Her Story
About Ankita
Ankita Srivastava serves as a Project Engineer and System Owner for cardboard projects at ExxonMobil, a role she has held since joining the company in 2018. She began her career there as a facilities engineer in a process design role, advanced to lead process engineer, and then moved into her current dual position, which involves managing projects to ensure they stay on schedule and within budget while resolving engineering and construction issues. Ankita earned her Bachelor of Technology in Chemical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology in India. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and has received multiple team recognitions, milestone recognitions, certificates, and an early career milestone award. Ankita attributes her professional success to a commitment to continuous learning, remaining open to new opportunities, and actively seeking and applying feedback. She advises others to believe in themselves, be vocal with their ideas, speak up, and recognize that no question is a stupid question. In her field, she notes challenges including the scarcity of women engineers ready to enter oil and gas roles, the tendency of chemical engineers to shift to other fields, and perceptions that the work is overly difficult and male-dominated due to a lack of role models.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Ankita
01What do you attribute your success to?
I just try to learn all the time. Don't restrict yourself or think that you can't do something. Be open to the idea that you can also do what others are doing. Just try to improve all the time, take feedback, and try to work through it.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Believe in yourself. Be vocal, put your ideas up front, speak up. No question is a stupid question. Ask what you have. Try to understand others' perspective of you.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Not many women engineers ready to get into the field. Chemical engineers often move to different fields. Perception that it is very difficult and male-dominating. Lack of inspiration and role models.
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