Victoria’s Secret PINK has brought back the GRL PWR Project. PINK is looking for 10 women to award $25,000 to power their dream projects surrounding women empowerment, education, or sustainability. The application is open from 2/5 until the closing date of 2/25 at 11:59 p.m. EST. We all have dreams, goals, and aspirations for the future. Do you have something you want to pursue to help bring change to the world around you? If so, this is the perfect opportunity for you to get after it.
In support of the GRL PWR Project, we have chosen to spotlight girl bosses, who are crushing it on the campus of Purdue University.
Let me introduce you to Nithika Sivashankar. She is currently a senior, pursuing a major in Industrial Engineering. We had a chance to ask her some questions about being a female pursuing an engineering degree. She finds great interest in Data Science and Music. In addition, Nithika enjoys spending her time singing, playing instruments, and practicing yoga! She is a well-rounded girl boss on campus, and we can’t wait for you to hear about her perspective as an aspiring engineer!
HC: What sparked your interest to pursue engineering?
NS: “I really enjoyed math in high school, and I was always intrigued by the jobs available in the engineering field. It seemed like joining engineering would allow me to pursue a broad range of very interesting career paths.”
HC: Have you ever encountered/felt/have been looked at differently because you are a female pursuing engineering, a major that happens to be seen as a predominately male field?
NS: “Yes! During group projects, sometimes my male peers will dismiss my ideas or not include me in conversations purely because I’m a female. I’ve noticed this in industry as well.”
HC: What motivates you? Energizes you?
NS: “My parents motivate and energize me. They came all the way to America and struggled a lot just to give me the chance to have a good life and an amazing career.”
HC: What would you like to do or where would you like to work for post grad?
NS: “I will be working as a Data Scientist at Ford Motor Company post-graduation. I am very interested in getting my masters, in data science, and continue to move forward in this field.”
HC: Who do you look up to?
NS: “My mom because she was a female engineer at a time when it was even harder to be a woman in engineering. She worked extremely hard and raised two girls, and now she is a Director at Collins Aerospace.”
HC: What piece of advice do you have for women starting out/ have interests /may feel intimidated to major in engineering?
NS: “It can be extremely intimidating to join such a male-dominated field that has a reputation for being incredibly difficult. Don’t let this get you down. If you like what you are doing, stick with it and it will pay off! Engineering is such a cool major to be a part of and there are so many ways to go with your career.”