9.7 min read

Aishwary Pandey

“Invest your energies in innovation and embrace every opportunity.” — That is the guiding principle for Aishwary Pandey, a determined and optimistic dreamer thriving in the dynamic field of telecommunications and sales. As a Solution Engineer at Proximus since July 2021, Aishwary has been instrumental in leading major projects like the VoLTE PCRF & 5G UDM solutions and contributing significantly to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Recognised for her dedication with a “Highly Valued Contribution” award, she is an advocate for continuous professional development, demonstrated by her involvement in the prestigious Proximus Pro Management Program 2024. Aishwary believes in leveraging her deep knowledge of telecommunications to inspire change and encourage young women to explore and excel in technology-driven fields.

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Get to know Aishwary

Your career at a glance

My professional journey has been a blend of engineering prowess and expertise in telecommunications and sales, shaping a well-rounded skill set that I’ve honed over the years. At Proximus in Belgium, I’ve been entrusted with the role of a Solution Engineer since July 2021. Here, I’ve been deeply involved in the intricate process of designing, planning, and implementing VoLTE PCRF & 5G UDM solutions. Notably, I led a significant project involving the upgrade from SPS(PCRF) to NPC, seamlessly migrating a substantial 2.7 million traffic load. Beyond technical endeavors, I’ve actively contributed to Employee Branding and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, playing my part in fostering an inclusive workplace culture. My efforts were recognized with the “Highly Valued Contribution” award in the Annual Feedback 2022, a testament to my dedication and impact. Additionally, I’ve been privileged to participate in the prestigious Proximus Pro Management Program 2024, a testament to my commitment to professional growth and development.

Describe yourself in 3 words

  • Dreamer

  • Determined

  • Optimistic

On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you today in life?

On a scale of 1 to 5, where are you today in your career?

On a scale of 1 to 5, how happy are you today with your life?

Your favourite book?

In my literary journey, one book stands out as a guiding light: “The Rules of Work” by Richard Templar. This insightful piece offers practical wisdom and invaluable guidance, urging readers to embark on a journey of self-reflection and growth, regardless of their career stage. Its timeless advice has deeply resonated with me, igniting a fire within to relentlessly pursue my aspirations. With each page, I find myself propelled towards greater heights, fueled by a renewed sense of purpose and determination to turn my dreams into reality.

Your favourite quote?

I have 2 favourite quotes that resonate deeply with me, “You can’t start a fire worrying ’bout your little world falling apart” – Bruce Springsteen and “Well-behaved women seldom make history” – Laurel Ulrich

Which passion or pastime will you never let go of?

Engaging with strangers to share random life experiences.

Cut loose from all strings, what would you like to do with your life?

To live in the jungle amidst the wilderness with my partner.

Aishwary Pandey
"I want to serve as a beacon of hope and persistence for those women who have faced hardships and challenges on their journey."

Aishwary's career

Your work motivations?

Respect and serve as a beacon of hope and persistence for those women who have faced hardships and challenges on their journey.

Your family’s contribution to your career?

My family has been instrumental in my career by providing a solid education foundation and giving me the autonomy to make my own decisions, empowering me to pursue my passion ad goals.

The biggest obstacles to career growth in our industry?

The rapid pace of technological change in the industry means it's always evolving, presenting a challenge to keep up with advancements. Speaking specifically about my team, many of my colleagues began their careers in the 1990s. Since then, the telecom sector has undergone significant evolution, transitioning from 2G to 3G, then VoLTE, and now 5G. Each of these transitions represents not just a change in terminology, but a complete overhaul of architecture and call flows. It's not easy to transition from one expertise to another, and the process continues with each new development.

Your biggest obstacles facing the technology industry?

To demonstrate my technical proficiency as a woman of my age.

What have you gotten noticed for throughout your career?

For my patience and for getting things done on time.

The major accelerators for success in our field?

Telecommunications is widely recognised worldwide, particularly after the pandemic, as it has become a crucial backbone of society. It has been in existence for a long time, which adds to its reliability. Its constantly evolving nature, in sync with the latest technology, provides opportunities for working professionals to update their skills and adapt. Those who learn to adapt, understand, and implement these changes take charge of their own success.

What question do you get asked most often in your line of work?

"Why did you choose a career in telecommunications?"

What do you enjoy most about your job?

In my job, I am not confined to strict working hours. I believe in working flexibly and see no point in sitting at my desk doing nothing.

Tell us about your role models and/or specific mentors

My role models are individuals whose presence has profoundly impacted me, inspiring me to emulate them. Meeting Guillaume Boutin a year ago was a pivotal moment; it crystallised my vision of who I aspire to be in the future. His humility and approachability, despite his significant position, are truly remarkable.

Your golden piece of advice to young women starting out in technology

Always remember, you are not just good enough, you are exceptional!

How do you make decisions?

Instinctively yet rationally

How has being a woman affected your career?

Positively.

Would you recommend a career in technology to young girls?

Absolutely!

