(February 25, 2025) As incredible as it sounds, even in 2025, some fields have a negligible presence of women. In the extremely specialized stream of analog design, women make up only 11 percent of professional engineers in the field. At a young age, US-based Preethi Ashwath is one of the few women professionals making her mark in this highly specialized world. She works as a Senior Analog Design Engineer at Analog Devices in Greater Boston.
Her journey, which began in the tech-savvy city of Bengaluru, is one of relentless pursuit of innovation in a field where women are vastly underrepresented. This Global Indian’s story is one of breaking barriers—be it geographical, cultural, or professional. Her achievements in the demanding field of analog IC design provides hope for aspiring engineers, particularly women looking to carve a niche in STEM.
Key Highlights of Preethi’s Journey:
- Breaking Barriers: One of the few women in analog IC design, a field with only 11 percent female representation.
- Multicultural Roots: Grew up in Bengaluru, embracing diversity and strong language skills.
- Academic Journey: Moved to the U.S. at 20, faced cultural and academic challenges, interned at Intel.
- Resilience in Tech: Overcame hurdles in a male-dominated field, supported by women’s networks.
- Lifelong Learning: Stays updated with new technologies, mentors women in STEM, and values self-care.
Multicultural beginnings
Growing up in Bengaluru, Preethi experienced firsthand the cultural vibrancy of a city that attracts talent from across India. “Being born and raised in Bengaluru offered me a unique perspective. The friends I made from different states helped me understand cultural differences and made me realize that despite our varied festivals, values, and mindsets, we are all one—we are India,” she recalls.
This early exposure to diversity not only broadened her worldview but also equipped her with linguistic skills. A polyglot, Preethi speaks Kannada, English, Telugu, Hindi, and even understands Tamil. “Language becomes a bridge to build connections,” she adds, emphasizing how this ability has helped her build meaningful relationships throughout her life.
The leap across continents
Preethi’s transition to the United States at the age of 20 marked a turning point in her life. Enrolling in the master’s program in Electrical Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, she faced the dual challenges of cultural adaptation and a rigorous academic curriculum. “Moving to the USA in my early 20s was challenging. Being away from my family, especially during birthdays and festivals, was emotionally tough,” she shares.
Her program’s demanding coursework, coupled with peers who were often five years her senior, added to the pressure. Yet, she persevered, crediting her determination and the support of friends from her Bengaluru days. Her internship at Intel Corporation in Santa Clara opened doors to the field of VLSI, ultimately steering her toward analog IC design. “The exposure I gained at Intel was invaluable,” she recalls. “It was there that I realized my passion for analog design.”
Challenges in a male-dominated field
The path to mastering analog IC design is arduous, requiring years of dedication to build expertise. For women, the journey can be even more daunting. “Finding a mentor who is both a woman and an analog design engineer is rare,” Preethi points out. “This lack of representation can limit opportunities and affect career progression. As they say, ‘it takes one to know one.'”
Despite these hurdles, Preethi has forged ahead, drawing strength from her involvement with organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and women leadership networks at both Intel and Analog Devices. She states, “These connections have been instrumental in my professional growth. They provide support, guidance, and inspiration to look beyond challenges and focus on solutions.”
Preethi’s career has been marked by moments of triumph and resilience. During her initial years in the U.S., securing a full-time position at Intel post-internship was a dream come true. However, life presented unforeseen challenges when a close family member in India faced severe health issues. “Being in the USA during that time gave me a sense of resentment for not being able to be their primary caregiver,” she admits. Balancing multiple flights between India and the USA, alongside her demanding job, tested her resolve. “Persevering through these difficulties and continuing to thrive as an analog design engineer has been the defining moment of my career,” she reflects.
Continuous learning
For Preethi, analog design is synonymous with curiosity and continuous learning. “Just when you feel you’ve mastered one architecture, a new one comes along, requiring you to learn fresh skills and techniques,” she explains. Her approach to problem-solving is rooted in constant learning, a necessity in a field that demands meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of device physics.
As a mentor, Preethi is passionate about empowering women in STEM. “I believe women belong everywhere,” she asserts. Sharing her personal experiences with young engineers, she strives to create a supportive environment. “Being vulnerable and honest about my journey helps them realize they are not alone,” she says.
For her own growth, Preethi actively seeks feedback through one-on-one sessions with senior managers and stays connected with women leaders. “A rising tide lifts all boats,” she smiles, underscoring the importance of collective progress.
Navigating a high-performance role in a male-dominated industry requires resilience and self-compassion. Preethi emphasizes the importance of “being kind to yourself and accepting that some days are hard.” She manages stress through daily walks, meditation, and spending quality time with friends and family. In her leisure time, she plays the guitar, sings, cooks, and indulges in introspection. “These activities enrich my life,” she adds.
The road ahead
Living and working in the USA has given Preethi a broader outlook on life. “Every country has its own cultural nuances to understand, and being acquainted with my friends in the USA makes me feel I belong. They greatly appreciate the values I carry as an Indian,” she shares and adds, “Stepping out of my comfort zone and making friends who have immigrated from different parts of the world to the USA makes you both inward-looking to introspect and correct yourself, and outward-looking to achieve your life goals.”
Looking ahead, Preethi is determined to maintain her ‘laser focus’ in 2025. Her goals include serving as a reviewer for flagship IC design conferences and participating in prestigious trade shows as an exhibitor. “The fire in my belly is still burning,” she declares. “I’m eager to explore uncharted territories in my field and continue pushing boundaries.”
Preethi’s advice for young professionals aspiring to make an impact:
- Be Authentic: Stay true to yourself and don’t give in to societal pressures.
- Think Independently: Just because many follow a path doesn’t mean it’s right for you.
- Make Confident Choices: Hold your ground, decide thoughtfully, and don’t let FOMO drive you.
Follow Preethi Ashwath on LinkedIn and Instagram
Extraordinary! I know first hand what an amazing woman and engineer she is!!