Celebrating the Women We Work With: A Spotlight on Pradnya Joshi
In our latest Women We Work With interview, we’re honored to feature Pradnya Joshi, a Controls Design Engineer at Actemium. Pradnya has been with Actemium since November 2021, where she applies her expertise to create impactful user interfaces (HMI, SCADA), manage data monitoring, and support critical projects with her technical skills in PLC programming and commissioning.
A Passion for Engineering
Pradnya’s journey in engineering began in India, where she earned her degree in Instrumentation and Controls Engineering. Her love for science and math fueled her initial interest, but it was during her first job that she truly discovered her passion for controls engineering. Applying what she learned in her studies to real-world scenarios helped Pradnya build confidence in her abilities, ultimately leading her to her current role at Actemium, where her interest and expertise continue to grow.
Facing Challenges with Resilience
In controls engineering, Pradnya often encounters high-pressure projects, particularly during critical phases like shutdowns, where the timeline is tight and expectations are high. She describes these moments as challenging yet essential, viewing them as intrinsic to the job rather than barriers specific to women. For Pradnya, these projects are a test of resilience and adaptability, qualities she has learned to embrace in her role.
Empowering Advice for Women in Engineering
Pradnya encourages women aspiring to enter engineering fields to trust their abilities, leverage their unique strengths, and pursue knowledge with purpose. She believes women possess qualities like problem-solving and multitasking that are assets in any technical field. Her advice to others is to “gain all the knowledge you can, excel in your area, and support other women around you.” Pradnya emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and encouragement among women, believing that shared support enhances everyone’s growth and success.
A Memorable Experience at Actemium
One of the most rewarding experiences Pradnya has had at Actemium is the annual one-on-one sessions held during appraisals. This personalized approach to growth is something she values, as it reflects Actemium’s commitment to recognizing individual contributions and fostering professional development.
Inspiring Dedication
Pradnya Joshi’s story reflects a journey of passion, resilience, and dedication. Her commitment to her field, her belief in the strengths women bring to engineering, and her support for others make her an invaluable part of Actemium. We’re thrilled to feature her in our Women We Work With series as an example of the incredible talent that drives our team forward.