Managing career aspirations along with personal responsibilities (especially motherhood) is as difficult and challenging as it can ever get !
Parvathy Mohan, our next pathbreaker, Innovation Analyst at Tata Group, focuses on driving innovation projects across different sectors by scouting for new and innovative solutions, and helping to create partnerships among startups, SMEs, academic institutions, and various Tata Group companies.
Parvathy talks to Shyam Krishnamurthy from The Interview Portal about her R&D career in Polymers in a wide range of industries such as Automotive Tyres (MRF), Adhesives and Composite Materials for high performance applications.
For students, have clear goals and know what interests you as you leave school. Pursue what you love and don’t give in to pressure. This will determine how you address challenges in your career !
Parvathy, can you share your background with our young readers?
I am Parvathy, and I was born and brought up in a small village in Kerala. I am currently working as an Innovation Analyst at Tata Sons. This is my second career, as I took a sabbatical. Prior to this, I worked with ITW as a Scientist – Polymer.
I grew up in a village and was surrounded by caring and supportive people. Ours was a close-knit family with my parents, elder brother, uncle, aunt, and granny. My father was a central government employee (now retired) and my mother is a housewife. We are a conservative family with strong beliefs in our culture and upbringing. We had some of the best childhood memories, and I think most 90s kids do. We were the transition generation from millennials to Gen Z. I still cherish the old memories and the new advancements. I was a dreamer from a young age, always encouraged by my family, who nurtured me and taught me that dreaming big is important to achieve one’s goals. Wanting to learn science, I loved it and often said during my school days that I wanted to become a scientist. I also passionately loved dancing; it brought me immense joy. Another hobby I cherished was writing poems. It helped me jot down my thoughts and create an imaginative world I dreamt of.
I was fortunate to have some great teachers who played an important role in my life. They were like my second family and always inspired me. School was always a place I adored, and I never pretended to be sick to avoid going. I was always a champion in dance and won prizes every year. My family and teachers never discouraged me; instead, they instilled confidence in me to believe in myself. That remains my inspiration today as I stand at this juncture.
What did you do for graduation/post graduation?57
During graduation, I chose to study polymer engineering. Many people around me discouraged me, saying it wasn’t a suitable profession for girls. At that time, most people thought polymer engineering was just about rubber and the tire industry. It was difficult to make them understand as the course was not very popular. However, I had one strong support pillar: my dad. His unwavering support gave me the courage to pursue my chosen course. When we choose what we want, it gives us the strength to pursue it more passionately. I enjoyed what I was learning and wanted to prove myself to those who tried to stop me. I was determined to pursue higher studies as well, so I went on to do an MTech in polymer technology without any gaps. Having a clear goal was crucial, and with dedication, I achieved it. That’s when the polymer engineer in me felt satisfied.
What were some of the key influences that led you to such an offbeat, unconventional in Polymer Sciences?
My interests have always leaned towards science and technology. My neighbour, Mr. James, a lecturer in Polymer Technology at the Government Polytechnic College, was the first person to inspire me to pursue this course. His enthusiasm and expertise influenced me from an early stage of my graduation. Throughout my academic journey, I received invaluable guidance from my college mentors and alumni who had achieved significant success in their respective fields. During my college days, I actively participated in conferences and seminars, hands-on training at the Indian Rubber Institute, and organized alumni meetings as part of the College Polymer Technology Association.
I completed my B.Tech project at Terumo Penpol Limited, focusing on the characteristics of polymer compounds used in the manufacture of blood bags, under the guidance of Ms. Vidya R., Deputy Manager (R&D). We conducted comprehensive studies on the physical, chemical, biological, and toxicity tests for PVC compounds, ensuring they met the stringent requirements of ISO standards. Experiencing a manufacturing plant for the first time was profoundly impactful and provided me with invaluable practical insights.
Dr. Sabu Thomas, the renowned professor at the School of Chemical Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, provided crucial support during a critical juncture when I was deciding where to pursue an MTech course. I never missed any of his seminars as I was totally inspired by his knowledge. His guidance was one of the factors that led me to choose the MTech course at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT). Prof. Sunil K. Narayankutty, our HOD, and other professors were instrumental in shaping me into who I am today. Prof. Rani George from CUSAT played an instrumental role in helping me secure a project at DRDO, which was another marvelous learning experience for me.
