Binitha's journey in tech: challenges, growth, and looking to the future

Starting out in tech

My journey into the tech world began in my final years of secondary school when I took computer science as one of my main subjects. It felt like the right fit, and pursuing a degree in electronics and communication just made sense—it combined the best parts of both fields. After working briefly as an IT consultant, I completed my master’s in Cyberphysical Systems at 英国诺丁汉大学 , which allowed me to dive deeper into how we can bridge physical systems and technology.

Looking back, my interest in technology was partly influenced by my mum, who taught at an engineering college. Even though I didn’t have a clear “aha” moment, entering the tech industry just felt natural.

Career milestones and highlights

One of my biggest achievements so far has been completing my master’s research—a significant milestone I’m proud of. Another project that stands out was my final-year project during my undergraduate studies. It was the middle of the COVID lockdown, so I had to figure everything out myself. The project involved using an EEG to detect drowsiness by reading brainwaves, and I managed to complete it remotely by running simulations with pre-recorded data. It was challenging, but it taught me a lot about adaptability and resilience.

Representation matters

People often ask me if I’ve faced specific challenges as a woman in tech, but honestly, I’ve just kept pushing forward without focusing on it. It’s true that there aren’t many women in tech, especially in cybersecurity, but instead of seeing this as a barrier, I prefer to be a support system for others. Representation matters. I’m always open to helping and encouraging other women to enter STEM fields.

When it comes to balancing work and life, I’ve found that it depends on the company. My first job was demanding and took up a lot of time, but I’ve since moved into a role that allows me to enjoy my work without sacrificing my personal time. A good company culture makes all the difference.

The power of mentorship and advice

I’ve been lucky to have mentors who’ve shaped how I approach challenges and opportunities throughout my career. If I could give one piece of advice to women considering a tech career, it would be this: go for it.

The industry needs more women, and you deserve to be here.

We have valuable insights and skills, and it’s essential to have that trust and respect within the workplace.

Changes I’d love to see in tech

If I could make one change, it would be for companies to hire more women and, crucially, to treat them with the same respect given to their male colleagues. Women bring a lot to the table, and having more of us in tech roles would be a huge step toward a more inclusive industry. I think inclusivity-based events could really help. For instance, “women in tech” panels where young girls can interact and get advice from women who’ve been in the field for a while. Building that bridge could encourage more girls to pursue a career in tech.

Staying updated and motivated

Technology doesn't stop, so I keep up with the latest trends by reading tech news and following industry pages on social media. For me, the key skills for succeeding in tech are a strong ability to learn and solid interpersonal skills. Staying motivated comes from working on different projects and from the people around me. Talking with colleagues and taking breaks when needed helps me stay balanced.

My hopes for the future

In five years, I’d love to be in a managerial position, helping guide new talent. As for ten years? Well, hopefully, I’ll still be thriving. With how fast tech is growing, it’s hard to say exactly where things will be, but I’m excited about the possibilities.

One of the trends I’m most intrigued by is brainwave-based technology, something along the lines of Neuralink . Imagine being able to control things with your mind—that’s an area I’d love to explore. It’s funny, though; I can’t drive, so the idea of controlling a car with just brainwaves would be both exciting and slightly terrifying!

Supporting Diversity and Inclusion

For companies wanting to promote diversity, my advice is simple: go beyond just hiring quotas. Creating a supportive environment is key. Events like women-in-tech talks, where younger women can meet industry veterans, would make a difference. Seeing others who’ve been through similar experiences can be really inspiring and help newcomers feel like they belong.

Finding my place in tech

One story that sticks out from my early career was my first job, where I was the only woman on the freshers’ team. It felt strange at first, not having anyone to relate to. But I learned quickly that confidence is crucial. I’d say to other women facing similar situations:

Be confident and do your thing.

Don’t let the lack of representation hold you back.

Reflecting on my journey so far

The most rewarding part of my career has been the skills and knowledge I’ve gained. Every challenge taught me something, even when I doubted myself. There were tough times, but each success proved that I was on the right path—and yes, a few tears were shed along the way, but no one needs to know that! ??

My journey has had its ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I’m excited to see where the tech industry goes from here, and I’m grateful to be a part of it. For any woman considering this path, my advice is simple: go for it. We need you here.

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