Women in Java: A Q&A with Sonal Bhardwaj

Meet Sonal, a Senior Consultant and Java Developer at Capco, with a passion for scalable system design and cloud-native development. She shares how her curiosity for problem-solving evolved into a career in software engineering, and how she’s using her technical voice to drive impactful solutions and mentor the next generation of tech talent.

1. What made you decide to pursue a career in software development, specifically in Java?

From an early age, I was fascinated by how technology could solve real-world problems. As I delved deeper into programming during my academic years, I found Java to be particularly powerful – its object-oriented approach, platform independence, and robust ecosystem resonated with me. Java gave me the structure and flexibility to build scalable, enterprise-grade applications which aligned perfectly with my analytical mindset and problem-solving skills. What started as curiosity evolved into passion and I knew that a career in software development centered around Java was the path I wanted to follow.

2. What made you apply for a role in Capco’s Technology and Engineering practice? 

I was drawn to Capco’s strong reputation for innovation and its emphasis on technical excellence. The company’s commitment to solving complex business challenges through technology aligned with my professional goals. Capco’s Technology and Engineering practice offered a dynamic environment where I could contribute to cutting-edge projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and continue to grow both technically and strategically. I saw it as an opportunity to apply my Java expertise on a broad scale while being part of a culture that values continuous learning and impactful delivery.

3. What has been the most interesting Java project you’ve worked on? What made it so engaging or rewarding? 

The most interesting Java project I’ve worked on was with a well-known UK bank as part of my role at Capco. I was involved in designing and developing multiple business flows. The project was particularly engaging due to its complexity and scale, requiring a deep understanding of banking domain logic, high availability, and performance optimization. Being part of this end-to-end development journey allowed me to grow in areas like system design, client collaboration, and delivering production-grade services that support critical financial operations.

4. What technical or professional challenges have you faced in your career as a Java developer, and how have you overcome them? 

A key technical challenge I faced was adapting to the shift from monolithic applications to microservices-based architecture. This required a deeper understanding of distributed systems, service orchestration, and fault tolerance. I overcame this by upskilling through hands-on learning, using tools like Spring Boot, Kafka, and containerization technologies, and learning from architects and senior engineers.

On the professional front, effective communication within cross-functional teams in fast-paced Agile environments was a challenge. I improved by honing my communication skills, ensuring clear documentation, and aligning technical solutions with business goals. These experiences have shaped me into a more well-rounded consultant.

5. The tech industry has traditionally been male dominated. Have you experienced any barriers, and how did you navigate them?

Early in my career, I sometimes encountered situations where my technical input was second-guessed, or I had to work harder to establish credibility. I chose to navigate these barriers by focusing on the quality of my work; consistently delivering high-quality code, staying current with new technologies, and contributing meaningfully to project outcomes.

6. What misconceptions do people often have about working in Java development? What would you tell them?

A common misconception is that Java is outdated. In reality, Java has evolved significantly. With modern frameworks like Spring Boot, continuous language updates and strong support for cloud-native development, Java remains highly relevant - particularly for building scalable, enterprise-grade systems.

7. What three key traits do you think make someone successful in a Java development team?

1. Strong problem-solving skills: Java projects often involve complex logic and large systems. The ability to think critically and design efficient solutions is vital
2. Collaboration and communication: Success goes beyond writing great code, it’s about working effectively with peers, testers, architects, and product owners
3. Continuous learning mindset: Java and its ecosystem evolve constantly. Staying up to date ensures you're adding value to your team and projects.

8. What does '#BeYourselfAtWork' mean to you as a woman in tech? How has that influenced your experience at work? 

It means feeling empowered to bring my full self to work – my ideas, my perspective, and my personality, without having to conform to stereotypes or downplay my identity. Supportive managers, inclusive team dynamics, and a culture that values diversity have made this possible for me.

9. What advice would you give to young women or career changers considering a career in Java or software development more broadly? 

Don’t wait until you feel “ready”. This field is always evolving and there’s space for people from all backgrounds to thrive. Focus on building your programming foundation, stay consistent and embrace the journey of learning.

10. What are your professional goals or aspirations in Java or software engineering space?

My goals include deepening my expertise in scalable system architecture, cloud-native development and leading digital transformation initiatives. I aspire to grow into a technical leadership role where I can drive impactful engineering decisions, mentor emerging talent, and help build inclusive, high-performing teams.

11. What do you enjoy doing outside of coding and development? 

I enjoy activities that help me recharge and stay creative. I love reading books on personal growth and technology trends, and I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places.

12. Have any resources such as courses, communities or mentors been especially influential in your Java career? How have they helped shape your path?

Online platforms helped me build strong foundational skills through structured, hands-on learning. Communities like GitHub and Java-specific forums offered insights, practical solutions, and a sense of connection. Most importantly, mentors, formal and informal, have guided me through technical challenges and helped shape my approach to design, collaboration, and long-term growth.