In an interview with TimesTech, Srushti Palve, Business Analyst at CXC Infotech Pvt Ltd, and Nikita Singh Raghav, Analyst at Zepto, shared their journeys of breaking barriers as women from smaller towns. They spoke about challenges of limited exposure, the role of online learning, mentorship, and real-world projects that shaped their paths into tech. Their stories highlight resilience, financial independence, and the power of determination in pursuing ambitious careers.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: Coming from a smaller town, what were the biggest challenges you faced when deciding to pursue a career in tech?
Shrushti: The biggest challenge was exposure. In smaller towns, you don’t always see people around you working in data or tech, so it feels like a distant world. I had to rely on my own curiosity and self-belief to make the switch. It wasn’t easy to convince myself — or even people around me — that moving from civil engineering to data science was possible.
TimesTech: How did studying Data Science and AI online help you bridge the gap between your aspirations and the opportunities available locally?
Shrushti: For me, studying online meant access. Newton School gave me an opportunity to learn skills like Python, SQL, and Excel from wherever I was, without being limited by geography. It also opened doors to experiences I wouldn’t have had locally, like attending a Sports Analytics Masterclass or working on real-world projects. These opportunities gave me both confidence and clarity about where I wanted to go.
TimesTech: What does financial independence through your first tech job mean for you and your family?
Shrushti: It means a lot more than just a salary. For me, it’s proof that taking risks and working consistently pays off. For my family, it’s a sense of security and pride — they’ve seen the effort I put into this transition, and now they see the results. It feels like the first step in building a future where I can give back as much as I’ve received.
TimesTech: You’ve achieved a strong starting package in a competitive company — what do you think helped you stand out as a candidate despite being from a Tier 2/3 city?
Nikita: What set me apart was not just technical knowledge, but the discipline to put it into practice. I made sure to work on real projects, take up challenging assignments, and push myself to go beyond theory. In interviews, I could confidently show how I’d applied concepts to real-world problems. That practical edge, along with consistency and resilience, helped me stand out.
TimesTech: How did your family and community respond to your decision to pursue a tech career, and how has their perspective changed now?
Nikita: Initially, it was a big shift for everyone. I was a Zoology graduate, then briefly considered an MBA, and even worked in the family real estate business. Moving into tech felt like starting from scratch, so naturally there were doubts. But the community also remembered my COVID-19 work and knew I was serious about creating impact. Once they saw the opportunities opening up — and eventually my role at Zepto — their doubts turned into pride. Today, my family and peers see tech not just as an option, but as a platform where someone like me, even from a non-traditional background, can thrive.
TimesTech: Looking back, what role did mentorship and online guidance play in giving you confidence to compete with peers from urban or elite institutions?
Nikita: Mentorship played a huge role. Coming from a Tier 2 background, it’s easy to feel isolated or out of place when competing with students from top colleges. Having mentors and peers to turn to — sometimes even at odd hours — made all the difference. They not only clarified concepts but also gave me a perspective on how to approach challenges. That constant guidance gave me the confidence to compete on equal footing with anyone, regardless of their background.
