This International Women’s Day, we’re thrilled to spotlight Divya Bidayat, a Principal Support Consultant at Omada, and a remarkable woman who embodies the spirit of this special day. Divya’s journey to a fulfilling career in security is one of self-discovery, determination, and a passion for learning.
Divya’s biggest inspiration is her mother, a homemaker who instilled in her and her sister the values of independence and self-reliance. Throughout her life, Divya’s mother encouraged her to pursue her education, work towards financial security, and most importantly, make her own choices.
This empowering influence propelled Divya through her academic journey, leading her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at Osmania University in India. She was drawn to engineering because it provided a broad skillset that could translate to many different careers. Her determination, aptitude, and passion led her to be a gold medalist for mechanical engineering at her university, a very prestigious honor. However, during her final year, she found herself at a crossroads, unsure whether to continue with her studies or dive into the workforce. With the unwavering support of her family, Divya chose the path that ignited her true passion: a career in security and identity management. During her last year of university, she accepted a position at an IT company where she discovered the world of identity and access management (IAM), and instantly felt a strong pull towards this dynamic field.
For the next five years, Divya honed her skills as an identity management specialist, gaining valuable experience and solidifying her interest in IAM. She knew she eventually wanted to work for a company specializing in identity management, giving her a chance to further hone her skills. During her job search, she stumbled upon an opening at Omada, a company whose technology she had used at a previous company; she knew she had found the perfect fit.
Taking a leap of faith, Divya accepted the position at Omada, even though it meant relocating from India to Denmark. This decision, though challenging, was ultimately a source of immense pride for her and is one of her proudest accomplishments outside of her professional achievements. This experience of moving to a new country alone and building a life showcases her courage, her commitment to following her passion, and above all, the spirit of independence instilled by her mother.
At Omada, Divya thrives in a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and fosters collaboration. While she hasn’t personally experienced gender inequality in her career, she firmly believes that diverse teams bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the table.
For women considering a career in security, Divya shares three key pieces of advice:
- Embrace your passion: Follow your interests and don’t be afraid to chart your own course.
- Seek support and guidance: Surround yourself with positive and supportive individuals who can guide you on your journey.
- Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Prioritize your well-being and find time for the things that truly matter to you outside of work.
Divya’s story is an inspiration to all, especially young women interested in pursuing careers in the ever-evolving field of security. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder that with dedication, passion, and the unwavering support of a diverse and inclusive environment, anything is possible.
