Welcome to another edition of STEM Demystified, a project to tackle under-representation of women in STEM. This weekly Newsletter will showcase how women are conquering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics worldwide.
Today Sweta Upadhyay is our STEM role model. Born in India, she’s a UX Designer with a deep passion for creating intuitive and impactful user experiences. With over 2 years of experience, her journey began from a fascination with art and crafts, leading her to the dynamic field of UX (User Experience) design. Specialising in Figma, she dedicates her expertise to developing accessible and engaging digital products that prioritise user needs. Sweta’s expertise extends beyond Figma, including HTML, CSS, JavaScript Frameworks, and a solid understanding of responsive design principles.
Sweta has had so far, an incredible journey and shows how our hobbies and passions can lead us to a successful career. Let’s dive into her story and find out more.
What was your trajectory from school to where you currently are professionally or academically?
From a young age, my world was one of colours, shapes, and textures, a playground where my imagination ran free through sketching, designing, and crafting. These early passions were not just hobbies; they were the lens through which I viewed the world, always wondering how I could reshape it with my own hands. This foundational love for creation and design steered me toward a path where art meets technology.
In school, while I cherished every opportunity to engage with art, I also became fascinated with how technology could enhance creative expression. This duality of interests led me to pursue studies in Computer Science, specifically focusing on how digital tools and platforms could be used to bring imaginative concepts to life in new and impactful ways.
My academic journey was marked by a constant exploration of the intersection between problem solving and digital innovation. I delved into courses ranging from graphic design to web development, each step further cementing my desire to shape my future career around this blend of disciplines.
Professionally, I have sought roles that allow me to embody the essence of both designer and technologist. Starting with internships that focused on web design, I gradually expanded my expertise to include user experience (UX) design, recognizing the profound impact of creating intuitive and visually appealing digital spaces. My work has always been guided by the principle that good design is not just about how things look but how they work and feel to the user.
Currently, my role as a UX designer allows me to draw on my artistic roots while embracing the challenges and opportunities presented by digital platforms. Whether working on website layouts, mobile applications, or interactive tools, I bring a craftsman’s attention to detail and an artist’s eye for beauty.
What motivated you to get into STEM? Did you have a female role model or anyone who inspired you? If so, who?
When I was in School, I was captivated by the mysterious world of coding—the intricate lines of text that could shape entire digital landscapes and bring ideas to life. I yearned to unravel the secrets behind these lines, to understand why we wrote code, why we chose specific programming languages, and how they translated into real-world solutions.
This curiosity led me to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Engineering at university, where I immersed myself in the realm of technology and problem-solving. Here, I found myself drawn to the complexities of logic-based systems, relishing the challenge of dissecting problems and devising elegant solutions.
While I didn’t have a specific role model to guide me, I was enamored by the world of websites—their design, functionality, and usability. I found myself endlessly fascinated by how they worked, how seamlessly they could be navigated, and how they could shape our digital experiences.
This fascination became my compass, guiding me through the intricacies of web development and user experience design. With each line of code I wrote and each design decision I made, I was driven by a desire to create digital experiences that were not just functional, but intuitive and engaging.
What’s your most important professional/academic achievement?
One of my most cherished achievements is receiving a gold medal in university—an accomplishment that holds deep personal significance for me. Not only did this recognition affirm my dedication to academic excellence, but it also marked a pivotal moment in my journey as the first girl in my family to complete engineering and earn such prestigious recognition.
Throughout my academic career, I approached my studies with determination and passion, striving to excel in every endeavour I pursued. Receiving the gold medal was not just a testament to my hard work and perseverance but also a validation of the countless hours spent mastering complex concepts, solving challenging problems, and pushing the boundaries of my knowledge.
Beyond the accolades, this achievement symbolizes a legacy of resilience, breaking barriers, and charting new paths for future generations. It serves as a reminder of the endless possibilities that await when we dare to dream big and pursue our goals with unwavering dedication.
Did you face any challenge throughout your professional/academic journey? How did you overcome it?
Throughout my journey in academia and my career, I faced various challenges. One significant hurdle was finding a balance between academic success and personal well-being. Juggling coursework, projects, and other commitments often led to stress and overwhelm.
To overcome this, I learned to manage my time effectively, sought support from mentors and peers, and prioritized self-care. By staying flexible, adapting to setbacks, and celebrating small victories, I was able to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger and more resilient.
In your opinion, what needs to be done to attract more women into STEM?
Attracting more women into STEM fields requires concerted efforts across various fronts. Firstly, providing early exposure and encouragement to girls in STEM subjects is crucial. This can be achieved through engaging activities and mentorship programs from a young age. Secondly, challenging stereotypes and biases surrounding STEM fields is essential. Highlighting the diverse range of career opportunities available and showcasing successful female role models can help inspire girls to pursue their interests.
Additionally, creating supportive environments in schools, universities, and workplaces where women feel valued and encouraged to participate actively in STEM is vital. This includes promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives and providing resources for professional development. Moreover, addressing systemic barriers such as unconscious bias and unequal opportunities for advancement is necessary to create a level playing field for women in STEM.
By implementing these measures, we can foster a culture that values diversity and empowers women to thrive in STEM fields.
What advice would you give to anyone looking into a career in STEM (or those who do not consider it)?
For anyone considering a career in STEM or even those who haven’t yet explored the possibilities, my advice would be to keep an open mind and embrace curiosity. STEM fields offer a vast array of opportunities to make a tangible impact on the world around us, whether it’s through advancing technology, solving complex problems, or driving innovation.
For those interested in STEM, I would encourage them to explore their interests, pursue hands-on experiences, and seek out mentorship and guidance from professionals in the field. Taking on challenges and pushing boundaries can lead to personal growth and fulfilment in STEM careers.
On the other hand, for those who may not have considered STEM as a career path, I would urge them to explore the diverse range of opportunities available. STEM is not just about lab coats and equations—it encompasses fields as varied as computer science, engineering, healthcare, and environmental science, among others. By discovering the intersections between their passions and STEM disciplines, individuals may find unexpected avenues for exploration and growth.
Sweta has a great story, that shows us how our passions and hobbies can indeed lead us to pursue a career in STEM. I’m sure many will take inspiration from her fantastic journey so far.
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