From Comfort Zones to New Horizons: My Journey So Far

Stepping out of your comfort zone is never easy — but it’s the only way to grow. I’ve always believed that until you drive, you’ll never know how deep the ocean truly is. So, I decided to take that leap.

I’m Suparna Holla, an Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduate from NMAM Institute of Technology (NMAMIT), India. My journey started with a deep curiosity for technology and a drive to understand how things work. During my undergrad, our final-year project — funded by the Karnataka Government — was recognized as the Best Project at the college EXPRO, which remains one of my proudest early achievements. Looking back, I can say this experience laid the foundation for everything I’ve become today.

After graduation, I stepped into the corporate world — and as they say, “Welcome to the real world.” I joined Bühler India, where I had the privilege of working with incredible mentors who shaped my professional thinking and approach to problem-solving. Later, I transitioned to Capgemini Engineering as a Physical Verification Engineer, working on 10nm, 3nm semiconductor technology, focusing on DRC/LVS checks and design sign-offs.

After 4.5 years of professional experience, I felt the need to step out of my comfort zone once again. I wanted to blend my technical foundation with strategic leadership — and that’s what inspired me to pursue my Master’s in Engineering Management at Coventry University, United Kingdom.

Moving to the UK was both exciting and intimidating. Leaving a comfortable job and starting over in a new country came with uncertainty, but I believed in trusting my hard work. Adapting to a completely different academic environment after years in industry was my first big challenge. The coursework, learning methods, and expectations were new — but curiosity became my biggest strength.

One of the highlights of my academic journey was my dissertation on Digital Twin Technology using Siemens software, where I was awarded a Merit. The experience taught me how technology, innovation, and persistence can come together to create meaningful solutions. After graduation came another test — job hunting in a new market. It required patience, consistency, and adaptability. But as always, perseverance paid off.

Today, I’m proud to work as a Project Engineer at Actemium UK, contributing to sustainable innovation through Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects — designing, installing, and maintaining high-performance charging systems.

This journey taught me more than just professional skills. It taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of mental strength. Moving abroad, balancing studies, work, and personal growth wasn’t easy — but it helped me evolve as an individual who embraces uncertainty with confidence.

I learned to appreciate small wins, value discipline over motivation, and understand that growth happens outside comfort zones.If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this — coming out of your comfort zone is the key to growth.

You’ll never know your true potential until you try. Every challenge carries an opportunity to learn, and every setback builds resilience.So to young learners and fresh graduates — trust your hard work, stay curious, and never be afraid to take that leap.Because in the end, it’s not just about reaching your destination — it’s about enjoying the journey, believing in yourself, and loving what you do. Trust the process.

About the Author:

Suparna Holla is a Project Engineer at Actemium UK, driving sustainable innovation through Electric Vehicle (EV) infrastructure projects — where she contributes to the design, installation, and maintenance of advanced charging systems that power a cleaner future.
Connect with her on LinkedIn