We often hear that ambition, hard work, and passion are the paths to success. However, when it comes to implementation, struggles inevitably follow. It is how one deals with these struggles that determines their destiny. One such story is that of Mohini Kirane, the General Manager at thyssenkrupp Industries, who has traveled a remarkable journey from humble beginnings in a small town to the top of a key department in a major industrial group.
Born and raised in the Ahmednagar district, Mohini’s upbringing in a middle-class family instilled in her the values of hard work and persistence. With parents employed in the government sector, Mohini’s decision to pursue a career in engineering was not just a personal choice but also an indication of her ambition to rise above her circumstances.
In her own words, Mohini describes her journey as one of challenges and choices. Opting for instrumentation engineering over more conventional fields, she embraced the complexity of the subject, driven by a desire to push her boundaries. “I always like to take challenges,” she remarks, reflecting on her decision. “That’s why I have chosen this field, and so far, I’m happy with my decision.” Mohini feels fortunate to have the support of her family, especially considering she is the first engineer in her family.
Her journey began amidst the challenges of a recession-hit job market in the early 2000s. Determined, Mohini ventured into academia, working as a lecturer in instrumentation engineering. However, fueled by a thirst for growth and new challenges, she transitioned into the industry after a few years. She yearned for a career change that would allow her to explore new challenges and foster growth, particularly within the industry.
Despite facing initial challenges as a newcomer in the industry due to her lack of exposure and being considered a fresher, Mohini was able to navigate these obstacles with the support of colleagues and a few mentors. Her transition into the industry marked the beginning of a remarkable career journey. Initially, at Cotmac Electronics Private Limited, she developed her skills in automation. After a brief period, there, she navigated through other companies, each providing her with new challenges and opportunities for growth.
Eventually, over a decade ago, Mohini made a significant move to thyssenkrupp Industries, where her expertise in automation and digitalization continued to flourish. thyssenkrupp, a renowned conglomerate with a global footprint, operates across majorly four sectors, mainly cement plants, energy plants, sugar plants, and material handling equipment. However, Mohini’s focus lies on the Indian arm of the company, where manufacturing facilities in Pimpri and Hyderabad cater to the needs of diverse industries.
During her tenure at thyssenkrupp, she has risen to the position of General Manager in the digitalization department, where she leads projects utilizing IoT-based solutions for clients across different sectors. Reflecting on her career, Mohini acknowledges the transformation she witnessed in a predominantly male industry. In the early 2000s, when she entered the workforce, the gender gap was apparent, with few women represented in engineering roles.
However, over the years, Mohini witnessed a significant shift as more women began to enter the industry. Today, she is pleased to see a greater representation of women in engineering, a clear indication of the changing dynamics and the increasing opportunities for women in the workforce. Despite the initial hurdles, Mohini’s dedication and expertise have earned her respect and recognition within the organization.
As she leads her team in the digitalization department, Mohini emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The famous quote says, “Keep on learning and reskilling to succeed and grow up the ladder in this corporate world”. She mentions her own experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she seized the opportunity to upskill, completing certification in data analysis and learning new technology by her own with the help of online videos and applied the acquired knowledge in her current role.
Mohini firmly believes that age is just a number, advocating for a lifelong pursuit of learning. Additionally, she always emphasizes the importance of being a good human. Instrumentation engineering, Mohini explains, is a diverse discipline that combines elements of electrical, electronics, mechanical, computer and process engineering. Its application in industrial automation necessitates a comprehensive understanding of both hardware and software, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation.
Looking ahead, Mohini remains committed to her personal and professional growth, highlighting the importance of resilience and self-belief. Her advice to aspiring women and young entrepreneurs mirrors her own journey – aim high, believe in yourself, and pursue your goals tirelessly.