My Journey Through Engineering, Education, and Evolution: Woman in STEM

Estimated reading time: 11 minutes

Engineering and teaching have always been intertwined in my life. Growing up with a teacher mom and a fabricator dad, I was exposed to the worlds of education and hands-on problem-solving from an early age. This unique combination shaped my passion for mechanical engineering and, later, my love for teaching. As a woman in STEM, I have found that engineering challenges my mind with creativity and problem-solving, while teaching brings me joy as I help others succeed.

Today, I combine both passions by teaching German to engineering students and professionals, helping them bridge the language gap and achieve their career goals.

Introduction

My journey into the worlds of STEM, engineering and teaching began long before I consciously realized it. From my mom’s ability to simplify complex ideas to my dad’s hands-on approach to building things, my childhood was filled with experiences that shaped my interests and career path. Today, as a woman in STEM, I see how those early influences laid the foundation for my passion for problem-solving, innovation, and education.

Early Influences

My mom, a teacher, had a unique way of making learning fun and accessible. Watching her make hard ideas easy to understand as I grew up made me want to teach. On the other hand, my dad, a fabricator, introduced me to the world of tools, machines, and metalwork. I saw him build things from basic stuff. It made me wonder how they did what they did.

Discovering Mechanical Engineering for Women in STEM

It was during these formative years that I discovered my interest in mechanical engineering. I was fascinated by how machines moved, how parts fit together, and how small details could make a big difference. When I chose to study mechanical engineering, it felt like the perfect fit. I loved the logical yet creative nature of the field—how it combined numbers, equations, and problem-solving to build innovative solutions.

The Intersection of Engineering and Teaching

As I progressed in my engineering career, I discovered another passion: teaching. Learning German has been a game-changer for me, opening doors to new opportunities in Germany. I realized I could help others achieve similar success by teaching them this valuable skill. Many engineering students and professionals, especially women in STEM, wanted to work or study in Germany but struggled with the language barrier.

I wanted to make it easier for them, not just by teaching grammar and vocabulary, but by helping them apply the language in real-life, professional settings.

Why I Love What I Do

Engineering challenges my mind and allows me to solve complex problems, while teaching brings me joy as I see my students grow and succeed. Together, these two passions create a fulfilling balance in my life. As a woman in STEM, I find immense satisfaction in teaching German to aspiring engineers, helping them achieve their dreams while staying connected to the world of education that I’ve always admired.

This blend of engineering and teaching has become my life’s purpose, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in both fields.

Career in STEM

As a woman in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) field, I’ve faced both challenges and opportunities. Mechanical engineering, where I work, has traditionally been a male-dominated field. When I decided to pursue this career, some people laughed, thinking it wasn’t something for a woman. My parents were also worried about the physical demands of the job, thinking it would involve a lot of hard labor. But the truth is, much of the work in engineering is done at a desk—solving problems, designing solutions, and using creativity. It’s not always about lifting heavy machines; it’s about using your brain to think critically and come up with ideas. Engineering is a field where women can excel just as much as men, if not more.

Overcoming Challenges

Being a woman in STEM and engineering hasn’t always been easy. There have been times when I had to prove myself more than my male colleagues, and at times, I felt self-doubt. Society can sometimes make you feel like you don’t belong, but the important thing is to keep going, stay strong, and take every chance you get. Every challenge you face can be an opportunity to grow and show what you’re capable of. If you have the will to succeed, no matter the obstacles, you can make it.

Advice for Young Women in STEM

My advice to young women thinking about a career in engineering is to believe in yourself. It’s normal to have doubts sometimes, but don’t let that stop you. Find mentors—people who can guide and support you—and always remember that you deserve to be in this field. Engineering, and STEM in general, need more “Women in STEM“. Not just for the sake of equality, but because women bring fresh ideas, creativity, and different perspectives. We need women in STEM to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

Gaining Hands-On Experience for Women in STEM

If you’re still in school and thinking about engineering, there are lots of ways to get hands-on experience and learn more. Attend workshops where you can try out different tools and machines. These workshops are great places to experiment and find out if engineering is something you enjoy. Internships are also a fantastic way to get real-world experience. Being around experienced people at a company or lab helps you understand the job better. Also, it lets you meet people who can help you in your career.

Exploring the Field for Women in STEM

You can also visit factories or engineering companies in your area. Talking to the workers there and learning from them will give you insight into the work they do. Ask questions, listen to their stories, and see what kinds of technologies they use. You might even discover new areas of engineering that interest you. The more you explore and learn about engineering, the more prepared you’ll be for your future career. So, don’t be afraid to get involved in the world of engineering. It’s a place where your ideas, creativity, and hard work can make a real difference.

Career opportunities in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is a great career choice with many opportunities in India and other countries. Mechanical engineers help create vehicles and build new energy systems. They are very important in making technology and buildings better in the future. STEM gives women options to create, guide, and leave a mark on fields that move the world forward.

Career Opportunities in India

In India, mechanical engineers work in different industries. These include automobile manufacturing, aerospace, energy, and construction. Some of the top companies and organizations hiring mechanical engineers include:

• Automobile Industry: Tata Motors, Mahindra, and Maruti Suzuki hire engineers to design and build vehicles.
• Space and Defense: Groups like ISRO and DRDO work on exploring space and defense projects.
• Construction and Energy: Companies like Larsen & Toubro and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited do big building and power jobs.
• Renewable Energy: More people want lasting solutions, so many engineers build solar and wind power systems.

