People Insights: Likhitha
Likhitha, marketing analyst for Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) at Evonik in Birmingham, USA, originally started as an intern with the Project House Medical Device (PHMD) group. In her People Insights, she tells about how expanding her cooking skills helps her to decompress after a long day.
You originally completed your degree as a biomedical engineer, what brought you to where you are now at Evonik working in marketing?
I started as an intern with the Project House Medical Device (PHMD) group assisting with analytical work for one of the projects. Eventually I transitioned to a full-time position as an administrative and scientific assistant for the same group which ultimately became the Medical Device Competence Center (MDCC). During this time, I was able to see how an R&D project actually developed into a new product for the company. Understanding the market landscape and identifying the value of the product is essential to a successful product launch. At the beginning of this year, I began a new role as a marketing analyst for the Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) group where I’m able to delve more into this aspect and provide our teams with the information they need as they develop new projects / products.
With the physical distancing happening right now, what has been your go-to activity that you look forward to in the day?
Since I’m staying inside, for the most part, I’ve really tried to expand my cooking skills. I’m always looking for new recipes to try out, and I find it to be a great way to decompress after a long day. It also helps that it’s easier on the wallet.
If you could choose any meal to cook and could cook for anyone in this world, what would it be and who would you cook it for?
I’d like to make the Indian dish, Biriyani. It’s still a work in progress for me, but I’ll perfect it eventually! As far as who, I’d choose family and friends. They say cooking is a labor of love, right? It’s an incredibly satisfying feeling when someone truly enjoys a meal that you’ve made for them.
Once restrictions ease, what is the one thing that you look forward to most? (an activity, a form of normality, specific person, country, work related, etc.?)
I look forward to being able to travel again and meet people in person. I didn’t realize how much I took it for granted until now. While I’m thankful technological advances, there’s only so much you can do with virtual meetings.
Finally, which Evonik site have you always want to visit?
I think the headquarters in Essen would be really great to visit.
