Aditi Chauhan joined WiseTech’s Bengaluru office as senior software engineer in 2024, and says that she loves the versatility and complex problem-solving aspects of software development. After gaining several years’ experience as a developer in both India and South Korea, Aditi took a career break to raise her twin boys.
In this interview, she shares her experiences navigating her return to the workforce after a five-year break and offers valuable insights into the importance of flexibility and support for working parents.
Can you share a bit about your career journey?
From a young age, I was a studious child, and like many Indian parents, mine encouraged me to pursue popular fields such as medicine, engineering, or civil services. At the time I was always fascinated by the wonders of engineering and was an avid follower of the Discovery Channel. So, I naturally inclined towards this domain.
Later at the time of admissions I was exposed to various focus areas within engineering itself and with the growing popularity of computers, I instantly gravitated towards it and decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering.
How did you discover a passion for software engineering?
When I first started, I had no idea what software engineering entailed. However, as I progressed through the courses, I fell more and more in love with it. To me, software engineering is systematic problem-solving using programming languages as tools. I love the logical approach to solving complex problems and the exhilaration that comes with achieving small victories.
The beauty of software development as I realized over time is its versatility. It lends itself beautifully to any domain, whether it's medicine, robotics, or logistics. This means there are always interesting problems to solve, no matter the field.
How has your career experience changed since becoming a parent?
After graduating, I spent four years as a software engineer in various domains like business intelligence, solar panel manufacturing, and medical research in India and South Korea.
Following this, I took a five-year break to dedicate myself full-time to raising my twin boys. During this period, we relocated back to India, eventually settling in Bangalore. As my children became more independent and Bangalore became our home base, I decided to return to work. I've been back in the workforce for nearly five years now.
Becoming a mother brought significant changes in how I approach my work, especially in terms of efficiency and time management. At work, I've become more focused, knowing that when I'm at home, I need to be fully present for my kids and family. Interestingly, as I transitioned into a Tech Lead role, I found parallels between managing a team at work and managing a family. Both require effective leadership and people management skills.
What was your experience like returning to work after having your children?
I took a long break for about five years. When I decided to return, I faced the daunting task of proving myself both as a professional and as a caregiver. I was not sure if I had the skills or the ability to balance work and family.
Fortunately, I had a strong support system in place. I had an honest conversation with my employer about my concerns and expectations, and we worked out a flexible schedule that helped me transition smoothly. While there are certainly challenges, a supportive environment can accelerate your journey in unimaginable ways.
What do you think organizations can do to better support working parents?
Flexibility is the key. One of the blessings of COVID-19 has been the shift towards remote work. At my previous job, I was lucky to have flexible timings and work-from-home options even before the pandemic, and I’m grateful that WiseTech offers a hybrid way of working too.
Organizations should encourage flexible working hours so that parents can manage their time better. For instance, being able to attend school events or pick up children should not hinder productivity, if the time can be made up later in the day. It is also crucial to have a supportive ecosystem that empathizes with personal responsibilities and values work-life balance.
You joined WiseTech just a few months ago, what attracted you the company?
WiseTech provided a very welcoming experience from day one. The mantras and values aligned perfectly with my own ethos. A thriving environment with the flexibility and freedom to grow at your own pace is invaluable. Additionally, their one of its kind rotation program provides an opportunity to find your home, contribute meaningfully and grow positively.
As a working mother, how important was it to you to work for a company that provides flexibility and hybrid working options?
Flexibility and hybrid work options are incredibly important, not just for working mothers, but also for working fathers and anyone involved in child or elderly care. No one should have to sacrifice their personal life for work or vice versa. It shouldn't be a choice between the
two, instead life should blend seamlessly to achieve both personal and professional milestones.
What advice would you give to women who are about to embark on the motherhood journey or are considering returning to work?
My biggest piece of advice is to cherish the moment without worrying too much about the future. Motherhood itself is a challenge, and it is important to savor it. Try not to stress too much about how you will return to work or what the future holds. Nowadays, career paths are not as rigid, and there are many opportunities to re-enter the workforce or even change career paths.
When you do decide to return, take small steps like updating your resume, networking, scanning the job market, upskilling/reskilling and eventually, you will reach your goals. The ever-evolving nature of tech provides a level playing field for everyone. Invest in upskilling and embrace new challenges without hesitation.
What does your typical workday look like, and how do you manage your responsibilities?
Now that my kids are older, things are much smoother, but having a routine has always been crucial. With twins, it was a herculean task to manage everything, and having a well-defined routine has been a lifesaver. Kids thrive on routine; they like knowing what is coming next.
This structure helps me manage my work around their schedules and enables me to dedicate uninterrupted hours to deeply engage and deliver high-quality work. Having a clear structure allows me to plan my tasks effectively without compromising productivity or quality.
What advice would you give to young women/girls who are considering pursuing a career in technology?
Tech is fun, empowering, and full of interesting problems to solve. The field is vast and dynamic, offering countless opportunities to forge your own path. While it is easy to be intimidated by the jargon and the optics, carve your niche one step at a time. Technology provides immense flexibility, choices, and freedom unlike many other fields. It is largely meritocratic with quantifiable outcomes which eliminates any subjective judgments people face in the workforce. So, pursue your passion, believe in yourself, and you will be unstoppable.