Chaya Setty
Interview Posted By: Ashley Smith
1. Can you tell us a little about your background? i.e. Where you grew up, what education do you have, a summary of your resume, did you always want to do what you are doing now, when did you start to become interested in STEM, what internships/ volunteering
I have a M.Sc (Hons) in Physics from Punjab University in India. I was a Valedictorian (or Gold medalist) in both my Bachelors and Masters degree. I grew up in India and got all my education there. I was always interested in Maths and Science since childhood. My dad and mom used to coach me on Math and Science since childhood that made me strong in these areas and I developed a gradual liking. I used to tutor kids on Maths while growing up. Did not make any money, but just wanted to help. I did not do any internships. I graduated in 1991 and at that time, internships in companies before graduating were not very popular. My main focus was to get a good education so as to get a good job. I started to like Physics after High School and that’s why majored in that line.
After I came to US, in 1992, I tried to get job in hard core Physics, but there was nothing close to home. So I decided to look for companies who are into Science/engineering and came across UL. Loved the mission, the company and applied there. I was lucky to get a job with them. I have been with UL since 1993. I have held many roles within the company. I don’t have my updated resume as there has not been a need to create one as I am not looking to change. I will provide a summary of what I have done at UL:
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
See above.
3. How does STEM relate to your job?How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
I used by STEM knowledge when I was doing engineering/testing work. Then I moved into management and do not use this knowledge directly, but having that technical knowledge helps in relating to customers, the new services that we are offering, etc.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
I have been fortunate to not have experienced such challenges. However, I have always been a very high performer and I always go above and beyond in whatever I do. Advice – be the best in what you can do. Be a technical expert in something. Go broad in others, but choose a field to be an expert in. that gains a lot of respect and makes you always be relevant and needed so your contributions come to fruition.
5. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis? What do you wish you could change?
Best part – work on new things and new ideas as this leads to growth of our business. Worst part – getting decisions from others and when things get delayed. Dealing with poor management decisions that lead to unfortunate results. Change – more empowerment to people, drive sense of urgency in everyone’s mind with a strong focus to win.
6. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
I have a 16.5 year old boy. When he was young, I spent a lot of time with him. Things were great, we did not have laptops then, so when I came home, my work was done. But now he is older. I am bad at work life balance part. I put in a lot of time working. I do take care of essentials at home when needed. I get peace by working and making sure there are no pending items as opposed to not working and thinking about it. I don’t know if there is a true work life balance anywhere. We all try to do the best we can. Prioritize on key tasks and go with the flow.
7. What do you define success as?
Professionally – when we grow, company makes more money, we hire more people, we make more money, we get promoted. Personally – when I am there for my family. And, when I am able to afford things for the family without thinking too much. This includes my husband, son and parents.
8. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
My motto has been: “Find a way, that’s what the winners do”. This has helped me define my personality – be aggressive, solution oriented, collaborate with people, etc. There is not one trait, but a combination that helps with success.
9. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My ex boss. He taught me to “Do the right thing”. I remember this when I am stuck somewhere or at crossroads. I have applied this to both my personal and professional life.
10. What do you think is the best advice you've ever received ? What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance? What’s one piece of advice you can pass on to us?
Learn every day with an open mind and do the right thing. And find a way, when stuck. Life lessons learned over time.
I have a M.Sc (Hons) in Physics from Punjab University in India. I was a Valedictorian (or Gold medalist) in both my Bachelors and Masters degree. I grew up in India and got all my education there. I was always interested in Maths and Science since childhood. My dad and mom used to coach me on Math and Science since childhood that made me strong in these areas and I developed a gradual liking. I used to tutor kids on Maths while growing up. Did not make any money, but just wanted to help. I did not do any internships. I graduated in 1991 and at that time, internships in companies before graduating were not very popular. My main focus was to get a good education so as to get a good job. I started to like Physics after High School and that’s why majored in that line.
