about how women in STEM are growing! The engineering workforce continues to suffer from gender disparity and I would like to see more gender-balanced workplaces in engineering fields. I am looking forward to more tech leaders and entrepreneurs who are women.
One piece of advice you would give to younger women planning a career in tech?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It doesn’t mean you are incapable, in fact, it shows that you are willing to learn.
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Damini is passionate about photography and travelling. She is happy to have her camera in hand to click random pictures. Always searching for answers about the chaos around her, she spends most of her time reading and learning new things. She also loves listening to music but is a pathetic singer herself. From being a journalism student to working with several media houses, she hopes to keep narrating compelling stories all her life. Write to her at damini.goel@byjus.com or storyweavers@byjus.com. BYJU'S
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