The 2x Women in Tech Podcast with Chelsea Behrens

Barsha Karki, Solutions Engineer at NetApp

As a little girl admiring the magic her father worked with his accounting clients in Nepal, Barsha Karki had no idea what she would do once grown up. Her ideal niche, as we learn on this episode of the 2x Women in Tech Podcast, revealed itself at an unexpected time and in an unforeseen Presales role. It was an “aha” moment when she realized why this career path made such a great fit: It showcases her ability to engage and connect with people.

Many of us equate technology with hard-core math and science skills, but Barsha explains that the most essential qualities she brings to her role as a Solutions Engineer at NetApp are an ability to empathize, communicate and show up. Barsha and I break down what this sort of role entails and how to explore job opportunities. (Hint: Tap into your network and start conversations!)

Enjoy hearing about Barsha’s experience growing up in Kathmandu, her tech career journey in Australia and the bedrock values her parents instilled – including the commitment to inclusivity, life-long learning and community that she brings to the world of tech.

Key Takeaways:

• Solutions Engineers play a consultative, customer-facing role that includes identifying pain points, creating and implementing solutions.

• NetApp’s focus is on data storage and cloud solutions – allowing customers across sectors to access data in a variety of ways. 

• Because data is relevant across the enterprise, Barsha interacts with people in all kinds of roles: IT manager, CTO, solutions architect, marketing specialist and more. 

• Barsha shares a bit about growing up in Kathmandu and how she fell into engineering, electronics and telecommunications studies, ultimately migrating to Australia. 

• All the success that Barsha and her siblings have achieved they credit to their parents, who have been their “backbone,” who instilled an unshakeable set of core values and emphasized education to an unusual degree in Nepal, where literacy rates were low.

• Skill sets that pair well with a solutions pre-sales role:

  • An ability to empathize and get to the heart of an issue.

  • Interpersonal approach that invites trust, confidence and connection.

  • Effective communication.

  • Reliability/timeliness.

  • Technical expertise can be added later.

• What Barsha most enjoys about her job: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds, businesses and experiences. The conversations and solutions are constantly evolving and she often acts as a bridge to unify multiple stakeholders.

• An “Aha” Moment: When Barsha tagged along with her father, who was an accountant, she was indelibly impressed by his professionalism and the way he was able to connect so effectively with all kinds of clients – skills transferrable to the work she enjoys today.

• For women who think solutions engineering might be a fit, what next? 

  • Start having conversations. 

  • Reach out to everyone in your network – and beyond.

  • Express an interest and curiosity about the work.

• Keep an open mind: Barsha was approached about trying a pre-sales role in the wake of a layoff. It seemed a foreign idea, but she was willing to give it consideration. And voila!

• STEM skills NOT required: You don’t need to have a math or science background to succeed in a pre-sales role. So long as you’re willing to learn, each organization will train you as needed.

• As you become more confident in what you bring, pre-sales success will come your way.

• Barsha’s Wish: To see more diversity in the tech workplace, celebrating the range of demographics and skill sets. The new normal!

• Barsha’s Key Takeaway: If you’re interested in pre-sales, there’s a place for you. So don’t hesitate to reach out and make it happen!

Episode Resources

• Barsha Karki on LinkedIn

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