Megha Bhardwaj, Senior Electrical Engineer on Influential Women

Influential Woman · Electrical Engineering

Megha Bhardwaj

Senior Electrical Engineer, Burns & McDonnell

Houston, TX

16Years experience

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's in Power Systems from University of Missouri-Kansas City Member IEEE Houston Section Program Vice Chair Member Society of Women Engineers (SWE) SWEnext Co-Chair Houston Region

Her Story

About Megha

Megha Bhardwaj is a Senior Electrical Engineer with more than 10 years of experience in substation design, electrical engineering, and utility infrastructure modernization. As a Professional Engineer licensed in Texas and North Carolina, she has led the design and engineering of transmission and distribution substations, including high-voltage projects up to 345 kV. Her experience includes protection and control design, AC/DC systems, electrical studies, equipment selection, engineering coordination, construction support, and commissioning.

Megha is also an active leader in the engineering community, serving in leadership and volunteer roles with IEEE Region 5 and the IEEE Power & Energy Society. Through her technical expertise, project leadership, and commitment to advancing the engineering profession, she continues to contribute to reliable, resilient, and modern electric utility infrastructure.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Megha

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to my strong determination, hard work, and the motivation I have within myself. I’ve always been driven by the desire to achieve something meaningful in life and build a successful career in the field I’ve chosen. I stay focused on my goals, keep learning, and don’t give up when things get difficult. I also believe that staying consistent and believing in myself have played a big role in my journey. Most importantly, I want my success to inspire other young girls to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I’ve ever received is simple: never give up, and don’t let either failure or success define you. Failure is not the end—it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and come back stronger the next day. And when you succeed, celebrate the moment, but stay humble and keep moving forward.

I’ve learned that success is not always about being the most talented person in the room; it’s about being willing to keep showing up, even on the days when things don’t go your way. Stay consistent, believe in yourself, and keep working toward your goals. If you refuse to give up, I truly believe that, sooner or later, your hard work will pay off.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering my industry would be to believe in yourself, work hard, and stay focused on your journey rather than worrying too much about the outcome. You will have moments of success, and you will also face setbacks, but neither should stop you from moving forward. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep getting better.

I also strongly believe in investing in yourself. Take the time to develop your skills, build your confidence, and become the best version of yourself. Give yourself permission to learn, to make mistakes, and to grow. And most importantly, value yourself and know your worth.

There may be times when you doubt yourself or feel like you’re not moving fast enough, but don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s. Stay patient, stay consistent, and keep working toward your goals. If you believe in yourself and refuse to give up, you can achieve far more than you ever imagined.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

One of the biggest challenges in my field today is finding a sustainable balance between professional growth and personal life. I think this is particularly challenging for women, because there are often competing priorities. As a woman and a mother, there are times when I wish I could dedicate more time to my children, and other times when I feel I should be dedicating more time to my career. Learning how to navigate those priorities without feeling guilty is something many women can relate to.

At the same time, I see a tremendous opportunity in the way the workplace is evolving. The growth of flexible, remote, and hybrid work has made it possible for people to pursue ambitious careers while also being present for their families and personal lives.

I believe the future of work is about creating an environment where people don’t have to choose between being successful in their careers and having a fulfilling personal life. When companies provide flexibility, support, and opportunities for growth, they not only help women succeed—they create a stronger and more inclusive workplace for everyone.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

The values that matter most to me are integrity, a strong work ethic, commitment, and staying true to who I am. I believe that your character is reflected in how you show up—not only when things are going well, but especially when they are challenging.

I try to give my 100% to whatever I take on. Whether it’s my work, my relationships, or a personal goal, I believe in being fully committed and giving it my best effort. At the same time, I believe honesty is incredibly important. I want people to know that they can trust me and that I will always be genuine and straightforward with them.

I also value focus and discipline. There are always distractions and setbacks, but I believe in keeping your eyes on your goals, continuing to learn, and not losing sight of what you’re working toward.

For me, success is not just about what you achieve—it’s also about how you achieve it and the kind of person you become along the way.

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