Vedha Varsini, App Development Associate at Accenture – WOMEN IN ENGINEERING

Vedha Varsni Rajesh, Package App Development Associate 

My interest in engineering sparked during a high school robotics competition. I was part of a team building a robot, and I loved the blend of creativity and problem-solving involved. The moment our robot successfully completed its task after countless iterations and adjustments was exhilarating. It was then I realized that engineering was a field where I could combine my passion for innovation with tangible results, driving me to pursue it further. 

As a female engineer in a package app development role, I’ve encountered both challenges and opportunities. Initially, there were moments of imposter syndrome, especially in male-dominated teams. However, I’ve found that my perspective is valued, leading to diverse solutions and fostering collaboration.
 
Networking with other women in tech has been empowering, providing support and mentorship. Overall, my experience has highlighted the importance of inclusivity in tech, motivating me to advocate for more female representation in engineering. 

Over the past year as an App Development Associate, I’ve gained hands-on experience in various aspects of app development. I started by familiarizing myself with programming languages like Java and Kotlin, focusing on building user-friendly interfaces and ensuring smooth functionality. 

I’ve participated in several projects, collaborating closely with designers and QA teams to refine our apps based on user feedback. This role has also involved troubleshooting issues and implementing updates, which has sharpened my problem-solving skills.

Additionally, I’ve taken part in code reviews and learned about agile methodologies, enhancing my teamwork and project management abilities. Overall, this year has been a steep learning curve that solidified my passion for app development and set a strong foundation for my career. 

One of the most challenging experiences I’ve faced as an App Development Associate was during a critical project deadline when we encountered unexpected technical issues. A key feature wasn’t performing as intended, and we had to quickly identify the root cause while ensuring that our timeline stayed on track.
 
This situation required extensive collaboration with the team, long hours, and effective communication to keep everyone aligned. I learned the importance of staying calm under pressure, prioritizing tasks, and thinking creatively to troubleshoot problems. Ultimately, we resolved the issue and delivered the project on time, which reinforced my resilience and ability to adapt to high-stress situations.

The most exciting aspect of my job is the constant opportunity for innovation and creativity. I love being able to design and develop solutions that can directly impact users’ experiences. Each project brings new challenges and the chance to learn new technologies, which keeps the work dynamic and engaging. Additionally, collaborating with a diverse team to brainstorm ideas and solve problems together is incredibly fulfilling, as it fosters a culture of shared knowledge and growth.

Bringing meaningful impact through user-centered design and functionality would bring me great satisfaction in my work. I aim to create applications that genuinely enhance users’ lives, whether by improving efficiency, providing valuable information, or offering seamless experiences. 

To improve women’s participation in engineering, several key actions are needed: 

  1. Early Education and Awareness
  2. Mentorship Programs
  3. Inclusive Work Environments
  4. Flexible Work Policies
  5. Address Bias

By combining these efforts, we can create a more equitable environment that encourages more women to pursue careers in engineering. 

The problem-solving aspect. There’s a unique satisfaction in tackling complex challenges and developing innovative solutions that can have a real-world impact. The collaborative environment, where ideas are shared and refined, also enhances my experience. 

My greatest support, coach, and mentor has been my manager. They have provided invaluable guidance and feedback that has helped me navigate challenges in my role. Their openness to share knowledge and encourage my growth has been instrumental in building my confidence and skills.

Being a woman in engineering comes with its unique challenges and advantages. While I sometimes face stereotypes or biases, I also have the opportunity to bring a different perspective to problem-solving and team dynamics. My experiences can foster more inclusive discussions and innovative solutions, as diverse viewpoints often lead to better outcomes.

For women interested in engineering, here are some key pieces of advice: 

1. Pursue Your Interests: Explore different engineering disciplines to find what excites you, whether it’s software, mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering.

2. Gain Practical Experience: Internships, co-op programs, and hands-on projects are invaluable. Participating in hackathons, robotics clubs, or engineering competitions can provide practical skills and networking opportunities.

3. Build Technical Skills: Focus on mastering relevant programming languages (like Python, Java, or C++), software development tools, and understanding data structures and algorithms. Familiarity with version control systems like Git is also beneficial.

4. Develop Soft Skills: Communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are crucial in engineering. Participate in group projects or leadership roles in student organizations to strengthen these skills. 

5. Seek Mentorship: Connect with mentors in the field who can provide guidance, share experiences, and help navigate challenges.

6. Join Supportive Communities: Engage with organizations and networks that support women in engineering to find resources, encouragement, and a sense of belonging.