From aviation & petroleum, to IT product management

Career transitions

are hard. I’ve navigated through career transitions from core mechanical engineering, to aviation, petroleum and finally

IT product management

, and I have hit many roadblocks. But I’ve overcome them with confidence, determination, and resilience.Inspired by my father, my ambition was to become a mechanical engineer, despite societal scepticism towards women in this field. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree from NIT, Surat, I embarked on my career as a design engineer in India’s largest manufacturing company. Soon, I transitioned into the aerospace domain, joining one of the largest aviation companies.LEARNING AND GROWING | During my time in the aerospace sector, I acquired new skills that prepared me for my next move into a petroleum powerhouse. There, I excelled, acquired 11 patent grants and published papers while also gaining exposure to application development. This experience expanded my technical repertoire and set the groundwork for another significant career shift.TRANSITION TO IT | That pivotal shift occurred when I embraced the role of a business analyst in the US. This transition was supported by mentors who helped me navigate unfamiliar concepts, bolstering my confidence. This experience allowed me to blend my engineering background with new IT skills.

Returning to India, I joined

Fulcrum Digital

as a principal consultant. This role allowed me to apply my knowledge in new ways, further honing my skills.TO WOMEN IN TECH, I’LL SAY THE FOLLOWING:EMBRACE CHANGE | Change can be daunting, but it is essential for growth. Each transition offers new opportunities to learn and expand your skill sets.LEVERAGE YOUR BACKGROUND AND STAY RESILIENT | Your previous experience is your asset. Find ways to apply your existing knowledge in new contexts to create a unique and powerful skill set. Maintain a positive attitude and keep pushing forward, even in the face of challenges.SEEK MENTORSHIP | Mentors can provide invaluable guidance, helping you navigate unfamiliar territory and build confidence.COMMIT TO CONTINUOUS LEARNING | The tech industry is constantly evolving. Stay curious and committed to learning new skills to remain relevant and competitive.BUILD YOUR UNIQUE JOURNEY | As women, we encounter diverse obstacles, yet our passion for excellence should shape our paths. Our journeys might be different. Let us craft our unique narratives and inspire each other.Ragi Poyyara is senior principal consultant at Fulcrum Digital