Can you tell us about your background and what led you to pursue a career in STEM?
I was born and raised in India, in a family with a farming background. I went to school in a village near my home, where I was fortunate to be the top-performing student. This early success motivated me to continue my education, and with the support of my teachers, I pursued a degree in computer science and engineering. Becoming the first graduate in my family was a proud moment—not just for me, but for my entire family.
During my final year of college, I was selected by a top multinational IT company, marking the start of my journey in the technology sector. Coming from a rural area and a government school where English was a second language, I initially faced challenges adapting to the fast-paced environment of a global company. Despite this, I developed a strong passion for technology and problem-solving, which led me to build a career in IT.
The STEM field, particularly IT and computer science, intrigued me because of its potential to create solutions that make a tangible difference in the world. The ever-evolving nature of technology and the opportunity to innovate and contribute to impactful projects have kept me motivated throughout my career.
What has been your biggest challenge as a woman in STEM?
As a woman in STEM, one of my biggest challenges has been proving myself in an industry that’s often male-dominated. Coming from a rural background, I had to work harder to gain confidence and recognition for my abilities.
Early in my career, I struggled with self-doubt, especially when speaking up in meetings. Not being fluent in English initially made me hesitant to share my ideas, but over time, I built the confidence to contribute more actively.
Balancing work and my personal life was also a challenge, particularly with late meetings and additional responsibilities. It took effort to manage both, but these experiences have made me stronger and more resilient.
These challenges have shaped me into a more confident professional, and I now actively mentor others to help them overcome similar obstacles.
What attracted you to join Expleo, and how has your experience been so far?
One of the main reasons I joined Expleo was the opportunity to work internationally, with visa sponsorship to Ireland. A friend at Expleo shared their positive experience, highlighting the company’s supportive culture, diverse projects, and emphasis on work-life balance. As a working mother, I was particularly drawn to Expleo’s flexible work-from-home policy, which aligns well with my personal and professional responsibilities.
Since joining Expleo in September 2022, my experience has been incredibly enriching. The company has provided a collaborative and inclusive environment, enabling me to grow both technically and personally. I’ve had the chance to work on challenging projects, contribute my ideas, and learn from a talented team. The supportive culture and focus on employee well-being have made my journey truly fulfilling.
How has Expleo supported your professional growth and development within STEM?
Expleo has been instrumental in supporting my professional growth. The company encourages innovation and continuous learning, and through challenging projects, I’ve honed my technical skills and applied my knowledge to solve real-world problems effectively.
Expleo offers training programmes and upskilling opportunities, helping me stay updated with the latest technologies and trends in the industry. The culture fosters open communication, allowing me to confidently share my ideas and contribute to the team’s success.
The emphasis on work-life balance, particularly through flexible work-from-home policies, has empowered me to balance my personal and professional responsibilities while staying focused on career growth.
Can you describe a particularly rewarding project or achievement you've had while working at Expleo?
One of the most rewarding projects I’ve worked on was developing a product for the banking sector to detect fraudulent texts sent to customers. I contributed to the project from scratch, learning new technologies and applying innovative ideas.
Knowing our work helps protect people and financial institutions from scams made it especially fulfilling. The project also taught me valuable lessons in collaboration, problem-solving, and managing innovative initiatives effectively.
How would you describe the company culture at Expleo, particularly in terms of inclusivity and support for women in STEM?
The culture at Expleo is highly inclusive and supportive, especially for women in STEM. Everyone is treated equally, and the organisation fosters a collaborative environment where contributions are valued regardless of gender or background.
As a woman, I’ve found Expleo’s work-from-home policy incredibly helpful for achieving a healthy work-life balance. The team-oriented culture ensures colleagues are approachable and supportive, creating a positive space to share ideas and grow professionally. Expleo actively promotes diversity and provides equal opportunities for women to excel in STEM careers.
What does visibility, support, and recognition mean to you at Expleo?
Visibility, support, and recognition at Expleo mean feeling valued for what I do and knowing that my work makes a difference. Together, these create a positive and encouraging workplace where I feel confident and inspired to grow.
How do you see your future at Expleo, and what are your career aspirations within the company?
I see my future at Expleo as an opportunity to grow and take on more challenging roles. Over the past two years, I’ve learned a lot from innovative projects and a supportive team.
In the future, I aspire to become an architect, contributing to designing product architectures and making key decisions that drive innovation. I also hope to mentor others, especially women in STEM, and help them advance in their careers. I’m excited to continue developing my skills and contributing meaningfully to Expleo’s success.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in STEM, especially those looking to join Expleo?
I see my future at Expleo as an opportunity to grow and take on more challenging roles. Over the past two years, I’ve learned a lot from innovative projects and a supportive team.
In the future, I aspire to become an architect, contributing to designing product architectures and making key decisions that drive innovation. I also hope to mentor others, especially women in STEM, and help them advance in their careers. I’m excited to continue developing my skills and contributing meaningfully to Expleo’s success.
