No two career paths are the same in the dynamic world of technology. Meet Sneha Pandey (Principal Technical Architect) and Rashmi Jain (Principal Software Engineer), two women who challenged the traditional narrative of a tech career and whose individual journeys led them to their roles at Discover, where they continue to enrich their careers, reach further, and inspire others coming up behind them, all while receiving exceptional support in a culture of inclusivity…
What drew you into the tech world?
Rashmi: My journey into the technical world began unexpectedly, driven by my elder sister’s influence and her initial dream of joining that field. Despite my initially preparing for engineering, my sister’s discovery of a new course—Bachelor of Computer Application—led me to shift gears, which ultimately became my turning point. Entering the industry, I found myself loving its dynamic and challenging nature. As technology keeps changing every day, it means that my learning is always ongoing. The tech industry also provides many opportunities to develop leadership skills, enhance soft skills and be at the forefront of up-and-coming advancements such as AI. What I love most, though, is meeting people who are skilled and qualified. I’ve been leading a team for quite a long time now, and it’s being around these people that I really enjoy.
Sneha: I was born into a family in India where education held the utmost importance and was the cornerstone of our family values. My father, a civil engineer, also played a pivotal role in shaping my perspective. One day, as he worked on a project, I asked him what he was drawing. He replied: ‘It’s not a drawing; it’s a design’. He said design involves improving or creating something new with a specific goal. The concept of engineering became integral to my understanding of the world, and I aspired to be an engineer. The skills I got from this background were then very transferrable to the tech world, and I looked forward to a new challenge.
Can you summarise some key milestones that have impacted your career in tech?
Rashmi: In my 17-year journey, several milestones have been instrumental. Firstly, the campus interview at a company called Polaris marked a crucial stepping stone, affirming that my career aligned with my studies. Being recruited straight out of college was a confidence booster for me and told me that all my hard work had paid off. Another significant milestone occurred when, with only three and a half years of experience, I was entrusted with a leadership role at Wipro. I was surprised and asked the team member who put me forward, ‘Are you sure? Do you think I’ll be able to lead?’ he said he had full confidence in me. This early opportunity equipped me with valuable skills and boosted my confidence in leading teams, where I also found my love of leading. A game-changing decision came in 2016 when I chose to join Discover as a client during my time at Capgemini. Opting for this opportunity opened doors to overseas experiences in Paris and my eventual move to the UK.
Sneha: My background is in mechanical engineering, but by chance, I attended a campus placement of a giant IT firm in India, and during this interview, I asked, ‘Why would you hire me?’ and the man conducting the discussion said that they were looking for brains and diverse perspectives. He said the company valued different academic backgrounds and that it encouraged innovation and creativity. So, I was like, ‘Oh, wow, okay, I’m joining in’.
Although many of my peers thought that I would not be able to make this transition, for me, people telling me that I can’t do something is a motivator. I worked hard in the new training program, and by 22, I started to train newcomers to the company. My career journey took another turn when I moved to the UK, and I made several lateral or unusual career moves to fit my personal needs at the time, but I valued the dip in my career for the sake of balance and personal wellbeing. The journey culminated in an offer from Discover, where I was then ready to take the leap as a senior quality engineer, ready for new challenges and growth.
How does Discover support your career growth in this ever-changing industry?
Rashmi: On joining Discover, I was not only entrusted with a lead position but also experienced amazing support during my maternity leave—a stark contrast to my previous experience. My manager encouraged me to lead a team, assuring me that I could navigate both my professional and personal responsibilities. Just thinking about this makes me a bit emotional as someone was advocating for my progress, and there was a genuine concern for my wellbeing, which was truly touching. There is also a great commitment at Discover to pursue learning opportunities. Despite a busy schedule, your manager encourages and facilitates self-learning. They have a programme called DEEP, a six-month Employee Eminence program created to enhance speaking and presentation skills. There are also regular assessments mapping your career progression to diverse learning avenues like tech talks and peer interactions, as well as one-to-one sessions for additional support.
Sneha: Discover’s unique appraisal system, focusing on behaviours and technical achievements, created a well-rounded overview of a person’s actual progress. There is also a culture of Discover being a micromanagement-free environment—a perk I’ve appreciated since I joined. This flexibility is invaluable, especially for a working parent like me. Unlike previous experiences, Discover doesn’t scrutinise your every move, recognising that the quality of work matters more than your physical location. The company’s approachability also extends to management, creating an environment where open communication is encouraged. Lateral moves are also encouraged within the company, and programs like DEEP and Eminence and mentorship circles offer valuable training, enabling employees to transition into different roles confidently. This supportive culture has been consistent, even before the era of remote work from Covid.
What are your goals for the future, and how are you going to make them happen with support from Discover?
Rashmi: I’ve found great joy in leading teams throughout my career. I’m known for being in touch with people, and yes, my friends sometimes tease me for being a chatter, but I genuinely enjoy connecting with my team. So, I’ve now had a lot of experience in leadership and people management, and my focus now is on becoming a tech leader. I’m keen on leading teams, working with new technologies, and guiding them to deliver fantastic results. I’m also so lucky to have a manager who recognises my passion for technology and leadership and actively supports my journey. In short, I aspire to be a successful leader in the industry.
Sneha: Regarding future aspirations, I’ve always aimed to transition into a consultancy or teaching role. This would be a full circle moment for me, from teaching others on my first IT course to imparting all the new knowledge I’ve accumulated on the way. Sharing that knowledge with upcoming generations and peers is a priority for me. I believe in contributing to others’ success and helping women excel in their careers. At the beginning of this year, I participated in a panel session for everywoman. The response was fantastic, with numerous women reaching out on LinkedIn to express interest in Discover and potential opportunities on my team. I’ve also actively contributed to the Discover community through volunteering, tech talks, and organising monthly discussions on trending topics, fostering a collaborative environment for about 60-70 peers. My goal is to continue expanding my reach and influence to make a meaningful impact on others’ professional journeys.
