Meet Bhavya Mandali. VR Software Engineer
What inspired you to pursue tech/digital arts as a career?
Intrigued by how a small computer solves complex problems in seconds, I did computer engineering and pursued a career in software development. But the creative side of me was always missing something. Once I heard a short seminar about Virtual Reality and my Creative brain instantly got wings to fly into a magical world. That's when I found a way to combine both my interests and so I pursued a Master’s degree and started working as virtual reality software engineer. complex problems in seconds, I did computer engineering and pursued a career in software development. But the As a woman, what challenges have you faced pursuing your career?creative side of me Coming from a place of patriarchy, my career has always been secondary to family. I had to leave my career temporarily and move places with my husband and then I had a kid. Returning to work as a new mother was the toughest phase of my life, I experienced mother's guilt when I had to leave my kid at a daycare at a very young age especially when she fell sick and I had to take a career break again to be with her. With all these breaks, keeping myself updated, finding a work/life balance, and growing in my career was challenging.ay
s missing something. Once I heard a short seminar about Virtual Reality and
How much do you think the industry has changed since you joined?y Creative brain instantly I have been in the software industry for about 10 years and the technology has been emerging at a fast pace with a lot of revolutionary inventions hopefully aimed at a greater good. It is also very encouraging to see lots of women in STEM careers now.
What motivates you every day?
My mom had to fight many battles to be able to work in a time when most women didn`t have a voice. The thought that I don`t even have to face half of it today keeps me motivated through every difficulty. Every woman needs an identity, a confidence to speak out and a strength of being independent and I have such an amazing opportunity that I should never give up.
What advice would you give to younger women just entering the tech workforce today?
Create your identity for yourself and for the future generation of girls that look up to you!