A career should be a journey of choice rather than a goal
Published on : Sunday 08-03-2020
Was there any specific reason or influence that prompted you to pursue a career in engineering?
My journey started as a graduate engineer. My role model is my father who was an engineer. My brother is also an engineer. I was quite influenced by both, to pursue a career as a graduate engineer. Over the period of 28 years of my career, I have had multiple mentors who helped me to boost my confidence, giving me direction. One really needs to put in consistent efforts to make a mark in one’s chosen career.
A career in engineering entails travels, projects and much else. Was it difficult to adjust?
My job profile is quite demanding and challenging. It does require lot of travelling and involves handling big projects. At times it creates tremendous pressures of meeting deadlines. Setting up right priorities, time management, discipline, helps to cope up with the pressures. It’s also very important to have some leisure time and taking care of oneself mentally and physically for relieving stress.
How supportive was the family as a woman is also expected to manage the home?
Family support plays a crucial role for me to deliver good results professionally. My husband and my son are always supporting and motivating me which helps me to be a strong woman. At times due to travelling and professional commitments, I was not able to be with them at crucial moments when they needed me. Sometimes, that makes me think, whether what I am doing, is worth at the cost of my family time. But again, both have given great support to ensure that I am able to do justice to my career. This inspires me to do even better. A lot of support was given by my sister, parents and in-laws during this journey. I strongly believe, all professional women must create a support system around them. I am glad and grateful for the encouragement from my support system during my career journey.
Did you ever consider the option of an alternative career, and if yes, what would you have chosen?
My career has taken different turns during the last 28 years and I have loved all of it. I really enjoy what I am presently doing. I would have liked to do something professionally in creative arts. However, today painting and music are my hobbies.
There are many stories of gender bias when it comes to promotions and perks. What is your experience?
Not really, I am fortunate so far. I have never experienced gender discrimination at my workplace as well as at home also. The way I was brought up, my parents never treated me or my sister any different than my brother. Sometimes in an organisation, there are some prejudices about a woman colleague, however this has not affected me due to great support from my superiors, mentors and bosses who strongly believed in me.
Has the situation as far as gender issues is concerned, improved over the years?
Today there are conscious efforts being taken for gender equality and inclusion. A decade back, this was not the case and not much thought was given to this.
Another issue is of not enough women in leadership roles. Any comments?
There are lot more actions and efforts required to get women in mainstream, professionally. Very few women can reach to top positions and take leadership roles. This does not reflect on the capability and ability of women to perform. It is more about the upbringing and mind-set of everyone in the system. It starts with me, how I bring up my son and his mind-set to look at working women. I have made efforts to ensure that he thinks women are at par and equal when he starts his professional career.
When it comes to choosing a career, what would be your message to the youth or your children for that matter?
I think the next generation should continue to work on gender equality and inclusion. As I mentioned, a lot more needs to be done in this respect. In any profession, consistent efforts are needed and if one has a passion to excel these efforts come automatically. Only dedication, commitment and hard work can assure success in the chosen profession. A career should be a journey of choice rather than a goal.
One question on technology – with IIoT, digitalisation and all these buzz words, it is easy to apply, it is a must, and are we ready to implement these concepts?
IIoT, Digitalisation are disruptive innovations, which have changed our life rapidly in the last one decade. There will be further dramatic changes a few years ahead. These changes are necessary, and industry is rapidly adapting these changes. This is going to make a bigger impact in our daily life.
How would you sum up your life and career in just three words?
Resilience, Collaboration, Vision!
Jyotsna is an experienced Industry Professional having put in more than 25 years in the Energy Industry and Industrial Automation. A skilled strategist who transforms strategic plans into workable solutions, she is leading the business for Asia Pacific region for the identified midstream Oil & Gas market, one of the key areas for Emerson. She has been working in Oil & Gas value chain right from Subsea to Midstream, for more than 20 years. Currently, she is actively involved in offering solutions to major LNG regas projects across Asia Pacific, addressing customer’s critical issues and assisting them to achieve operational excellence by adoption of digital transformation strategies. Jyotsna is experienced in C-Level Relationship Development Executive and key account management. A graduate in Electronics and Telecommunication from India, she has also graduated from Emerson’s Leadership Academy. She has presented Technical Papers in National and International Seminars/Exhibitions, and is a core team member of women in STEM Group from Emerson Malaysia.
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