Return To Work Series featuring Kowsalya Ganesan
Indian Women in Computing is excited to present a blog series that is dedicated to recognizing amazing women who have embarked on a brave journey to return to work. We are spotlighting their journey and accomplishments true to our mission to amplify, grow, and connect.
Do you know any marvelous Indian women in computing who have returned to work? Send us a tip to iwicwebsites [at] gmail [dot] com
#womenwhocode #returnship #IndianWomeninComputing #womenempoweringwomen #womenintechnology
Kowsalya Ganesan had a successful career in Software Engineering and Data Analytics when she hit the pause button on her professional career to become the Chief Mom-In-Charge to her two kids. After a break of nearly 3 years, she decided to return to the workforce in the area of Data Analytics, rekindling her passions from early in her career. She upskilled herself with a Python boot camp, joined women affinity groups, and networked until she landed a returnship at Walmart. She impressed her team with her performance at the returnship and now has a full-time position at Walmart as a Data Engineer.
Why did you decide to start working again, and why did you choose Data Analytics?
I pressed pause on my professional career to enjoy the first few years of my kids’ lives. I wanted to reframe how we view “break” which might lead people to think that it was about rest and rejuvenation. On the contrary, I was still working as much, sometimes with even longer hours, but my focus was my kids. As a mom, I was multitasking, planning, and providing. Once my younger kid was ready to go to daycare, I felt ready to get back to work.
At this point, I had been out of the workforce for a small gap of 2 years and 9 months but the gap appeared wider because technologies change quickly. I leveraged my previous experience in Software Engineering and Data Analytics to pick up where I left off. I realized that I had enjoyed queries and analysis a lot and decided on pursuing Data Analytics on my return. After selecting the field, I brought myself up to date on the latest methods in the industry, like a learning Python.
“As a mom, I was multitasking, planning, and providing.”
What were some of the challenges that you faced in your journey?
Before I started applying to jobs, I mentally prepared myself for the long, arduous journey ahead. I applied to many jobs and I would receive 1 phone interview for every 10-20 applications. I was very nervous during these interviews because I felt immense pressure to convert the phone interview to an in-person interview. I felt that I was more distracted and slower during phone interviews, so I was aware that I wasn’t able to put my best foot forward.
After some failed interviews, I lost confidence. I realized that I needed to strengthen my knowledge of data structures and other skills. I took a break for a few months to cover my gaps in knowledge.
In the meantime, I reached out to my mentors to guide me. I also started attending women’s meetups and networking events. It helped build my network as well as my confidence. I attended a Walmart meetup by Path Forward and found out about returnships, which were tailored for people like me. I then applied to a few returnships, but soon Path Forward contacted me about the Walmart returnship. I applied and succeeded!
But my challenges were far from over. During the 4-month internship, I often feared I was the slowest member on the team because I was new to the tools and environment. At first, I lost a little confidence, but then I worked harder than my colleagues because I knew I had to learn technical knowledge as well as domain knowledge. It took me 3-4 months before I felt I knew enough. I kept reminding myself that I was returning from a break, and I had more responsibilities than some of my colleagues- returning home after work just meant my job as mom had just begun. My extra efforts were noticed by my manager, and I was thrilled to receive a full-time offer.
“I also started attending women’s meetups and networking events. It helped build my network as well as my confidence.”
Do you have any words of advice for other returners?
My advice is to not give up hope and keep applying, and keep updating yourself. It will be a long journey to land a role, keep at it. The number of years of gap doesn't matter as much as how you conduct yourself. Also, for interviews, make sure you refresh your basics. Most of my coding interviewers tested my basic knowledge, like sorting and joining tables.
When you do land a job, you will be slow initially. Don’t worry and ask as many questions as you can to understand your role. Also, choose a mentor and learn from them. Once you know how to respond to people and situations, you will feel more confident at your job. Good Luck!
“During the 4-month internship, I often feared I was the slowest member on the team because I was new to the tools and environment.”
