Introduction
Earlier this year, as part of Cint’s ongoing Women @ Cint initiative — a program initiated by our Indian team and designed to celebrate and empower women across our organization — we launched Elevate & Inspire, a writing contest.
The contest was an opportunity for our colleagues in India to share personal stories, insights, and experiences on topics surrounding empowerment, diverse perspectives, and the impact these elements have on careers in the research and insights profession.
This contest was thoughtfully designed by Mirunalini Senthilkumar, Sushmita Sen and Sonali Kaushal from women@cint. With their combined experience and the guidance of Jay Shankavaram and Anu Mehr, they developed a contest structure that supports originality, clarity, and fun.
A panel of judges selected Senior IT Support Specialist Amanjot Kaur’s entry as the winner.
You can read Amanjot’s account of how she managed to pursue a career in IT despite familial and societal pressures below.
I come from a small town called Ropar in Punjab, where traditions run deep, and expectations for women are well-defined. As the eldest child in my family, my path seemed predetermined: study well, find a good groom, and dedicate my life to being a housewife, raising children, and taking care of my husband’s family.
My family, a large joint household with six brothers, firmly believed in this path. My father had never questioned these norms. But I was different.
From a young age, I knew I wanted something more. I wanted to earn my own money, make my own choices, and live life on my terms. I studied hard, topping my classes year after year, determined to carve a different path for myself. When I expressed my desire to become an engineer, I faced my first major challenge.
There were no engineering colleges near my hometown. Staying away from home was simply not an option for a girl in our family. After persistent pleading and convincing, they finally agreed—but only under the condition that I would travel back and forth every day, no matter how exhausting the journey.
Every morning, I left home before sunrise, took multiple modes of transport to reach my college, and returned late at night. I constantly heard remarks from my extended family questioning why I was going to such lengths for my education. Their words chipped away at my confidence. I became introverted, hesitant to speak up, and struggled to make friends. Despite these challenges, I pushed through and completed my degree.
When I was offered an internship in the city of Noida, I saw it as my chance to finally break free. But my family had other plans. They had never supported me staying in a hostel before, and the idea of me moving out of state was completely out of the question. I knew this was my only opportunity to prove myself. So, I lied. I told my parents that a college friend had also secured the same internship and that we would stay together and she had relatives there. In reality, I was completely on my own.
Stepping into the city was overwhelming. I found myself in an unfamiliar world, with no support system and no guidance. I was terrified. I remember sitting on the edge of the bed, staring at my suitcase, wondering if I had made a mistake. But I reminded myself why I had come here—I had to make it work.
As my internship neared its end, my family pressured me to return home. I knew that going back meant getting married and giving up on my dreams. I had to act fast. I applied for jobs relentlessly, attending multiple interviews a day despite facing rejection after rejection. My confidence was at an all-time low. My poor communication skills and lack of experience worked against me, but I refused to give up.
I had 15 days before I had to leave Delhi, so I lied once again—telling my family that my internship had been extended. With time running out, I threw myself into self-improvement. I practiced speaking English alone in front of a mirror, took online courses, and rehearsed interview answers tirelessly.
Two days before I was supposed to return home, I received a job offer. The moment I saw the offer letter, I burst into tears. It was a moment of victory, a confirmation that all my struggles had not been in vain. But my battle wasn’t over yet—I had to convince my family to let me stay. “Just trust me,” I pleaded. “Give me a chance to prove myself.” After endless arguments and emotional appeals, they finally agreed.
I started my first job, managing my expenses, growing professionally, and proving to myself and my family that I was capable of standing on my own.
With time, I developed confidence, built a career in the IT industry, and earned the respect of my family. Today, the same family that once resisted my ambitions is proud of my achievements. My younger sister, inspired by my journey, is now pursuing her master’s degree while staying in a hostel—something that was once unthinkable for a girl in our family.
Working in IT has reinforced everything I fought for. The ability to problem-solve, think independently, and continuously learn has been the key to my success. Overcoming societal challenges made me more resilient, analytical, and determined—qualities that have helped me thrive in a field that requires constant efforts. My journey has shaped the way I approach challenges at work, from handling complex projects to solving problems.
Breaking barriers didn’t just change my life; it changed the future for the women in my family. I married a man of my choice, in an inter-religion marriage, and this time, my family didn’t question my decision. They had learned to trust my choices. I am now living life on my terms, earning well, and married to a supportive partner who values my career as much as I do.
Looking back, I realize that every struggle, every rejection, and every moment of self-doubt was shaping me into the person I am today.
“My journey wasn’t just about finding a job; it was about proving that a woman can dream beyond societal expectations and make those dreams a reality. And if my story can inspire even one girl to take a stand for her aspirations, then every challenge I faced was worth it.”
My journey wasn’t just about finding a job; it was about proving that a woman can dream beyond societal expectations and make those dreams a reality. And if my story can inspire even one girl to take a stand for her aspirations, then every challenge I faced was worth it.
