Her Story
About SAMIKSHA
My career journey began as a software engineer at DXC Technology, where I worked on the flight booking platform of United Airlines. During that time, I developed my interest in technical requirements and had everyday meetings with my manager, which made me start thinking about not just how much I love coding, but why we are bringing features to the platform. This is where I developed an interest in management and decided to pursue my master's in technology management, seeking a career that blends technical skills with management. I was working on the backend side at DXC, but I wanted to be the main person who manages everything and decides the future of the product. I wanted to think from the user's perspective as a product manager. In this AI world, I wanted to bring something innovative and creative to my users, and I thought that product management is where I can really help in my career as well as help others. After completing my master's from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in August 2025, I began working as a product manager and analyst at PredictorBio Innovations. My day-to-day work involves managing my team as well as the product we are currently building, which is an AI-powered biotech platform to help in protein production. Sometimes I have to step in and be a developer, helping my team with development work. I feel like I'm an all-rounder, managing the team plus working on the development part. My work also includes writing product roadmaps, planning features and timelines, holding meetings, taking user interviews, talking to clients and stakeholders, and writing project scopes.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with SAMIKSHA
01What do you attribute your success to?
When I came to the US to pursue my master's, I thought it would be easy to just finish my master's and land a job easily, but it wasn't. This process was all about trusting the process, as well as learning, developing, and growing independently apart from my family, living alone as an international student. This is what I am proud of. I never thought that I would be this person today. I handle all my things, like daily chores, I cook, I work, and I never forget to study. Every other day, even though I am still working, I never forget to study, whether it's about any programming language or learning AI. In this AI world, we need to study every day. We can't just say AI will do it for you - for AI to do it, we need to learn AI as well. I'm proud that I'm still learning.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say, believe in yourself, and don't stop learning. Don't get afraid from things, just keep going. First, do self-analysis and know what you actually want to do. Prepare your mind for what you love to do. I see so many people in this IT industry that they are just doing it for the sake of money, or just to run their family, but you should love what you're doing. Before building your career, you should actually do self-analysis and know what you actually love to do. That's what I did.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I would say kindness, discipline, and punctuality are most important to me. Discipline is really important, and punctuality as well, because I really, really, really like someone who is punctual. So punctuality, discipline, and kindness - a little kindness is of course important. These are the three values I value most.
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