With a strong will and determination to work, Mrs. Sonia Nagar forms a noteworthy example of the scientific woman as she continues to pursue her passion for technology. As a child, she did not think she would pursue STEM; however, she did know that mathematics was her passion. Taking inspiration from her female high school science teacher and taking support from her father, she decided to pursue engineering for her higher education. She joined the Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh where she studied electronics engineering and afterwards, began to work for a telecom manufacturing company. After six years of working, she decided to take a break, not knowing when or if she would even resume her work. And yet here she is today. With fourteen years of experience, Mrs. Nagar takes the position of a senior technical writer at a leading Multinational Company.

Technical writing is a highly specialized job which involves writing documentation for hardware and software, user guides, installation documents etc., and it requires a close association with the IT industry. During her childhood or even adulthood, Mrs. Nagar never imagined herself doing technical writing. She had recently shifted to Bangalore when she came across an advertisement for a certified course in technical writing (PGDTW). Deciding to explore her interests, she took up the course and discovered that it linked to what she had already studied. That’s when it dawned on her that having a science and technological background makes it easier to get a job even when you take a break for a few years. The science degrees train you to think logically and analytically. Mrs. Nagar had not even completed her course when she received her first job position as a technical writer. In the future, she hopes to continue writing and to become a specialist so that she can give in her individual contribution. She does not want to take the manager position because she hopes to continue with what she finds exciting.

Mrs. Nagar has seen support from both her parents and had some wonderful work experiences with other women. However, she did endure stereotypes when she first began her career in telecom manufacturing. “In this field, people do often treat a woman as someone who doesn’t understand or should be given easier work.” Mrs. Nagar ensured that she worked her hardest so that no one was able to question her position. Now, technical writing does see the inclusion of several women writers as the society steadily transforms and moves towards gender equality. Mrs. Nagar is certain that pursuing STEM changed her outlook towards life. She believes in the empowering quality of the sciences to push women into leadership and independent roles. “Science helps one understand the world better. Women can contribute in more ways to discussions and bring more value to them. The knowledge you gain stays with you for life.” In fact, Mrs. Nagar points out that pursuing sciences (and other fields) can even transform the role of women at home. As an engineering graduate, she feels more capable of participating in decision making at home as well as in helping her daughter with her studies. She further acknowledges the relative ease with which she could resume working due to her science degree; “If it wasn’t for science, I may not have been working today.”

Therefore, to all those pursuing the sciences, Mrs. Nagar hopes to see you within the field soon. There are brilliant opportunities in the world and science opens the door to several, so don’t miss your chance!