Her Story
About Sareena
Sareena Philip serves as a Technical Project Manager, a role she has held for four months after previously working as an application analyst at the same manufacturing company. With more than four years in the field, she bridges the gap between technical development and management by leveraging her background in developing web and mobile applications. Philip earned a bachelor's degree in computer application and a master's in information technology and management. Her professional credentials include Google Project Management certification, PMP, CAPM, and Scrum Master. She was selected among the top ten people worldwide, and as the youngest participant, to review coursework for Google's Aspica program. Among her notable achievements, Philip launched RFID portals that enabled tracking, reduced misplacements, and improved scrap costs for the manufacturing team. She is also contributing to a project aimed at global business expansion. Philip is a member of PMI Chicagoland and received a company award for integrity within her first year.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Sareena
01What do you attribute your success to?
My mom has always told me to hold down, wherever you reach don't forget your roots and stay grounded.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to think that you're not fit for the position when you are. You kind of underestimate yourself, and I think you're fit for the job. Most women feel that they're not fit for the positions, whereas if you compare the man at the same position, he might not but he's held comfortable that he's good. It's very important for women to feel that hey, you are good, and you can do whatever a man can.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Do certifications as much as you can. Don't think that if you are not someone who has 5, 6 years of experience, you cannot get into project management. You can with the right skills, the right certifications, and the right media coverage for you so that people know you. Or show to the company that you know all these steps. Maybe do some stuff for them that would help them save cost.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Discipline and commitment. Being confident about whatever's happened, even if you've made some mess, be vocal about it. Admit your mistakes because you learn from them. Be honest with yourself that you would do the work that has been assigned to you.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.