After I came to US, in 1992, I tried to get job in hard core Physics, but there was nothing close to home. So I decided to look for companies who are into Science/engineering and came across UL. Loved the mission, the company and applied there. I was lucky to get a job with them. I have been with UL since 1993. I have held many roles within the company. I don’t have my updated resume as there has not been a need to create one as I am not looking to change. I will provide a summary of what I have done at UL:
- Hands on Engineering work - Tested many type of products to appropriate test requirements to make sure they are safe – this is our core mission of UL. This was a technical role and used my STEM knowledge.
- Engineering review – reviewed the Engineering design of the product to determine what tests need to be done to make sure that the product is safe. I would review schematics, ensure there is proper insulation, grounding, labelling, and come up with test criteria that would ensure the safety of the product. Consulted with customers on why their product failed testing. This was a technical role and used my STEM knowledge.
- Program Management – I have managed Global IT programs that are used by engineers, customer service, on their day to day task.
- People Management – I have managed large groups of people in many departments. Our department tested Industrial Control equipment like Relays, Switchgear, Panels, motor drives, etc.
- Innovation Director (current role) – I have a team of very senior technical staff. With their help and with the help of marketing, sales, operations, we come up with new services that will expand our service portfolio and will help our customers in many different ways. On a daily basis, we evaluate new business ideas to see if that works for our company. Ideas come from many different places and people. I go through a detailed process to select a good idea. Once selected, I work with cross functional teams to implement the idea – do we need to buy new testing equipment, do we need to hire more people, how will we market the new service, who do we train, how will we price the service etc. etc…
2. What exactly IS your job? What do you do on a day to day basis?
See above.
3. How does STEM relate to your job?How do you use the information you learned from your degree in your job?
I used by STEM knowledge when I was doing engineering/testing work. Then I moved into management and do not use this knowledge directly, but having that technical knowledge helps in relating to customers, the new services that we are offering, etc.
4. Have you faced any discrimination/ challenges being a woman in a stem field? If so, how did you deal with it? Do you have any advice for up and coming women in STEM?
I have been fortunate to not have experienced such challenges. However, I have always been a very high performer and I always go above and beyond in whatever I do. Advice – be the best in what you can do. Be a technical expert in something. Go broad in others, but choose a field to be an expert in. that gains a lot of respect and makes you always be relevant and needed so your contributions come to fruition.
5. What is the best and worst part of your job? What do you look forward to in your job on a day to day basis? What do you wish you could change?
Best part – work on new things and new ideas as this leads to growth of our business. Worst part – getting decisions from others and when things get delayed. Dealing with poor management decisions that lead to unfortunate results. Change – more empowerment to people, drive sense of urgency in everyone’s mind with a strong focus to win.
6. How do you balance your work and personal life? Any secrets or advice you’d like to share?
I have a 16.5 year old boy. When he was young, I spent a lot of time with him. Things were great, we did not have laptops then, so when I came home, my work was done. But now he is older. I am bad at work life balance part. I put in a lot of time working. I do take care of essentials at home when needed. I get peace by working and making sure there are no pending items as opposed to not working and thinking about it. I don’t know if there is a true work life balance anywhere. We all try to do the best we can. Prioritize on key tasks and go with the flow.
7. What do you define success as?
Professionally – when we grow, company makes more money, we hire more people, we make more money, we get promoted. Personally – when I am there for my family. And, when I am able to afford things for the family without thinking too much. This includes my husband, son and parents.
8. What is one personality trait that you think is universally important for a successful career?
My motto has been: “Find a way, that’s what the winners do”. This has helped me define my personality – be aggressive, solution oriented, collaborate with people, etc. There is not one trait, but a combination that helps with success.
9. Who was a mentor to you throughout your career? (can be more than one!) What did they teach you? How did they impact your life?
My ex boss. He taught me to “Do the right thing”. I remember this when I am stuck somewhere or at crossroads. I have applied this to both my personal and professional life.
10. What do you think is the best advice you've ever received ? What advice would you give your younger self if you had the chance? What’s one piece of advice you can pass on to us?
Learn every day with an open mind and do the right thing. And find a way, when stuck. Life lessons learned over time.