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Vaishnavi Ananganallore Kumar
Senior Electrical Engineer
Siemens Industry, Inc.
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You will pave the way for many more to come.
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I develop comprehensive solutions for medium voltage vacuum circuit breakers, switchgears and motor control centers when there is a need to expand the reach of electricity or to upgrade existing electrical infrastructure. This involves analyzing customers’ technical, commercial and contractual requirements and developing appropriate product configurations and solutions which meet the customers’ expectations in a cost-effective and timely manner.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I’ve always loved math and science. Engineering being the application of math & science that makes things work, I gravitated towards it. Like a lot of kids my age back in my hometown, inspired by the advancements in Indian Space Research, I was initially leaning towards Aerospace Engineering. Somewhere along the way Electrical Engineering chose me. As I delved further into it, I realized my growing interest for it and the impact it has on our everyday lives. By my junior year, I decided to pursue my Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering and after that, there was no going back. The energy industry with its ever-changing dynamics excited me. By then I also realized that I am more interested in Astrophysics rather than aerospace. So even today, I pursue astrophysics as my hobby. I love to travel and go camping to star-gaze and get a view of the milky way’s core, I read books and listen to podcasts on this subject, and I’m a member of the local astrophysics club where I live.
HOW DO/DID YOU TACKLE OBSTACLES?
When I relocated 10,000 miles away from home and across the world to pursue my Masters’ Degree, little did the 18 year-old me know how many challenges come with moving to a different country and growing up to be an adult at the same time. My motto is to do the best you can when you face an obstacle. You won’t regret tomorrow that you didn’t try hard enough.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
Younger me was a shy and reserved person and was even anxious to talk when in a gathering. I wish younger me had more confidence, and I’m sure younger me would be proud of who I am today.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
STEM impacts every-day life and improves the quality of living.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Don’t be afraid to be the only woman in your field at work, you will pave the way for many more to come.
INSPIRATION
Give yourself enough credit, do not let self-doubt hold you back.