An experienced engineer crosses continents to reskill, adapt, and find opportunity in one of the world’s fastest-moving fields.
On a humid August day in 2024, Lekha Bollinani stepped off a plane at Detroit Metropolitan Airport with a clear objective. After nearly a decade working as a software engineer in India, she had made a decision many professionals hesitate to take mid-career: start again, this time in artificial intelligence.
“I wanted to be part of the biggest tech buzz of the current times,” she says. “And I knew I needed structured, in-depth knowledge to contribute meaningfully.”
Originally from Hyderabad, Bollinani grew up in a family where education was a given. Completing a degree was expected, not exceptional. Just as importantly, she recalls that those expectations applied equally. “Even though I was a girl, there was not much differentiation as far as education is concerned,” she says. That environment made her decision to pursue a master’s degree in the United States feel like a natural next step.
Now based in Dearborn and studying at the University of Michigan–Dearborn, Bollinani has found that the academic experience aligns with her expectations. She has gained hands-on exposure through a research assistantship and an internship, an outcome she knew would be critical. The real adjustment came outside the classroom. “The biggest challenge was adjusting to a new country, the weather and transportation,” she says. University support systems, including mentorship programs and shuttle services, helped her navigate those early months.
Breaking into the U.S. job market as an international student proved to be another hurdle. “Very few companies are open to international students,” she says. Her breakthrough came through a Global Detroit career fair designed specifically for international students, where she secured a paid internship with Logic Solutions in August 2025. The role continued across multiple semesters, providing both experience and stability in a competitive environment.
“That experience was really helpful,” she says.
Alongside her technical training, Bollinani also focused on how she presents herself professionally. Through the Global Talent Accelerator program, she learned how to navigate immigration-related conversations and refine her communication with employers. “I learned how to tackle immigration-related questions from recruiters and how to structure my elevator pitch,” she says. She now applies those skills in interviews and job applications.
Outside of academics and work, Bollinani has found a sense of belonging in Michigan’s diverse environment. “I love being part of such a diverse community,” she says. “You’re constantly interacting with people from around the world and understanding their perspectives.”
Looking ahead, her goals are clear. She wants to continue building her expertise in artificial intelligence and contribute to the field’s rapid evolution. At the same time, she hopes to explore the country she now calls home, including visiting its national parks.
In many ways, Bollinani’s journey reflects a broader pattern: experienced professionals adapting to a changing world. What sets her apart is the clarity behind her decision, and her willingness to start again, this time at the center of transformation.
