Meet Aleena James
Aleena James graduated with a Bachelor of Technology and is currently a Senior Associate at PwC. In her free time, Aleena enjoys walking in the woods, reading fiction, listening to podcasts, cooking, watching Netflix, learning about black holes, gravitational force and gravitational waves.
When did your love of STEM begin?
Ever since I was in school my interest was somehow pre-molded (if I may) to be a Science lover. Throughout school, I could find myself leaning towards Science and computers. My first experience with computers was when I was 7 years old, it was this old machine that was still operating on DOS (Disk Operating System) and I was so excited that day that I went back home and spent the whole evening describing to my parents what a marvel this machine is. Later that year, my dad bought a computer for us (me and my younger brother), and it has been a part of my life since then. Throughout my school years, I started learning programming languages, starting from one of the oldest ones called BASIC, and then later found my love in C++. I still am passionate about various branches of science, one of which is Astrophysics, but computers and their languages stole my heart.
What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?
As an Engineer, I could work in any industry and be part of a team that would be making disruptive technological innovation in that field, which might change our understanding of that industry as is! For me, that and "never being bored" with my job is the highlight. Also, people look up to me when I say I work in STEM. All those years of hard work throughout school and university pays off when people admire you for your career and success!
What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?
Do it, Do it and Do it till you make it.
It will be difficult but I can promise it will be fun. Make sure you try your best to get into the core of the industry you want to be in, and it will be worth it.
Find your field/branch of STEM, then update yourself everyday.
It is also key to note that though you are going to be specializing in one field/industry, it shows your interest/knowledge when you are well read in STEM. It doesn't have to be overwhelming, what I do is : a) find a podcast/journal or such media from where you can get this information; b) Follow personas in the industry; c) If you are into Computer Science/Tech follow TechCrunch. Once you start doing this consistently, this will become a part of your life. This is not just for keeping yourself up to date, but also will open up new opportunities for you.