Forward with Infosys in the true sense!

My career as a woman in tech started long ago, back when I decided to become an engineer. When I joined my engineering college, there were handful of females in my class of sixty. I knew back then that this was going to be an uphill journey for me – but then I was fortunate enough to find Infosys.

As I have grown, taken on multiple roles professionally and personally as a wife and mother, and progressed in my life and career, I’ve seen female colleagues in the industry have to take career breaks, find alternative careers outside of technology, or step back at work as they committed to their family life. I’ve always really appreciated that I had unconditional support from my company and was not someone who had to do that.

The Infosys factor

Something I have frequently observed over the years is that when women take on more and more roles in their home and work lives, they start to question if they are capable of delivering on all fronts. They doubt their potential and competence to achieve and be successful both professionally and personally at the same time.

They also tend to hesitate to ask for help as they think it will reflect on them negatively and show weakness. In fact, irrespective of gender, every individual needs help and support at some point in their lives and careers.

With Infosys, I was never scared or insecure to explore my capabilities and I felt confident I could find an equitable work-life balance. The organisation provides a very strong foundation and opportunities for women to mature professionally. Personally, I was a part of delivery for 13 years before I decided to switch and move to a completely new career path in sales and all this while I built my family, became a soccer mom and settled in a new country building new social relationships

I was blessed with so many male and female champions of change along the way, who ensured that I grew and took up challenges, mentored me through my learning curve, and helped me develop my career in delivery and sales. I’ve been part of Infosys for 19 years now and not once have I ever felt that I couldn’t speak up about something or reach out to my managers for help.

It’s okay to not always be okay

In a corporate world, juggling many responsibilities, trying to find the so-called ‘right balance’ between personal life and work is challenging for anyone who is ambitious and doesn’t want to be left behind. But sometimes it’s important to remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes because you end up learning from them. Having bad days and asking for help actually helps you grow. To be less than perfect, because perfection is overrated, and to be selfish and focus on yourself sometimes – we all need our ‘me’ days.

It’s especially okay to be yourself, particularly if you are an emotional person. Being emotional and sensitive is not a sign of weakness but an attribute that allows you to be more empathetic. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!

Interested in joining us? For career opportunities at Infosys, head to our website