5 Key Lessons in Career Transition from Telecom Engineer-Turned-Impact Investor

Arpita Pal Agrawal, MD and CEO of Dia Vikas Capital, shared her insights on pivoting one’s professional arc on the Rewrite The Rules podcast.

Ever thought about completely changing your career path? What would it take from you? Is a jump between any two divergent sectors a good idea? When would be the perfect time to take the leap of faith (in yourself)?

Anyone—especially women leaders—considering a career transition can find tremendous inspiration in the journey of Arpita Pal Agrawal.

Imagine transitioning from a technical career in telecom engineering to leading the charge in impact investing. This isn't just a career change; it's a bold leap into a sector that melds financial acumen with social good, often dominated by a very different type of professional.?

Yet, Arpita has done just that. Her journey from managing complex telecommunications projects to spearheading initiatives that empower underserved communities exemplifies a profound shift in focus and function. It's about transforming her professional identity to align with a deeper, impactful vision.?

Join us as we explore how Arpita reshaped her career journey, providing valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful career transition, especially women venturing into new leadership territories.

A Five-Part Guide to Navigate Your Career Transition Successfully

Here are 5 key takeaways from Arpita’s experiences of transitioning her career:

Lesson 1: Act On Your Curiosities

Curiosity is more than a trait; for Arpita, it was the driving force behind an extraordinary career transformation. As a young electronics and communications engineer, her innate curiosity extended beyond routine tasks, pushing her to explore the broader implications and evolving trends within the telecom industry.?

“I'm a person who needs to understand what is going on, where my piece is fitting in, no matter how small or insignificant it might be.”

This relentless pursuit of understanding led Arpita to make significant career changes, transitioning from traditional engineering roles to positions that allowed her to engage strategically and make a tangible impact. Her journey was not just about career advancement but about reshaping her professional identity entirely.

Takeaway: If you find yourself feeling stagnant or unfulfilled in your current role, consider how your interest areas can serve as a catalyst for change. Start by probing the 'why' behind your work and its more significant impact. This mindset can lead to a deeper engagement with your profession and may open doors to opportunities that align more closely with your personal values and professional ambitions.

Lesson 2: The Power of Education

“I was one of the most experienced voices in the class in terms of work ex, also having worked internationally.”

Deciding to go back to school can feel daunting—yet, it's a step that opens up numerous opportunities. Arpita's decision to pursue an MBA a few years into her engineering career wasn't just about gaining a new qualification; it was about fundamentally transforming her career trajectory. For her, higher education was crucial in effectively managing her diverse career transitions.

But Arpita didn't stop there. She continued to embrace lifelong learning, particularly when preparing for board-level roles. She shares her experience: "I have shifted careers so many times, and I've studied for that. Even while preparing for the board roles, I went to Harvard Business School and did a course. Though I already had a lot of experience, I wanted to put a structured framework to it."

Takeaway: Are you thinking about a career shift or aiming to enhance your current role? Consider how further education might fit into your plans. Whether it's pursuing a formal degree, obtaining professional certifications or undergoing specialised leadership training, education can significantly broaden your professional capabilities and open doors to new possibilities you might not have previously imagined.?

Lesson 3: The Importance of Networking

Networking isn't just a helpful tool—it's a cornerstone of professional advancement. Take Arpita’s journey, for example. It vividly illustrates how strategic connections can launch you into entirely new arenas of opportunity.

During her MBA at IIM Ahmedabad and throughout her time at prestigious firms like PWC, Arpita didn't just network; she formed deep, meaningful connections with mentors and industry leaders. This network became invaluable as she ventured into the world of impact investing—a sector she was passionate about but relatively new to.

Arpita’s approach to networking was always about quality over quantity. She believed in actively engaging with her contacts, absorbing their insights and seeking their advice at crucial junctures in her career.?

“How you come across and deliver on what you commit, whether it's a personal interaction or business—people respect you, then. The good word goes around.”

This genuine, proactive engagement was pivotal in enabling her to transition from telecom engineering to impact investing smoothly.

Now is a good time to pause and reflect on the critical role that well-nurtured relationships have played in navigating your own career path.

