Aysha Parveen’s a senior test engineer at Luxoft, who’s not defined by her job title. She's a woman of many talents and passions, from running marathons to advocating for social causes. In this exclusive interview, Aysha shares insights into her life, how Luxoft has supported her journey and her advice for aspiring women in the tech industry.
As someone juggling multiple roles, how do you manage your day?
"I begin my day at 5, taking on all household responsibilities and ensuring my eldest is ready for school at 7:30 with a well-prepared breakfast and lunch. Balancing the care of my toddler, I make sure to have my own breakfast at 8. At 8:30, I log in for work, managing both my professional tasks and childcare independently. After completing work, I aim to carve out some personal time, typically once a week. Following a leg injury, I took up marathon running annually. Also, I actively participate in regional book launches, reviewing works by friends, and am planning and working on my own book. Once a year, I join women trekkers for a travel adventure. Meeting friends weekly is a priority for rejuvenation, and I love to explore new places. Engaging in monthly fundraisers, I collaborate with friends to assist the needy. I also contribute to environmental causes through activities like lake cleaning. Maintaining social activism, I make time for reading books in the evening, often taking walks with my toddler on the terrace, combining exercise with quality time. Wrapping up the day with dinner and household chores, I read stories to my kids from their book collection and aim to be in bed before 10, ensuring an early start to the next day."
How has Luxoft supported you in and outside of work?
"Luxoft provided me with the opportunity to work from home, allowing me to restart my career after a maternity break. Resuming my professional journey was challenging, especially since my previous workplace lacked remote work options despite my potential as a resource. Luxoft and its managers supported me by offering the chance to kickstart my career. I hope that Luxoft continues to provide similar opportunities for mothers on maternity breaks. I genuinely appreciate their support."
What advice would you offer to other women who are aspiring to excel in their careers?
"Life may present challenges, especially for women. Never surrender or sacrifice your career for any reason; take breaks if needed but restart and stay updated with the latest technologies. Continuously learn to keep yourself abreast of current trends. Achieving work-life balance is crucial and prioritizing yourself is essential. Focus on personal growth, ensuring physical and mental strength to face any obstacle that comes your way. Invest in yourself and be resilient."
What inspires you to continue growing and advancing in your career?
"As the first woman in my family to enter the IT field, my journey has been marked by determination and self-reliance. I funded my college education by working part-time jobs, initially as a data entry clerk and later as an accountant, eventually transitioning into the IT industry. The belief that learning is a continuous process propels me forward, and I am committed to demonstrating that women should have access to education and career opportunities. My personal experience fuels my aspiration to inspire other women. By navigating through challenges and achieving success in my career, I hope to motivate and empower fellow women to pursue their goals despite any obstacles they may face. It's not just about personal growth for me; it's about creating a path for others to follow and breaking barriers in the professional landscape."
How do you balance your career and personal life, especially if you are a working mom?
"Balancing my career and personal life as a working mom is a dynamic process. I firmly believe that taking care of ourselves is essential to effectively care for our families. Maintaining inner peace allows me to create a positive and nurturing environment for my loved ones. Additionally, I've learned never to give up, recognizing that challenges are part of the journey. Perseverance and resilience are valuable qualities that allow me to overcome obstacles both in my professional and personal life. In essence, the key is understanding that self-care, positivity, and resilience are not just beneficial for personal well-being but also essential components of successfully balancing the demands of a career and family life as a working mom."
Inspired by Aysha's story? Want to learn more about balancing career and passion? Explore career opportunities at Luxoft India and find out why we’ve been a Great Place To Work® 3 years in a row here!