SAP Tech Lead Developer from Solution Delivery in TSC India #WomenInIT

We are happy to introduce you to another #WomenInIT – Richa Singhal, SAP Tech Lead Developer from Solution Delivery in TSC India.

Richa joined our team 4 years ago, but prior to that, she had already had 6.5 years of experience in programming. Currently, she is working as an independent developer for SAP projects. Whenever balancing the busy schedule and family life allows, Richa likes to get involved in charity including teaching activities at home. 

Richa, what made you go for IT, and what do you like about coding?

I had a subject about computers in high school and I remember that I really enjoyed coding. Also, my father is an engineer and he wanted me to follow his steps, so I’ve decided to go for a Bachelor of Technology with Computer Science specialization at KIIT, Haryana, India.

What I like about coding the most is that I can create new apps or other solutions that are useful to others. You can do so much without the need to travel around the globe to create it, you just sit and code and create great stuff.  I also find it very creative. As an IT developer, you have to brainstorm a lot while creating and I really enjoy that.

How were your first steps as a professional in IT?

When you move out of your old university you are not much concentrated on your work. So actually the most challenging was to switch from “student” to the “work” mode.

After graduation, you can code, but you still need time to learn a new professional environment. The process of learning SAP took some time. I went through 3-months of training and then I had to understand the projects I was involved in.

It was hard to adjust the lifestyle, but once you get a good team it makes it easier and I was lucky to have it. I also had a mentor who used to help me when I had a problem – he was always there for me. It is a great thing that you are not alone when you start!

Currently, I am working as an independent Tech Leader for SAP development. In New Delhi, I am one of the IT developers working for SAP under different Architects. 

You were one of the first few women in a New Delhi team when you joined 4 years ago. Have you observed any changes since then?

After 6.5 years in the previous company, I was looking for a change and applied for DB SCHENKER. I’ve joined the team in October 2017. At that time there were not many women, I could probably count them on my fingers. However, later on, the number grew and within a year a lot of women joined us. 

Currently, we are actively thinking about how we can increase the number of women. During the recruitment, we try to focus on the increasing diversity within the TSC and provide equal opportunities to candidates with the right skills and without gender discrimination.

Is IT a popular choice for women in India? Are there any particular challenges?

In some parts of India, Women working in IT is not a problem and when I started, it was not a problem in my region. But in some parts of India, there are still some problems with women working either in IT or any other sector.

What is challenging is that in India we have a male-dominated society, so you have to push your limits sometimes, don’t be afraid to speak your voice and own it. Also, the jobs which demand working on late shifts are not considered safe for women in India, so we don’t recommend it. Our company gives me the opportunity to work from home when there is a need to stay at the late shift.

But honestly, the main challenge for women is universal - to balance your family life & work. It is very important to get support both from family and your company. Last year, I got married and I have to admit that both my husband and my supervisor are very supportive. It all is going smoothly now and I’m back with my superpowers!

What benefits do you think the participation of more women in IT would bring?

Women prefer to do diverse things like painting, watching sports, playing instruments, or cooking with the same enthusiasm. Hence they can bring new skills to the workplace that boosts productivity and increases organizations' growth.

Women value relationships and analyze the problem better, it can result in great team building that will work for the benefit of the organization. We are endowed with great management skills by birth. From cooking, taking care of a family to motivating a team to achieve something big they can manage everything efficiently.  

What is your recipe for development?

My recipe for development is… stay humble, be curious, pay attention to detail, and most importantly keep learning the new trends in the industry and start applying them to your work.

What you are doing apart of work helps you develop too. I also try to stay active after work, for example, sometimes I involved myself in charity at my home. As someone's said " charity starts at home", so I taught servants/maids in my neighborhood to train them with basic education skills like reading simple words in English, basic math, and everyday skills. I did this before my marriage, today I don't get enough time for it

Thank you for sharing, Richa! 

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