Takeaway: Never underestimate the impact of a strong network. If you're pondering a career switch, consider that your greatest opportunities might arise from within your own professional network. Invest time in fostering meaningful connections—not just collecting contacts. This could be your key to unlocking new professional avenues and expanding and enhancing your career.

Lesson 4: Follow Your Passion

For Arpita, diving into the world of impact investing wasn't just another career move. It wasn't about just doing something different—it was about transforming the very essence of her work and its purpose and about making an impact with her core strengths.

In the arena of impact investing, Arpita found a unique opportunity to use her skills to significantly affect the economic and social well-being of underprivileged communities. Her role involved designing sustainable business models that did more than generate returns—they actively fostered community development and growth.

This shift brought Arpita not only professional fulfilment but also immense personal growth. It radically changed her perspective on the role of capital and entrepreneurship, highlighting their potential as powerful forces for positive change.

So, if you're contemplating stepping out of your comfort zone, think about how your work could make a real difference. It's about more than just a job—it's about making an impact.

Takeaway: If you're drawn to integrate your personal values with your professional endeavours, consider exploring avenues like impact investing. As seen through Arpita’s journey, such a path can transform your career into a passion-driven pursuit that not only leverages your skills but also meaningfully contributes to society. This strategic approach to career development can profoundly enrich your professional life and expand its influence beyond conventional success measures.

Lesson 5: Never Settle

“The days I'm not jumping out of bed naturally, that's my cue. But for that, you also need to not be in your comfort zone."

One of Arpita's top career mantras: Never settle for comfort. She believes that the moment you start feeling complacent is your cue to shake things up and challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone. It's this mindset that has kept her moving, learning and innovating across different industries—from engineering to impact investing.

Let’s break down what this means in real terms. Arpita explains,

"Never settle. My barometer has always been that the time I start dragging myself to work, when I don't want to get up in the morning, that means it's time to change something. Essentially, what you're doing is not interesting enough.”

Takeaway: Are you feeling a bit too comfortable or jaded in your current role? Arpita’s story is a compelling reminder that your career should be a series of challenges and learning opportunities. Whether you're leading a team, spearheading projects or just starting out, pushing beyond the familiar can open doors to exciting new paths and opportunities.?

So, if you’re not waking up excited about what you do, maybe it’s time to ask yourself what would make you leap out of bed. Keep this in mind: embracing continuous growth and challenges isn't just about career advancement—it's about making your professional life as enriching and fulfilling as possible.

Those were the pivotal highlights from Arpita’s transformative journey from telecom engineering to impact investing. This woman leader’s path illuminates the expansive possibilities in career transitions and advancing personal growth, capturing these crucial insights:

1. Career transitions unleash new potential: Embrace the dynamic opportunities that come with change. Pivoting to a field aligned with personal values and interests can profoundly impact both personal satisfaction and professional success.
2. Challenges fuel growth: Every obstacle faced along the way is an opportunity to build resilience and refine leadership skills. Arpita's transitions exemplify how challenges can be leveraged to forge paths of influence and innovation.
3. Continuous learning is key: Upgrading one's education and skills through lifelong learning is crucial in achieving career goals and navigating successful transitions.?
4. Building networks is essential: Developing strong professional connections through strategic networking can open doors to new sectors and opportunities.?
5. Strive for balance: Integrating work-life balance is vital for sustaining long-term career transitions. Arpita's approach encourages us to align our careers with our broader life goals.

Arpita's words serve as a powerful inspiration for anyone considering a significant career change, particularly as part of a women leadership journey — “I keep signing up, I keep learning.” As you chart your own career path, let her narrative motivate you to approach each new phase with optimism and openness. Each step, no matter how challenging, is an opportunity to redefine your capabilities and achieve new heights. Why settle for the status quo when you can redefine it?

To all the women in our community, we are there with you every step of the way as you rewrite the rules for triumphant career transitions. We hope you found this edition of our newsletter inspiring and insightful.?

To learn more about Arpita’s journey, watch the full episode linked here. If you want to hear and share inspiring stories of women across Asia, reach out to me by email or on LinkedIn.