Name: Pooja Mahavadi | Designation: QA Analyst | Company: Deloitte | Place: Chicago
(July 01, 2023) Pooja Mahavadi found herself drawn to the field of technology right from a young age. The impact it had on our daily lives fascinated her and she found herself yearning to learn more about the field. Currently a QA analyst with Deloitte in Chicago, Pooja finds herself living her dreams through her job. “As I delved deeper into the field, I realised the critical role quality assurance plays in delivering seamless user experiences. My passion for ensuring quality and reliability in software systems, helped me fit right in,” she says.
Born in Chandrapur, Maharashtra, Pooja studied Computer Science in Nagpur’s RTMNU. The experience, she says, was truly rewarding as she got to immerse herself in a comprehensive curriculum that covered various aspects of computer science. “I also had the opportunity to explore specialised areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cybersecurity.”
Pooja Mahavadi with her husband.
Her path was paved by perseverance, continuous learning, and a readiness to embrace new challenges. “I actively sought opportunities to work on diverse projects, which allowed me to gain exposure to different industries, domains, and technologies. In my role as a QA analyst, my primary responsibility is to ensure the quality and reliability of software products or systems. I collaborate closely with development teams and stakeholders to understand project requirements, define test strategies, and design comprehensive test plans,” she says, adding that working in a diverse team affords her access to varied perspectives and a broader understanding of global markets, and customer needs.
On a typical day, Pooja finds herself juggling her various roles as a professional, young mum and wife. From getting her toddler dressed and dropped off to Montessori to fixing family meals, putting in a full day at work to setting time aside for her varied interests, and family time, Pooja has a chock-a-block schedule on most days. Despite it all, she ensures that she strikes a work-life balance. “I find it very important to establish clear boundaries between my work and personal lives. Defining and adhering to specific work hours, prioritising tasks effectively, and planning my days in advance help to a great extent. I also try to delegate tasks and seek support from colleagues and family members to lighten my workload where I can. This leaves me some time to pursue my interests as well,” says Pooja, who enjoys painting, playing musical instruments, spending time with her pet and meeting friends in her spare time.
That apart, Pooja and her family also love travelling and exploring new destinations when they get a chance. “I appreciate nature and try to spend as much time as I can outdoors. So there are hikes being planned, picnics and sports that I enjoy,” says this Global Indian, who makes conscious efforts to give back to society in her own way. From volunteering at local community centres, NGOs, hospitals, and schools to working to reduce her carbon footprint to protect the environment, she makes sure to go that extra mile.
As she navigates a life away from home, Pooja strives to keep her connection to her roots alive. From teaching her two-year-old their native tongue, celebrating Indian festivals such as Diwali, Holi, and Navratri with gusto, to cooking authentic Indian food often, she ensures that she maintains a profound connection to her roots. “I also ensure I call my father and sister every day and have weekly calls with the rest of my family. Besides, every time I visit home, it’s all about family time, reliving childhood memories, and family events to make up for the distance,” she says, adding, “I have very fond memories of my time in India with my mother, father, and sister apart from the time I spent with my friends at school and college. They serve as a constant reminder of the love, warmth, and connections that make life truly meaningful.”
Takeaways:
- Identify and nurture your passion early on.
- Even if you are living away from home, find ways and means to keep alive your cultural identity.
- Strike a work-life balance to spend time on self-care and hobbies that you hold dear to you.