Always ask! Ask for opportunities, ask for stretch assignments
Nineteen years ago, I walked into my first job, thinking my future lay in very large scale integration (VLSI) and chip design. But life had other plans. Instead of sleek silicon, I found myself surrounded by oscilloscopes, soldering stations, and intricate circuit boards in a telecom project.
It was daunting – these tools felt like a foreign language. But little did I know, they would soon become my closest allies, shaping my journey in hardware engineering.
Say yes, even when it scares you: In those early years, every challenge felt like a test. I had two choices: step back or dive in. I chose the latter. I learned to be comfortable with the unknown, to ask questions, to say, “I don’t know… yet.” The real growth began when I started seeking out new experiences rather than waiting for them to come my way.
Balancing ambition with life’s curveballs: As my career took off, life outside work evolved – marriage, raising two children, and caring for aging parents. There were moments when I questioned whether I could give my all to both my family and my career. The answer? I didn’t have to do it alone. Seeking support, having open conversations with my managers, and giving myself permission to prioritise what mattered at different phases made all the difference.
The power of asking and believing: One of the most important lessons I learned? Ask. Ask for opportunities. Ask for mentorship. Ask for that stretch assignment, even when self-doubt whispers, “You’re not ready.” More often than not, someone sees your potential before you do.
And if you don’t ask, the answer is always no.
Stepping beyond borders, literally and figuratively : Some of my most transformative experiences came from international assignments. The exposure, the diverse perspectives, the realisation that problem-solving transcends geographies – it all reinforced my belief that growth happens outside comfort zones. As women, we sometimes believe our homes won’t function without us. The truth? They will. Accept help. Step out. The world won’t stop turning, but your career might if you don’t take that leap. At the end of the day, titles don’t define leaders – impact does.
Leadership isn’t about being a manager; it’s about owning your role, lifting others, and showing up with excellence. That’s how real careers are built.
Varshini Vijaykumar, Advisory Hardware Engineer, Lenovo ISG
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