Meet Jeevadharshini, a System Engineer at TCS. She shares her experiences, and the challenges she’s faced, and offers valuable advice for aspiring women in engineering. Jeevadharshini also reflects on her journey and the evolving nature of her role in the tech world.
Women in Engineering with Jeedvadharshini
FPGA Insights has conducted an exclusive interview with Jeevadharshini, a System Engineer at TCS, to gain valuable insights into her experiences as a woman in engineering.
1) What’s your Name, job title & area of research/work?
My name is Jeevadharshini, and I work as a System Engineer in AMS L1 support.
2) What sparked your interest in engineering? Can you describe the moment you realized this was a field you’d like to pursue?
Engineering caught my interest in curiosity about how things worked. I was fascinated by the tiny components working together to produce sound. That moment made me realize that engineering was more than just mechanics; it was a creative way to solve problems. As I grew older, I enjoyed building and tinkering with different projects, which reinforced my passion. I knew then that engineering was the perfect field for combining creativity and practical skills.
3) What are your experiences of being a female engineer?
Being a female engineer has had its challenges, like sometimes being the only woman in the room. I’ve also found great support from everyone in the field. It’s rewarding to prove myself and help encourage more women to join. Overall, I feel proud to be breaking barriers.
4) Can you tell me more about your career path so far?
As an AMS L1 Support, my career path has focused on providing technical assistance and troubleshooting for various systems. I started by learning the basics of IT support, gaining experience in resolving common issues, and improving customer service skills. Over time, I’ve developed a solid understanding of monitoring systems, handling incidents, and ensuring smooth operations for clients. I’m continuously learning to expand my skills and take on more complex challenges in the field.
5) What has been your most challenging experience as an engineer?
With two years of experience, my biggest challenge has been managing tight deadlines while learning new skills quickly. Balancing project demands and expectations has sometimes felt overwhelming. However, these challenges have pushed me to become more organized and adaptable. Each difficult project has helped me build confidence and resilience.
6) What is the most exciting thing about your job?
The most exciting part of my job as AMS L1 Support is the opportunity to solve diverse technical issues daily. I enjoy helping customers overcome challenges and learning new skills to improve our service. Every day brings something new, keeping me engaged and motivated. It’s rewarding to be a crucial part of a team that ensures smooth operations!
7) What kind of impact would bring you great satisfaction in your work?
I would find great satisfaction in creating solutions that positively impact people’s daily lives, making tasks easier or more efficient. It’s fulfilling to know that my work can help solve real-world problems. I’d also love to inspire others, especially women, to pursue careers in engineering. Making a meaningful difference and being a role model would be truly rewarding.
8) What do you think needs to be done to improve the statistics in terms of women’s participation in engineering?
To boost women’s participation in engineering, we should encourage girls early on and provide role models. Schools and companies can offer more hands-on experiences and mentoring programs. A supportive environment will help more women feel welcome in the field.
9) What do you enjoy most and least about engineering?
What I enjoy most about engineering is the creativity and problem-solving involved in designing innovative solutions. I love turning ideas into real-world applications. However, the most challenging part can be dealing with tight deadlines, which sometimes limits the time available for thorough testing and optimization.
10) Who has been your greatest support, coach, and mentor across [Industry], and why?
My senior has been my greatest support, coach, and mentor in the industry. They provide guidance, share their experience, and encourage me to grow professionally and personally.
11) What is it like to be a woman in engineering? Do you feel that your gender gives you a different perspective and experience from your male counterparts? Any advantages?
Being a woman in engineering brings unique perspectives and experiences, often fostering collaboration and diverse problem-solving. I find that my approach can sometimes offer fresh insights, which adds value to the team and enhances innovation.
12) What advice do you have for women interested in engineering? What kinds of practical experience should they have? What technical skills should they pick up?
My advice for women interested in engineering is to stay curious, and confident, and never hesitate to ask questions. Gaining hands-on experience with projects, learning coding basics, and improving problem-solving skills are great ways to start.