Where are they now? An interview with Roshni Khandelwal

Can you tell us a bit more about yourself?

My name is Roshni Khandelwal. I'm originally from India and have been living in Amsterdam for the past four years with my husband and our one-year-old daughter. Professionally, I started my journey as a software developer and, over the last nine years, have grown into various roles within the tech industry. I've had the opportunity to work across diverse sectors—ranging from telecom to sustainability and energy—with multinational corporations, startups, and scale-ups alike.

What inspired you to pursue a career in tech?

I've always had a passion for solving problems—whether it was tackling complex math equations or decoding logical reasoning puzzles. This natural inclination towards analytical thinking, combined with the desire to make a tangible impact through technology, is what drew me to the tech world. It felt like the perfect avenue to apply my curiosity and problem-solving skills to real-world challenges.

How long have you been in the industry? Can you tell us more about your journey?

It’s been over nine years now since I first stepped into the tech industry. I began my career at Infosys, one of India's leading IT firms, and later worked with several global organizations. Since moving to the Netherlands, I’ve had the chance to contribute to companies like HomeQGo, Coolblue, and currently, WEM.io.

Throughout my career, I’ve worn many hats—software developer, product owner, tech lead, engineering lead, and scrum master. I’ve built and led remote development teams, mentored peers, and managed both people and processes. These experiences have given me a 360-degree perspective of the software development lifecycle, which has been both enriching and empowering.

You're a recent recipient of our scholarship—can you share how you used it and how it helped your career? I'm incredibly grateful for the scholarship from SheSharp. During my pregnancy, I took a year-long break from work, which created a gap in my professional journey. The support from SheSharp came at just the right time. I used the bursary to purchase a Coursera subscription and a couple of essential books, which allowed me to upskill, refresh my knowledge, and prepare effectively for interviews. It played a crucial role in rebuilding my confidence and easing my transition back into the workforce.

Do you have any advice or lessons for women entering the tech industry?

One piece of advice I’d offer is: know your worth. The tech industry still faces gender imbalance, and I’ve personally been the only woman at the table in teams of 10+ men at my last three companies in the Netherlands. It can be intimidating at first, but I came to realize that I earned my seat through hard work, skill, and dedication—and that I belong there just as much as anyone else.

Women often underestimate themselves, especially in male-dominated environments. It’s time to break that mindset. Don’t doubt yourself. You’ve got this, girls!