An Interview with Jaya Lakshmi Rajagopal on New Beginnings, Quality, and the Determination to Forge One’s Own Path
Starting a new career in a new country is challenging. Jaya Lakshmi Rajagopal shares how she made her way from India to Germany and why, for her, quality is all about true teamwork.
What does it mean to start a new career in a new country? How do you find your place in an industry that is constantly changing and still male-dominated?
To mark International Women’s Day, we speak with women at NAVAX Software about their personal journeys, their experiences, and their outlook on the future.
In the third part of our interview series, Jaya Lakshmi Rajagopal, Test Manager, shares how she broke into the IT field after moving from India to Germany, why testing is far more than just debugging for her, and why quality is always a team effort.
A conversation about perseverance, continuous learning, and the power of diversity.
A New Beginning: From India to Germany in the IT Industry
Jaya, you didn’t start your career in Germany. How did you get into IT?
I completed my engineering degree in electronics and communications engineering in India. After getting married, I moved to Germany. During that time, I became a mother to my first child and, at the same time, studied German intensively to integrate well both personally and professionally.
A friend introduced me to the field of software testing. I was immediately fascinated by the subject, especially the analytical approach and the opportunity to actively contribute to software quality. I completed an internship at a company in Munich and was subsequently able to secure a permanent IT position.
This step was an important milestone for me.
The Appeal of Testing: Between Analysis and Responsibility
What excites you most about your work in IT?
What excites me most is the combination of analytical thinking and creative problem-solving. In testing, I find it exciting to understand complex systems, identify sources of error, and thereby actively contribute to quality improvement.
I also appreciate the dynamic nature of the IT industry. Technologies are constantly evolving, so you’re always learning new things and can continue to grow both professionally and personally. Collaborating in interdisciplinary teams and working together to develop solutions is also a huge source of motivation for me.
Work Culture: Openness as a Key to Success
How would you describe the work culture at our company?
I would describe the work culture in our company as open, appreciative, and team-oriented. We treat each other with respect, and new ideas and different perspectives are always welcome.
I particularly appreciate the transparent communication and mutual support. At the same time, working independently is encouraged. You’re given the space to develop professionally and take on responsibility.
Proud of the path I've taken
Was there a moment in your career that you’re particularly proud of?
Yes, successfully breaking into the IT industry after moving to Germany.
Starting over in a new country, learning the language, and building my career in a new environment was both challenging and very rewarding.
I am particularly proud of having successfully completed my internship in Munich and subsequently securing a permanent position in the IT industry.
This experience has shown me that with dedication, continuous learning, and perseverance, you can overcome professional challenges and achieve your goals.
Working as a Woman in IT
How do you view the role of women in IT today?
Today, I see the role of women in IT as increasingly important and more visible than in the past. More and more women are working in technical professions and bringing diverse perspectives, new ideas, and valuable skills to the industry.
Nevertheless, there is still room to strengthen gender diversity. Overall, I see the role of women in IT today as strong, growing, and very important for innovative and inclusive technology teams.
What has personally helped you develop professionally and technically?
Taking many courses to stay up to date professionally.
In addition, practical experience in my day-to-day work has also helped me, as I was able to apply my knowledge directly and learn from real-world project situations.
In your opinion, what strengths do women particularly often bring to IT teams?
In my opinion, many women often bring specific strengths to IT teams, such as strong communication skills, empathy, and a team-oriented mindset. These skills help foster good teamwork and better understand different perspectives.
In addition, many women are characterized by a high attention to detail, organizational skills, and a structured approach to work, which is particularly valuable in areas such as quality assurance and testing. Furthermore, they often bring a strong problem-solving mindset and perseverance to complex projects.
Quality is a team effort
In your opinion, what makes for good test management?
For me, good test management means, above all, structured planning, clear communication, and early involvement in the development process. A well-defined test plan, clear test strategies, and continuous monitoring of test progress and quality criteria are essential.
This role is particularly important for IT projects, as it helps identify defects early on, minimize risks, and ensure software quality.
Good test management supports collaboration between developers, business units, and other stakeholders and ensures that requirements are implemented correctly and that the product can be delivered in a stable and reliable manner.
Which skills in your job are often underestimated?
Patience and attention to detail. Especially in testing, it’s important to understand requirements precisely and avoid misunderstandings early on by communicating clearly and in a structured manner.
Equally important are critical thinking, problem-solving skills, good organization, and the ability to give and receive constructive feedback. And teamwork, because quality isn’t achieved in isolation.
How do you ensure quality in collaboration with developers, business units, and project management?
I work closely and regularly with developers, requirements engineers, and business departments. Clear and structured communication, as well as a shared understanding of the requirements, are particularly important to me in this process.
I discuss bug reports and test results directly with the developers. With the requirements engineers, I clarify requirements, check technical feasibility, and ensure that the test cases align with the defined specifications. With the business departments, I ensure that business requirements are correctly understood, implemented, and tested.
What would you say to young women who are considering a career in technology but still feel unsure?
If I can do it, so can you.
The most important step is to take that first step and not let setbacks discourage you. With courage, perseverance, and a willingness to learn, you can overcome challenges and achieve your goals.
An international perspective, integration through openness
You have an international background. What helped you adjust to a new work environment and a different culture?
Openness and a willingness to learn. I made a conscious effort to learn the language, familiarize myself with the new culture, and actively reach out to colleagues.
Patience, adaptability, and the support of friends, colleagues, and those around me also helped me a great deal.
Personal Insights
Was there anyone who particularly supported or inspired you along the way?
My family has always motivated me to pursue my goals and take on new challenges, even after I moved to a new country and as I built my career in IT.
And a friend who introduced me to the field of software testing. Thanks to her support and advice, I was able to discover new career opportunities and successfully launch my career in the IT industry.
What advice would you give your younger self at the start of your career?
To be patient with yourself and not put too much pressure on yourself. It’s important to understand that learning and professional development take time.
I would also recommend being open to new opportunities, continuously learning new skills, and actively pursuing professional growth. Networking and learning from experienced colleagues would also have been very valuable to me. And above all: believe in yourself.
Challenges and mistakes are part of growth.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you personally?
For me personally, International Women’s Day means appreciation, equality, and recognition of women’s achievements in all areas of life. It serves as a reminder of how important it is to continue advocating for equal opportunity, respect, and empowerment. I am also firmly convinced that women should be celebrated and valued not just on a single day, but every day.
For me, this day is also an opportunity to honor women’s achievements, support one another, and be mindful of the importance of diversity and equality for society and the workplace.
Dear Jaya, thank you very much for this conversation!
