Her Story
About Vaishali
I'm originally from India, where I earned my Master's in Zoology and my Master's in Education and worked as a high school biology teacher teaching biology. When I first came to the United States, I pursued my New Jersey teaching license, hoping to continue in education. Unfortunately, it didn't turn out as I wanted and I couldn't find a job in the education field. One of my friends referred me and asked if I was interested to work in HR, and I decided to give it a try because I was looking for a full-time opportunity. Once I started, I really liked it, and I felt that this is what I can do for the longest period of my time. I'm very proud that I learned everything from the scratch - I mean, I was never in this field, but I understood that I really like what I'm doing. I learned everything from the basics, and now I consider myself very confident in what I do in my field. I know there is still a lot to learn, but I'm proud of my professional growth. In my current role, I handle the immigration for my company, checking where everybody's on status, making sure everybody's work status is intact and not expiring. Our company mostly deals with visas, so I always need to keep checking if anybody's visa is expiring and get the extension started. I deal with outside counsel to get cases started, making sure our company and all the employees are compliant in status in the country. My paralegal certification has extremely helped me in my professional growth, as well as my master's in education - my basic education helped me to be a people person and communicate effectively, creating a bond between the employee and the company. Communication is the main important thing, and all my education has helped me to keep everything intact between the company and the employee.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Vaishali
01What do you attribute your success to?
I would attribute my success to the Almighty God, because He has given me opportunities in this country. My parents always taught me that it's hard work which will make you go forward, and that's what exactly I felt. The first opportunity I got in this country, I didn't have a background for which the job was required, but I was given that opportunity and her faith in me. I think that's how I came so long run. And of course, my family who supported me.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say to her, don't give up. You know, everybody has an opportunity, everybody has something for themselves. You need to keep trying, and you will one day find what is your passion, and you will definitely find something where you are good at. Everybody has some or the other spark in themselves. They just need to find that out. And just keep going. Don't give up. There will be difficult times, there will be ups and downs, but you need to stick on. That's what I keep telling my daughter, too - you need to keep going. Things will come to your way.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I feel in my field is that it is very important to communicate with the people, with the employees, and to keep their morale high in today's situation.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Honesty and truthfulness - that's the main quality and main value which I myself practice. And communication. Open communication.
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