What are you learning now that will be useful in the future?

5G and its versatile use cases are set to change the world for the better.

“Always remember, you are not just good enough, you are exceptional!”
Aishwary Pandey

Exploring technology and the challenges in the field

Explain the technology that drives your current business.

We are all participants in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), where 5G technology serves as a foundational pillar due to its remarkable features, such as reliability, exceptionally high throughput, and minimal latency. Leveraging these characteristics to develop various use cases, including Enhanced Mobile Broadband (EMBB), Ultra-Reliable and Low Latency Communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine Type Communications, has the potential to transform how the world views the telecommunications sector. Currently, we are in the testing phase for 5G and are poised to explore its multiple applications soon.

What is technology for you?

Technology, for me, is about leveraging resources optimally to uncover new possibilities. On a personal level, it enriches my life by bridging the distance between me and my family. Living far from my home country, it allows me to connect with my parents daily through video calls, ensuring their well-being by providing essential resources and monitoring their safety—all without being physically present. This capability of technology to enable me to pursue my aspirations while effortlessly meeting my obligations as a daughter epitomises its true value. It's the seamless blend of fulfilling personal dreams and familial duties through technological means that highlights its significance in my life.

What are your views on future technology trends?

The future of technology, marked by advancements in 5G, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR), promises to revolutionise our way of life, making it safer and more efficient. Consider, for example, the potential of high-quality video inspections that could automatically initiate safety protocols upon detecting an accident on-site, potentially saving lives by reducing the critical response time in emergencies. This is especially relevant considering the tragic outcomes of road accidents exacerbated by delayed notifications to authorities and the subsequent slow arrival of emergency services. Implementing such a use case could dramatically alter the efficiency of emergency responses. Furthermore, the prospects of remote medical surgeries and diagnoses represent a leap towards more accessible and prompt healthcare solutions. These technologies are not just incremental improvements but represent a seismic shift in how we conceive of living and interacting with our environment, promising a future where technology is deeply integrated into our daily lives for the better.

In your opinion, what is the greatest technological invention and why?

In my opinion, the greatest technological invention is undoubtedly the telephone. Its development fundamentally transformed the ways we communicate, laying the groundwork for future advancements in technology.

Rate these technologies from highest to least impact on business.

  1. Security
  2. 6G
  3. Smartphones
  4. 5G
  5. IoT
  6. AI
  7. Social media
  8. Edge cloud
  9. 3D printing
  10. Blockchain
  11. Chat GPT
  12. Smart concepts (cities, buildings, …)
  13. Human like robots
Aishwary Pandey
"Knowledge is everywhere; we just need the right perspective and the willingness to harness it."

Can technology do good for society, or would it be better off without it? Explain.

Certainly, technology has the potential to significantly benefit society, despite the existence of those who may misuse it for personal gain or to the detriment of others. However, the advantages of technology overwhelmingly surpass its downsides. It's important to note that technology itself offers the solutions to overcome its negative aspects, ensuring its overall impact on society is positive.

How do you keep your technology skills up to date?

I am quite active on LinkedIn, which allows me to interact with others working on these technologies. Additionally, I study from tutorials, blogs, and more. Knowledge is everywhere; we just need the right perspective and the willingness to harness it.

Your favourite websites?

Some of my favourite websites include Amazon. I rely on it for almost everything due to its competitive pricing and wide variety. With access to four different adjacent country sites within the same platform, it offers unparalleled convenience. Additionally, its quick delivery service is a significant advantage.

Your favourite and least favourite technology products?

My favourite technology product is the telephone, which has always held a special place in my heart due to its fundamental role in transforming communication. On the other hand, my least favourite technologies include non-biodegradable plastics and nuclear weapons. Non-biodegradable plastics have caused significant environmental damage, with potentially long-term effects for future generations. Similarly, nuclear weapons pose a severe threat due to their potential for devastating consequences from relatively minor conflicts, reminiscent of the tragedies at Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The woman behind the technology

What makes each human unique?

What makes each human unique is the perspective they hold towards a situation and their unique way of dealing with it, which distinguishes each person from one another.

Does success compensate for value or morality?

No, if values and morality are at stake, no amount of success can compensate for it. Values and morality define an individual's identity, and I choose to uphold individuality.

What is the relationship between the mind and the body?

The mind and body are deeply intertwined and influence each other. Our mind allows us to dream, and our body puts those thoughts into action.

“If values and morality are at stake, no amount of success can compensate for it. Values and morality define an individual's identity, and I choose to uphold individuality.”
Aishwary Pandey

This or that?

Read the instruction manual

Just figure it out

Early adopter

Proven enthusiast

Laptop

Desktop

Apple

Windows

Fail at something

Never attempt it

Listen to the mind

Listen to the body

IOS

Android

E-book

Physical book

Flying cars

Personal robots

Google

Bing

Email

Phone call

Brainstorming session

Solo research

Packed lunch

Cafeteria

Work late

Start early

High Heels

Flats