Roja Malligarjunan

I attribute my success to curiosity, continuous learning, and the willingness to step outside of what is familiar.

My career has evolved from civil engineering and structural research into BIM, digital delivery, information management, automation, and emerging technologies. Each transition required me to learn something new and be comfortable being a beginner again. I have found that some of the best opportunities come from asking, "Why are we doing this this way, and is there a better way?"

I also believe success comes from connecting disciplines that don't traditionally sit together. My engineering background helps me understand the physical infrastructure, while my BIM and technology experience allows me to think about the data and digital systems behind it. Combining those perspectives has allowed me to solve problems differently and create solutions that are both technically sound and practical.

Most importantly, I attribute my growth to taking ownership of problems rather than waiting for someone to define the solution for me. When I see a recurring problem, I try to understand its root cause, learn what I need to learn, and build a better approach.

The best career advice I've received is: Don't optimize your career only for the next job; build skills that compound over time.

Titles and responsibilities will change, but the ability to learn quickly, solve difficult problems, communicate effectively, and understand how things work will continue to create opportunities.

I've tried to follow that philosophy by deliberately building skills at the intersection of engineering and technology. Every time I learned a new tool or took on an unfamiliar problem, I viewed it as an investment in my future rather than simply another task to complete.

I also believe you don't need to have every qualification before stepping into an opportunity. Sometimes the opportunity comes first, and your responsibility is to grow into it.

Don't underestimate the value of being both technically strong and willing to speak up.

Early in your career, it can be tempting to wait until you know everything before sharing an opinion, asking a question, or taking the lead. You don't need to know everything. Build credibility by doing the work well, but also make your ideas visible.

I would encourage young women entering engineering and technology to continuously expand beyond their immediate job description. Learn the technology behind your industry. Understand data. Learn how to automate something. Develop communication and leadership skills alongside technical expertise.

Most importantly, don't feel pressured to fit into a predefined version of what an engineer or technology leader should look like. Your perspective is part of your value. Find mentors and sponsors who recognize your potential, take on problems that stretch you, and don't be afraid to create your own path.

You don't have to choose between being technically excellent and being a leader. You can be both.

The biggest opportunity in the AEC industry is the transformation of how we use information. The industry has accumulated enormous amounts of design, construction, and operational data, but much of it remains fragmented across tools, organizations, and stages of a project's lifecycle.

AI, automation, BIM, and connected data environments have the potential to change that. Instead of using BIM primarily as a 3D representation of a building, we can increasingly treat it as a structured source of information that supports design decisions, quality assurance, procurement, construction, and operations.

The challenge is that technology adoption cannot happen in isolation. Organizations need consistent standards, high quality data, interoperable systems, and people who understand both the engineering domain and the technology. AI is only as valuable as the data and processes supporting it.

I see a tremendous opportunity for professionals who can bridge these worlds—engineers who understand technology and technologists who understand the realities of physical infrastructure. The future of our industry will require more of these interdisciplinary leaders.

Curiosity, integrity, empathy, and continuous growth are the values that matter most to me.

Curiosity keeps me learning and willing to explore new technologies, disciplines, and perspectives.

Integrity means doing the right thing even when it is difficult or when no one is watching. In engineering and infrastructure, where our work ultimately affects safety, reliability, and the people who depend on these systems, that responsibility matters deeply.

Empathy shapes how I work with others. The best solutions are rarely created in isolation; they come from listening to the people experiencing the problem and understanding what they actually need.

And continuous growth means never becoming too comfortable with what I already know. I want to keep challenging myself, learning new skills, and finding ways to make a meaningful contribution.

Ultimately, I value a life and career where I can continue learning, build things that have lasting impact, and help create opportunities for others along the way.