Kavitha Venkataswamy, Director of Product Security at Capital One

Kimberly Jacobs, Digital Content Manager at Women Who Code, interviews Kavitha Venkataswamy, Director of Product Security at Capital One. They discuss Kavitha’s path to cyber security and the culture at Capital One. Kavitha also shares insights and advice for women in her field.  

Tell us about yourself.

I work at Capital One. I'm a proud mom of two young kids who are five and 2-years-old. When I was in high school, I knew exactly what I wanted to be. I was naturally inclined to math and computer science. After my Master's, I started my career as a software engineer. I worked on large-scale web applications at companies like GAP, Walmart, and Macy's. When I was at Macy's, my hiring manager asked if I was interested in looking up some application security issues. Then, there was no dedicated application security role in the company. I grabbed the opportunity to try something new and that became my passion. 

Tell us what exactly cyber security is. How does it relate to being in the tech industry and having a career around it? 

In this development world, where every product feature is pushed faster and faster, there is often a need for an extra pair of eyes to motivate the engineers to build secure products. The part that I liked the most is the interaction with various departments. For any product and features that we develop, I provide the security pair of eyes. I ensure that we are shipping secure products because we are a financial company. Customer's trust is the top priority for us.

What is the work culture like for you and how has it helped you in your career journey? 

At Capital One, the goal is very simple. We bring ingenuity, simplicity, and humanity to an industry that is ripe for change. Capital One is a founder-led company by Rich Fairbanks. He says, "The Mission is like change banking for good." Every feature that we develop, every process that we have, we think in those terms. How do we change banking for good? At Capital One, we don't just think of doing big things, we do big things. 

I joined right after the shutdown, last March. I had apprehensions about how this remote working would work for a new joining. I had just returned from my maternity leave with the previous company, and then I had a new job. It was overwhelming. I was amazed at the collaborative and inclusive culture here. I got all the support I needed to get the job done. 

I'm really thriving here, I'm having the peace of mind that my company is taking care of things and they value their employees. We have business resource groups that support our diverse population. They offer networking opportunities, special events, and learning programs to grow. We have had Hispanic in tech conferences and women in tech conferences. Pay equity is 100%.

They do understand there is a gender gap and are working to increase representation at all levels through recruiting, retention, and development. We have leadership training programs for mid-career professionals to grow into the senior levels for women. 

Do you have any advice for women in tech, who may be just starting out, or looking to kind of pivot, on how to really find a company and know that it really will support them in their career desires, and pushing them towards leadership because that's one of the things that we really try to channel for Women Who Code and technology and what this conference is about too? 

It's time to change the status quo by advocating for more women to consider cybersecurity as a possible career path if they are interested in it. Value your worth, and brag about the work that you do. Find the right company and own your career. It is important to be in an environment that helps you shine. Look for companies that don’t just say that they want you to succeed, they act on it with a clear structure and tangible goals.

Take charge of your career by asking for work that gives you visibility and working on critical projects. Be true to yourself and speak up by holding true to your talents and personality. Sometimes you have to speak up, sometimes loudly. You can build your path to your own success in your own way, carrying your authentic self at work.

Do you want to talk about any initiatives at Capital One? 

Capital One has great benefits and an employee-first culture. They are making a lot of effort with diversity inclusion to make this a better place. 

What keeps you motivated and inspires you? 

Finding passion is so important. Also, the right environment with the right kind of people, and a company that supports you. Then, even in hard times, I enjoy my time at work.

Is there anything else you would like us to know before we're all done? 

I want to tell the young girls who are entering into this field that everyone is worried about their failures. You have to find your passion. Don't listen to anybody who says negative things to you. Just keep on going and believe in yourself.