My Journey: From a Small Town Dreamer to a QA Leader

Like many children, I grew up with dreams that changed often—Doctor, Interior Designer, Air hostess,Engineer—the list was endless. But after completing my 2nd PUC, the big question loomed: "What next?" Like many, I chose Engineering, and that’s where my real journey began.

Coming from a small town, stepping into the larger world was intimidating. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Sahyadri College, and once again faced the same question: "What next?" Wanting to stay rooted in my hometown, I considered becoming a professor. That led me to pursue my M.Tech in Power Electronics at NMAMIT, Nitte.

Homesickness nudged me to seek opportunities in Mangalore, but fate had other plans. I moved to Bengaluru, the Silicon Valley of India. My first opportunity came from a service-based company, but I knew my heart was set on working in a product-based environment where I could truly apply my skills and grow.

I held firm to that vision, and after some waiting, I joined Microchip Technology as a Software Consultant. It was a transformative experience—both personally and professionally. I’m forever grateful to my first manager who played a key role in shaping my early career.

After a year and a half, I transitioned to Schneider Electric, where my journey took a powerful turn. Schneider Electric has been instrumental in enhancing my technical expertise, analytical thinking, and personal growth. Today, I take immense pride in the position I hold—it’s a reflection of years of dedication and hard work.

From a small-town girl to a professional in the heart of the tech world, I’ve met incredible people, built lasting relationships, and learned invaluable lessons. To grow in the professional world, I believe in the power of mentorship, being part of diverse initiatives, and saying "yes" to new challenges—even when you don’t know everything about them. That’s the first step toward growth. You learn so much in the process of figuring things out.

Avoiding the comfort zone, embracing Teamwork, Networking, asking for help, Inclusion, and staying curious to learn—these are the true keys to success.

Life continues with its mix of joy, sorrow, ups, and downs—but every step should be worth it.

A Message to Young Aspirants:

Set your goals. Be accountable. Take pride in your work. Love what you do—because passion is the foundation of excellence. If you ever feel out of place, don’t settle. Find the space where you truly belong.

About the Author

Bhagya K R is a Senior Test Campaign Leader at Schneider Electric, with strong expertise in software quality and end-to-end test management. She is a Professional Scrum Master (PSM-I) and a passionate Cybersecurity enthusiast, continually exploring modern security practices and technologies.

With a commitment to excellence and continuous learning, Bhagya brings a balanced blend of technical depth, leadership, and process-driven thinking to every project she contributes to. She believes in empowering teams, driving innovation, and delivering reliable and secure solutions.

Connect with Bhagya on LinkedIn Here.