How did you plan the steps to get into the career you wanted? Or how did you make a transition to a new career? Tell us about your career path
Just before graduation, I attended an interview for a role in tyre plant operations. Keeping in view the limited scope for women in that field, I was more focused on getting admission for my Master’s.
During my MTech course, I did a year-long project at DRDO Pune, which provided me a remarkable exposure to the nano-composites domain. The project, titled ‘Advanced Composites through Resin Film Infusion,’ aimed to harness the potential of nanomaterials as additional reinforcement in structural composites. We developed hybrid composites using various nano fillers and conducted comprehensive investigations into their processing, as well as their thermal and mechanical properties. We explored the potential of nanomaterials like MWCNTs and CNFs as reinforcement in advanced structural composites for military applications. Additionally, we studied the transverse directional properties of structural composites reinforced with nanofillers fabricated through the resin film infusion technique. This experience provided me with deep insights into cutting-edge composite technologies and their practical applications.
My mentor, Dr. Anoop Anand, Scientist E, DRDO, guided me brilliantly and instilled in me a very positive attitude through his repeated emphasis that all results are good and constitute a meaningful learning experience.
After my studies, I attended the campus placement. My experience in the DRDO project helped me get a place as an Engineer Technical at R&D in M/S MRF. Under the guidance of Mr. Kurian, a highly experienced professional at MRF, the practical experience I gained and the confidence I got boosted me. I was assigned a project at the MRF plant in Trichy. Despite being in a predominantly male environment, I embraced the challenges with a positive attitude and excelled in my assignments.
At MRF, I was involved in designing and developing new tyres as well as improving existing ones. As a member of the design team, I worked on the design of an Earthmover tyre, which was my first CAD design and project at MRF. Additionally, I conducted a project at the plant where I studied the effect of process parameters on rubber compounds at each stage of the tyre production process. This role provided me with hands-on training with process instruments such as Mooney viscometers, Multi-function Rheometers, and Rubber Process Analyzers (RPA).
Whisked by fate to the U.S.-based MNC, ITW, for the position of Scientist, one of my childhood dreams was fulfilled. I got into research and development of adhesives and coatings. I also kept learning through the mentorship of Mr. Ranjith, my supportive boss at ITW, and colleagues like Dr. Subodh. Since I am the youngest in this team, every day used to bring some new learning opportunity.
During this time, I also managed a long-distance relationship while being married to a very supportive IAF Pilot, Mr. Vinod Raj Mohan, which no doubt brought in another dimension into my personal and professional journey. Through perseverance and dedication, I navigated transitions and challenges, guided by mentors, qualifications, and a positive mindset.”
How did you get your first break?
My master’s degree brought opportunities, and my work experience in DRDO, MRF and ITW taught me many things that proved quite instrumental in career growth. But life took me to the next stage motherhood. Managing the task of being a young mother with a career proved to be a big challenge. The responsibility of taking proper care of my son prompted me to take a break from professional life.
It was during this period that I took up the enriching full-time role of a housewife. Moving with my husband to different places like Jammu & Kashmir, Assam and many more places, and experiencing the lively lifestyle of defence communities has enriched my life. Welfare activities and events within the defence community keep me very occupied. I have treasured being a good mother to my two sons, and these five years have turned out to be a very meaningful chapter in my personal journey.
What were some of the challenges you faced? How did you address them?
There will always be many challenges, and my journey has been no exception. Starting from the beginning, my first challenge came when I secured a campus placement but did not receive a call. I waited for nearly 5-6 months after completing my course before finally receiving the joining letter. Once I began working, things seemed to settle.
The second challenge was making the difficult decision to resign after giving birth to my first child. Although it was a debated choice, I courageously prioritized my family. The next hurdle was making a comeback. Despite my desire to continue my career, the reception I received was far from welcoming. I faced sleepless nights and relentless effort until I secured a role in the Tata Sons Group Innovation Program.
During this gap, I felt a loss of self-confidence and questioned my passion for research. However, little did I know that the enthusiastic girl inside me was still very much alive. Reconnecting with my old, optimistic self, reignited my determination. With renewed vigor, my efforts paid off, and I secured a job at Tata.
