Team Sampada: Can you please give an overview about your career and journey so far for the benefit of our readers?
Geethanjali: I graduated from UVCE in 2003 and landed a job with Honeywell through campus recruitment. I started my career as a firmware developer, applications developer and later worked as a project manager and engineering manager across different companies like Cypress Semiconductors (part of Infineon now), Bosch and Cisco. After working in R&D for 16 years, I changed functions and I am now working as a product manager in Leica Microsystems.
TS: Not to make you feel old, but it has been more than 20 years since you graduated from UVCE. Can you recall some memories of those days?
Geethanjali: I have so many fond memories from my engineering days. Cramming for exams at the last minute, relishing masala dosa in the nearby darshini, having fun in the annual fest – too many sweet memories to recount.
During my first year, I took part in an inter-college group dance competition. Our top dancer/choreographer ditched us in the middle and someone else stepped in to choreograph the dance, and of course, changed the entire sequence. During practice, we realized we weren’t nearly ready for a stage performance, but went ahead with it anyway. We failed miserably on stage – we were completely out of sync, some of us forgot the steps and froze on stage (including me) – we looked like flailing, headless chickens. But, we had so much fun on that day!
TS: When you compare your college days in UVCE, what are some of the major changes you see today especially for lady students ?
Geethanjali: There is a lot of focus on girls/women in STEM these days, which is a blessing for girls who want to pursue science or mathematics. I recall there were only 3 girls in Mechanical Engineering branch in our batch. The general trend was Mechanical Engineering is not for girls. With the ongoing discussions about breaking stereotypes and enabling women into so called non-women oriented streams, the situation is changing for the better. Many women have broken the glass ceiling and are excellent role models for young girls.
TS: You did your Masters (MBA) after a pretty big break. Many of us are not sure if you can get back to studies after some amount of time. So, please share your experience and also some advice for people who are doubtful on their abilities.
Geethanjali: After I completed my B.E from UVCE, I always had plans of pursuing Masters. I attempted GATE soon after graduating, but didn’t get a seat in the IIT that I wanted. After working for a couple of years, I attempted GRE and got into a MS program, but financial reasons held me back. As time went by, with marriage and a child, my Master’s plan took a backseat. After working for 16 years in R&D, I wanted to shift gears and move into a commercial role. This seemed like the best time and opportunity to fulfill my Masters goal.
I completed my Global Executive MBA from SDA Bocconi and Rotman School of Management in 2023. It was a rigorous 18-month program, in which I had to juggle assignments, paper submissions, travel and a full-time job. This wouldn’t have been possible if I didn’t have the strong support from my family, especially my husband.
I strongly believe that you grow only when you step out of your comfort zone. Pursuing MBA was me stepping way out of my comfort zone. Stepping into a classroom after a gap of 20 years was indeed scary. Looking back, this was the best decision for my personal and career growth. It is never too late to learn something new. Trust yourself and give it your best.
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