Women Who Wow: Durga’s journey with tech

Durga’s journey in technology started with a belief that opportunities come to those who prepare for them. After finishing her schooling in Tamil medium, Durga remembers the challenge of stepping into a corporate environment where English was the primary mode of communication. “As I completed schooling in my mother tongue, adapting to English in the workplace wasn’t easy,” she recalls. “But I knew I had to work on it, so I kept learning and improving.”

Durga spent eight years in the industry, juggling different roles before joining NatWest. During that time, she faced technical challenges along with the biases that often come with being a woman. “There were times when I didn’t get the right opportunities to prove myself,” she says.

Joining NatWest

These instances didn’t let Durga down. As she continued her pursuit to thrive in tech, she found an opportunity with us. And after joining NatWest, she took on different roles across Core Banking, Commercial Banking, and Enterprise Engineering, exploring both legacy systems and modern technologies. Over time, she expanded her expertise in areas like DevSecOps, Data Analytics, Open Banking, and Cloud Modernization.

However, balancing work, family, and career growth hasn’t been always easy. “Managing multiple responsibilities was challenging,” she admits. “But over time, I found ways to manage my time better and stay consistent. All of this was possible because of the teams I’ve worked with. It’s great how everyone understood the diversity of life experiences each one comes with and help you.”

New learnings

To further deepen her understanding of technology, she pursued the TOGAF certification, which helped her transition into Solution Architecture. “I became more interested in designing solutions because I enjoy leveraging new technologies to create innovative systems that meet complex business needs,” she explains. Alongside this, she also gained experience in data analytics, working with platforms like Azure Cloud, PowerBI, and Snowflake.

Eventually, she also decided to pursue an M.Tech in Data Science and Engineering at BITS Pilani, specializing in Deep Learning and Generative AI. “Going back to academics after years of working was a challenge, but it was worth it,” she says.

Mentorship and leadership

Public speaking wasn’t always part of Durga’s journey, but when she stumbled upon it, she embraced it fully. Today, she is a Distinguished Toastmaster, a recognition that highlights her ability to communicate and inspire others. Beyond her technical skills, she is passionate about mentoring young women entering the field. She conducts training sessions for underprivileged students in NGOs.

“Every young woman who believes she can, creates another crack in the glass ceiling,” she says.

In 2024, Durga was also selected for IGNITE, a Women’s Leadership Development Programme. The programme helped her focus on further career development and leadership, reinforcing her commitment to continuous learning and growth.

Looking ahead

Durga’s aspirations in technology continue to evolve. She envisions herself making a greater impact as a technical evangelist, bridging the gap between innovation and application. Her mantra for success remains simple: “Learning is a lifelong adventure – opportunities will always come to those who seek them.”

From curiosity to expertise, Durga’s nine-year journey with us in tech serves as an inspiration to all of us.