Where do you work now? What problems do you solve?
I work at Tata Group, where my main focus is on driving innovation and managing projects across different sectors. My job involves identifying industry trends, scouting for new and innovative solutions, and helping to create partnerships among startups, SMEs, academic institutions, and various Tata Group companies. I solve problems related to critical industrial challenges by leveraging global technological advancements.
After a sabbatical, I was actively seeking new job opportunities when I learned about the SCIP (Second Career Inspiring Possibilities) program by Tata, designed for women returning to work. I was offered a role as an Innovation Analyst within the Tata Sons Group Innovation Program, Tata InnoVerse. Tata InnoVerse is our Open Innovation Program aimed at bringing together innovators, scientists, startups, academicians, SMEs, and individuals from around the globe to address the technical challenges faced by our companies. Given that the role involves tackling these challenges and scouting for solutions, my engineering and research background was crucial in securing this position.
What skills are required for your role? How did you acquire the skills?
To excel in my role, I need strong project management, research, strategic thinking, and communication skills. I developed these skills through a mix of formal education, professional training, and hands-on experience in the field.
What’s a typical day like?
On a typical day, I spend my time researching industry trends, interacting with top stakeholders of startups and companies, organizing pitch days to showcase new innovations, and managing multiple projects. I also contribute to organizing major events like Tata Innovation Edge Best Practices.
What I love most about my job is the constant exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the opportunity to drive meaningful innovation. It’s incredibly fulfilling to collaborate with talented people from around the world and see the impact of our work on various industries.
How does your work benefit society?
My work at Tata Group benefits society by fostering innovation and solving critical industrial challenges. By identifying and supporting innovative solutions and startups, we help bring new technologies and advancements to various sectors. This not only drives economic growth but also addresses societal needs such as sustainability, efficiency, and technological progress.
Through collaborations with academic institutions and industry experts, we promote research and development, leading to new discoveries and applications that can improve people’s lives. Organizing pitch days also helps create a platform for innovative ideas to be recognized and implemented, further contributing to societal advancement.
Overall, my work helps bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovations and real-world applications, creating positive impacts on industries and communities globally.
Tell us an example of a specific memorable work you did that is very close to you!
My most unforgettable experience was when I was given a formulation to develop an adhesive for very specific and critical end results. Initially, I had no clue where to start. It took me days of searching databases, patents, and papers and toiling through countless experiments. Finally, after a lot of hard work, we managed to get the desired results. It was amazing—the one-component epoxy adhesive. However, when we tried to repeat the success, we encountered some challenges.
Determined to ensure our work was accurate, we went back to review the process. A careful investigation revealed that a reagent had been added in a different amount—0.5 grams instead of the needed 1 gram. This discovery turned out to be serendipitous. We learned a great deal from the process and were able to file a patent for the adhesive. The technology details were shared with the business unit, and the experience provided valuable lessons in precision, perseverance, and innovation. This project is particularly close to my heart because it taught me the importance of attention to detail and the unexpected paths to success.
Your advice to students based on your experience?
I recommend that students follow their passions, as it will help them find exciting and challenging roles. Embrace every opportunity and don’t give up if things don’t work out at first. Try new challenges, step out of your comfort zone, and stay curious. Adapt to new technologies and methods with confidence in your chosen career, keeping you learning and growing.
Have clear goals and know what interests you as you leave school. Pursue what you love and don’t give in to pressure. There are many people who can guide and mentor you, like career counselors, to help find your true passion. Every step you take is a chance to learn and grow. Be passionate, persistent, and open-minded to create a fulfilling career.
Future Plans?
Looking ahead, I want to take on leadership roles in organizations to influence key strategies for innovation across industries. My goal is to contribute to our nation’s technological and industrial growth, driven by my interests in research, innovation, and technology. Inspired by Narendra Modi’s belief that “Innovation is the key to progress” and APJ Abdul Kalam’s vision of a developed India, I aim to help uplift my country through sustainable growth and technological excellence. By leading initiatives in sustainability, efficiency, and economic growth, I hope to drive positive change and advance innovation globally.