Recently, I had the privilege of joining a panel discussion on empowering women with a migration background in the tech industry. As I engaged with the insightful questions and shared my experiences, it became clear just how valuable this information could be for women transitioning to life in Switzerland. Whether you’re searching for a job, planning to launch a business, expanding your professional network, or reinventing your career, the tools and opportunities available here are crucial to your journey.
Without further ado, let’s dive in!
#1 What is your personal story and motivation to migrate to Switzerland? How did you start in the tech industry and what is your job now?
Pragati: My story is probably a familiar one—I moved to Switzerland as a trailing spouse. Although we initially planned to stay for just a three-year assignment, we ended up extending our stay and making Switzerland our home. A little bit of a back story, back in Bangalore…I was working at Unilever and wasn’t quite looking for a change in job or scenery. Our life was quite stable – personally, professionally and financially. Hence, moving to Switzerland didn’t exactly fill me with excitement.
However, while we were planning the move and wrapping up our life back home – I took our move as a sign, a sign to finally go back to school. And that’s exactly what I did – I did not look for jobs, I looked out for masters programs that were relevant (and budget friendly) for residents. I think it was one of the best moves I made professionally – it laid the foundation for my re-entry into the tech world and I also put a tick mark on one of my long standing goal on that bucket list.
After school, I started working at IBM (it took me a long time to find the right opportunity or for that matter any opportunity) and later moved to Accenture. At the moment I work as a senior manager at Accenture, and just recently I completed 20 years in the tech industry.
Find out more about me, my career trajectory by following/connecting with me on LinkedIn.
#2 Compared to your country of origin or other countries you’ve worked in, what are the most surprising aspects of work culture you have found prevalent in Switzerland?
Pragati: Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working for some of the best global organizations. I started in tech with product companies like Oracle and SAP, then moved into industry roles at JNJ and Unilever, and finally completed the full circle by transitioning into consulting after moving to Switzerland.
As a seasoned practitioner in the ERP space with a global perspective, I was quite confident I’d find my footing here. However, I quickly realized that relocating comes with its own set of challenges. While there are universal aspects to work culture, each country has its own intricacies, quirks, and unspoken ways of working. In Switzerland, I initially struggled to fit in—I often felt like an outsider, excluded, and isolated during those first few months.
However, rather than going into my shell – I really did the opposite, I put myself out there (which we all know is easier said than done) and I have come to a realization that when you move to a new country the initial work has to be done by YOU and while this isn’t easy, it isn’t impossible either.
But as the saying goes, “Culture eats strategy for breakfast” – this has to be one of the most layered statements that will continue to remain relevant despite the constant change that we experience in our daily lives.
That said, there are many aspects of Swiss work culture that I’ve come to appreciate. Punctuality is taken seriously, work-life balance is generally respected, communication is direct, and quality is always prioritized over speed.
#3 What support did you receive or wish to receive when you first moved to Switzerland and started working in tech?
Pragati: Oh my god! The lack of support, the feeling of overwhelm and continuous confusion is what gave rise to the topics of career and community at My Swiss Story.
Finding a job in Switzerland comes with its own set of challenges. There are so many differences that aren’t immediately obvious—understanding the job market, how to structure your CV, the nuances of the recruitment process, and even how to write an effective cover letter. Networking is also far more critical here than I initially realized—it goes much deeper and farther than in many other countries.
Another key factor is language proficiency. If I could give one piece of advice to anyone moving here, it’s to invest in learning the local language early on. It opens up more opportunities and helps you navigate both personal and professional situations with greater ease.
I wish I’d had guidance on corporate culture—not just landing a job, but thriving in the workplace. A “master class” on this could have made a big difference.
#4 How is your personal experience working as a woman with a migration background in tech? What are the biggest challenges and/or advantages that you perceive?
Pragati: Let me break this into two parts. First, the advantages: As an Indian woman in this region, I’ve benefited from the onshore-offshore model many companies use for cost optimization. India is a key player in this space, and my role as a bridge between clients and offshore teams, as well as between business and IT, has created a unique and fulfilling niche for me.
On the flip side, the sense of inclusivity can still be a challenge, even after all these years. It’s hard not to feel like an outsider at times, with cultural biases, stereotypes, and social conditioning still present—and often not very subtle.
#5 What is the main language spoken and written at your current or a previous employer in Switzerland? If you did, how did you overcome the language barrier?
Pragati: Well in my case, the official language at all the organizations that I’ve worked at has been English and I must say that I am one of those fortunate ones. But it is the “in between’s” where knowing the language can make a mountain of a difference – coffee corner conversations, water cooler talks, learning more about each other, sports, hobbies etc. – the “in between’s”
Hence, I have not given up on the idea of continuous learning – learning a language once middle aged is not a linear journey. And, if your environment isn’t very local, then, there is an ease of slipping back into your zone of comfort.
But hey, here are some of my key takeaways – learning a language goes a long way…be it with your integration, your job search, career growth or your sense of belonging. And how do I overcome it – by constantly making an effort and trust me on this, people can usually see right through it when you’re coming from a place of authenticity. And not taking yourself too seriously as a general attitude trait really works here…. “cracking a joke about how bad your language is…but still continuously trying…is definitely more appreciated than straight away jumping into the language of convenience.
#6 Where do you see the biggest potential for change to attract more women to the tech industry? Which developments are you perceiving as the biggest threats?
Pragati: In my opinion it all boils down to social conditioning and trust me we have a long way to go. There was recently a video doing the rounds on social media where a bunch of young adults are asked a question – “Who will you go for advise when it comes to finance, investment… raising capital….launching a tech start up?” And, over 90% of the youngsters either answered – my dad or named an advisor in their circle.
When asked, why not your mom? And they were like… No…come on…Not Mom. I would go to my mom if it involved things like setting up the house, something that relates to cooking or even a more literary/creative topic. After these answers, the mothers of these very young adults are flashed on the screen, and all of them are either C level execs or have either set up new technological ecosystems or have made significant achievements in the tech world.
So I think it really does boil down to changing the current narrative and it’s the championing of initiatives like these…and shining the spot light on those real life role models. Trust me when I say this, there is much work to be done in this area!
#7 What is your favorite part of working in tech in Switzerland?
Pragati: When I had just started working in Switzerland, I did not quite like what I was doing…the role was more operational than technical/strategic in nature but it helped me get my foot in the door. Over time, especially at Accenture, I was able to carve out a role that aligns with my passions, which has been incredibly rewarding.
Switzerland has brought my career full circle, with consulting being both the most challenging and fulfilling experience. I love working with diverse teams and technologies, and I appreciate the flexibility of part-time work contracts—a concept unfamiliar in India.
But my absolute favorite part? Becoming a lecturer and mentoring the next generation. It’s something I never imagined for myself, but it happened here, thanks to someone’s belief in me. Every time a female student tells me that my journey inspires them or asks for advice, it fills my heart. It’s the most rewarding aspect of my professional life in Switzerland.
I hope you found parts of my journey helpful and could resonate with some of the emotions I’ve shared. Most of all, I hope that you find your own path to success and fulfillment in this new country very soon.
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