Explore Pooja’s journey as a female Senior Executive. Uncover challenges, advice for women in engineering, and insights on her evolving career in this dynamic field.
Women In Engineering with Pooja
FPGA Insights has conducted an exclusive interview with Pooja, who is working as a Senior Executive at Honda, to gain valuable insights into her experiences as a woman in engineering.
What’s your Name, job title & area of research/work?
My name is Pooja Joshi, and I work as a Senior Executive in the Manufacturing Department at Honda. My work primarily involves overseeing the production line, ensuring process efficiency, maintaining quality standards, and implementing improvements to enhance productivity. I also collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot technical issues and optimize workflow on the shop floor.
What sparked your interest in engineering? Can you describe the moment you realized this was a field you’d like to pursue?
From a young age, I was always curious about how machines worked, especially vehicles. Growing up, I would watch my father repair tools or appliances at home, and I found myself fascinated by the mechanics behind them.
The turning point came during a school field trip to a local manufacturing plant. Watching the assembly line in action- the precision, the coordination, the transformation of raw materials into finished products made something click for me. That day, I knew I wanted to be a part of that world. It was clear that engineering, especially mechanical, was the path where my passion and curiosity could turn into a profession.
What are your experiences of being a female engineer?
Being a female engineer in manufacturing had its challenges initially, especially in a male-dominated environment. But with hard work and support, I earned respect and grew in my role. I believe women bring unique strengths like attention to detail and strong teamwork, which add value on the shop floor.
Can you tell me more about your career path so far?
Over the years, I worked across different shifts and departments, gradually taking on more responsibilities.
With consistent performance and learning, I was promoted to Senior Executive. Now, I oversee part of the production line, focus on process improvements, and mentor junior staff. It’s been a journey of continuous growth and learning.
What has been your most challenging experience as an engineer?
One of my most challenging experiences was handling a sudden breakdown on the production line during peak hours. It required quick troubleshooting, coordination with multiple teams, and implementing a temporary fix to avoid major delays. It tested both my technical and leadership skills under pressure.
What is the most exciting thing about your job?
The most exciting part is seeing a vehicle take shape from raw parts, knowing I play a role in building something real and impactful every day.
What kind of impact would bring you great satisfaction in your work?
Improving production efficiency and reducing waste through smart process changes gives me great satisfaction knowing my work directly contributes to better quality and cost savings.
What do you think needs to be done to improve the statistics in terms of women’s participation in engineering?
We need more awareness at the school level, strong mentorship programs, and supportive workplace policies like flexible hours and career development for women. Visibility of female role models also plays a big role in inspiring more girls to choose engineering.
What do you enjoy most and least about engineering?
What I enjoy most is solving practical problems and seeing the results of my work on the production floor. The least enjoyable part can be dealing with unexpected machine breakdowns that disrupt schedules, but they also teach valuable lessons.
Who has been your greatest support, coach, and mentor across [Industry], and why?
My greatest support and mentor has been my first supervisor at Honda. She guided me through the early challenges, encouraged me to take on new responsibilities, and helped build my confidence in a male-dominated environment. Her practical advice and belief in my potential made a big difference in my career.
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 means facing some extra challenges, but it also brings a unique perspective. I believe my attention to detail and strong communication skills help in team coordination and problem-solving. These qualities can be advantages that complement technical expertise on the shop floor.
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 build strong hands-on experience whether through internships, workshops, or projects because practical skills are key in manufacturing. Learning basics like CAD, machine operations, and quality control tools will help. Also, developing good communication and teamwork skills is just as important. Stay confident and never hesitate to ask questions or take initiative.