Global Career Opportunities

Mechanical engineers can work in Germany, the USA, Canada, Japan, and many other places besides India. Some of the key industries and companies include:

• Automotive Industry: Car companies like BMW, Tesla, and Volkswagen hire mechanical engineers for vehicle design and innovation.
• Aerospace Industry: Airplane makers like Boeing and Airbus require mechanical engineers for aircraft design and development.
• Technology and Innovation: Companies like Siemens and General Electric offer roles in cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence.

Emerging Fields in Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineers are increasingly working in interdisciplinary fields. This combines traditional mechanical skills with new technologies. Some of the exciting areas include:

• Robotics and Automation: Designing and developing robots for industrial and consumer applications.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Integrating AI into mechanical systems for smarter and more efficient solutions.
• Renewable Energy Systems: Innovating in solar, wind, and other sustainable energy technologies.

Building a Successful Career in Mechanical Engineering

Whether in India or abroad, mechanical engineers have a wide range of exciting career options. With the right skills, experience, and adaptability, they can do a lot. They can contribute to building new machines, improving technology, and creating a better future.

For women in STEM, this field offers a unique chance to break barriers and make a significant impact. By staying updated with industry trends and continuously learning, mechanical engineers—especially women in STEM—can crack endless opportunities in this dynamic field.

Importance of Foreign Languages in STEM

Learning foreign languages can be super helpful, especially in fields like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math). Because the world is more connected, knowing another language can help your career. You can also talk to people around the world. Worldwide, science, technology, engineering, and math jobs always change and get bigger. Knowing how to talk to people from different places will help you.

Why Foreign Languages Matter in STEM

In STEM, some of the most important languages to learn are English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese. English is the main language used for science and technology around the world. Most research, studies, and international communication are done in English. Knowing other languages is useful. It’s especially helpful if you want to work in another country or with global companies.

German: A Key Language for STEM

German is especially useful in fields like mechanical engineering and technology. Germany is known for being a leader in these areas, with big companies like Volkswagen, BMW, and Siemens.

When I decided to work in Germany, learning German was a game-changer.

It helped me get my job and allowed me to easily communicate with my colleagues and clients. Many people in Germany speak English. But knowing German proved I wanted to be part of their culture and work life. It also made traveling the country easier for me. I could read papers, join talks, and talk to people without problems.

Benefits of Learning German in STEM

Learning German made me feel more confident. This helped me join the team and succeed at work. It made my life in Germany much easier and opened up more opportunities than I could have imagined. Besides German, women in science, technology, engineering, and math can find value in other languages too. These include French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.

Other Important Languages for STEM Careers

• French: Useful for working in Europe, especially in countries like France, Belgium, and Switzerland.
• Spanish: Helps in teaming up with Latin American countries and Spain.
• Chinese: Key for tech industries and opportunities in China.
• Japanese: Important for careers in robotics, automotive, and technology sectors in Japan.

How Foreign Languages Boost Your Career

To sum it up, learning a foreign language gives you lots of career opportunities for women in STEM. It makes your job applications better and helps you work with people from other countries. I learned German, and that helped me get a job in Germany. I think it is a good idea to learn a language that can help you in your career. It can make your job stronger and your experiences even better!

Conclusion

Believe in yourself and take risks!

I worked and studied together. Many people believed it would hurt my engineering studies. But guess what? I did well in college and even landed a job in Germany. So, don’t let doubts hold you back—make up your mind and take action! It’s important to believe in yourself, even when things get tough. As a woman in STEM, I’ve learned that challenges are just stepping stones toward success. There will be moments of doubt, but they only make you stronger. Keep pushing forward, and you’ll see how far you can go.

Along the way, I also started Tanvi Deshpande Academy to help others do the same. My institute offers German classes. These classes help students and professionals in fields like engineering learn and improve their understanding of the language. Learning a language can help you find new chances and do well, as it did for me. If you are a student or have a job, learning German can lead to new chances. This is particularly true in fields like engineering and science. As a woman in science, technology, engineering, and math, I realize there will be tough times. I will likely doubt myself. But remember, no one gets ahead by staying comfortable. Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.

If you believe in your potential, take action, and keep pushing forward, the possibilities are endless!

So don’t wait for the perfect moment—create it, future Women in STEM.

You’ve got this!

Keep going, keep believing, and keep taking those steps toward your dreams. You’re capable of more than you realize.

References

1. Chandradeep Toppo (2023). Global importance of German language. International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, 5(5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2023.v05i05.6093
2. Putayeva, E. (2024). Importance of investigating linguacultural variability in learning foreign languages. Językoznawstwo, 191-198. https://doi.org/10.25312/j.8511
3. Mechanical Engineers. (2024, August 29). Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm
4. Germany – Advanced manufacturing. (2023, December 6). International Trade Administration | Trade.gov. https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/germany-advanced-manufacturing

Additionally, to stay updated with the latest developments in STEM research, visit ENTECH Online. Basically, this is our digital magazine for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Further, at ENTECH Online, you’ll find a wealth of information.