From Junior Engineer to Group Manager: ‘I’ve Never Looked Back’
Growing up on a cotton farm in Akola, India, sparked my love of all things automotive. When I was young, my father taught me how to drive on his red tractor and tore down a car battery to show me its inner workings. He introduced me to science and encouraged me to participate in an industry that few women ventured into at the time.
Today, I’m leading a diverse Magna team of 56 women and men in Pune, India, engineers who are working on some of the most important concerns in the global auto industry, including vehicle electrification, Cyber Security, next generation software architecture.
From my earliest days as a junior engineer at the company, I’ve never looked back. Not only was I attracted to the challenging projects that motivate you to excel, I found a working environment that is supportive, flexible, respectful and welcoming. Simply put, Magna values are similar to Indian family values.
Most importantly, we are all passionate about the work we do. My team is working on software development for everything from liftgates on SUVs to transfer cases and electric vehicles. We are making important contributions that will impact future generations and our planet.
In my role, I scanned about 1,500 resumes last year and recruited more than 40 people, as Magna continues to grow in India. What catches my eye is someone who has technical skills, but also is interested in giving her best to the organization. I look for candidates who want to grow and learn something new.
My management style focuses a lot on teaching. Recently, I started a communication skills initiative here. Interested employees get together to practice English and grammar skills weekly. We share our love of good books and stories. My hobby is reading – everything from Harry Potter to inspirational stories about Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, one of the great Indian leaders who saved his people, even though he had few resources.
In addition to this local initiative, Magna supports diversity with programs such as the Women’s Leadership Talent Pool. I was selected to be a member last year. It opens the door to special training and opportunities, including connections to female mentors and company executives.
I’ve come a long way since I sat on that red tractor. When I talk to my father today, he says he is happy that I’m part of a company like Magna. He always wanted me to be self-sufficient and strong. Joining this mobility technology company was the first step on an incredible journey from Akola into a promising future.
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