WOMEN IN TECH

Technology is an exciting industry to be in right now as it is constantly growing and evolving. Many of the women working in our company have inspiring stories about achieving great things in the automotive sector.

We asked three of our colleagues questions about their journeys in the tech industry, the challenges, and how the industry changed since they joined. Bellow you will find the answers from Laura Blechschmitt - Sustainability Strategy Manager, Lina Eddisi - Head of IT Strategy and Thelma Hastings - Quality Control Inspector (Thelma is working in the automotive industry since 1983, having 40 years in the company).

Their answers are enlightening and inspiring. We’re delighted to share them with you today.

1. How much do you think the industry has changed since you joined?

Laura: Very much is probably the best answer. The volatility that we see now is just remarkable.
Besides that, our work environment developed into a more digital, more diverse, and well-balanced set-up. This offers more flexibility to our employees which is great!

Lina: I started my first career steps at Tom Ford and later at Walt Disney. So it’s only been ten years, since I joined the tech industry - most of the time working in either Strategy or Venturing. Looking back, I believe that no other industry changed as much as ours and even more importantly, influenced other industries and the world in such a profound way. We basically did not only respond to changing customer behaviors but shaped them.

Thelma: Technology is growing exponentially. Automation within the production and manufacturing spaces has drastically increase over the years. We went from working with people only to now working with robots. Even cars drive themselves.

2. What advice would you give yourself just starting out?

Laura: Believe in your strength and don’t question yourself too much! Just try to follow a positive mindset driven by curiosity and focus on the opportunities given to you.

Lina: As I graduated in business administration, I’d give myself the advice that the tech industry is not just about coding. There are other verticals which you can enter - find your strength and build up from there. There are also different company sizes which you can experience – find the company that suits you at the beginning of your journey. And be patient with yourself: it’s about your life, your values, what you want to learn and, at the end of the day, it`s about your footprint. That takes time.

Thelma: Come to work and enjoy your job. Take advantage of on-the-job trainings to learn as much as you can. Ask questions and get to know people across the organization. Always have patience and understanding during times of difficulty and trouble. Make your money!

3. What are the biggest challenges for a woman entering the tech industry?

Laura: Realize potential biases, don’t get distracted and just follow your way.
Expertise, know-how and commitment don’t depend on gender, rather on passion and engagement driving a topic. 

Lina: Women can find it challenging to enter a new job because of the well-known Imposter Syndrome and all of its facets. But I am not sure if this is only related to the tech industry... or women. To be honest, I didn’t face big challenges when I entered the industry. I was lucky to find different people who were nothing but supportive.

Nevertheless, it can be challenging when you are surrounded by a group of people who do not share the same gender, ethnicity, educational background, and often opinions. How easy is it to say what’s on your mind?

So I guess, a big challenge can be to be courageous in those moments and also to challenge your own believes that these white sheep won’t appreciate the black one.

Thelma: A shortage of female role models and a lack of female mentors. Income inequality compared to male colleagues.

4. Why do you think it’s important for women to join this industry?

Laura: I am convinced that diversity pays off which is not only about gender, by the way.
Women provide different perspectives, ideas, and approaches. This drives progress in all industries!

Lina: As I said at the beginning, the tech industry can shape people’s lives. People. Like… ALL people.

Thelma: Women can bring a fresh approach. Women can offer unique perspectives to meet challenges and design new products. Since technology offers high salaries, a woman’s presence in this industry can help reduce the gender pay gap. Women have an opportunity to be successful in technology.

If you liked this interview, don´t miss out on more of our employee stories: