Women in Engineering at Schaltbau
Innovation and technology have always been drivers of progress – and where there’s progress, there are also diverse perspectives, creative solutions to complex problems, and an ingenuity that fuels scientific and technological advancement. These diverse perspectives can come from colleagues all over the world, men and women alike. However, despite making up half of the global population, women are significantly underrepresented in engineering fields, with only about 15% of engineers being female in many countries. This disparity not only limits the potential talent pool but also stifles the diversity of thought crucial for breakthrough innovations.
What’s more, the inclusion of women in engineering teams has been shown to improve company performance and project outcomes. According to a report by McKinsey, companies with gender-diverse executive teams are 21% more likely to experience above-average profitability . This statistic highlights that gender diversity is not just a matter of social equity but a critical business strategy.
Yesterday was International Women in Engineering Day and on this occasion, we’d like to celebrate our diverse and talented workforce by highlighting inspiring female talent at Schaltbau. We hope this encourages more women to enter and thrive in engineering careers, ensuring a richer, more dynamic, and ultimately more successful engineering landscape, capable of meeting the challenges of the future.
We talked to several women in (science, tech, engineering, and mathematics) STEM at Schaltbau, each in different technical positions and from different backgrounds. Carina is a Senior SAP Consultant EWM at Schaltbau and has worked in a technical role her whole career, entering IT in 2016. When asked about her motivation for a technical career in IT, she states “I think the technical field is extremely innovative, as everything is changing so quickly. In general, I like everything that is automated.” But it wasn’t always her plan, “at the end of my studies, I didn't want to go into IT. I couldn't imagine working in such a field. Also because of the prejudices I had. Nevertheless, my first IT team got me so involved in the subject that I still enjoy working in this area today.”
We also talked to Veronika, a production planner for NExT Factory. Veronika started her career in the commercial field but pivoted to a technical role because of her personal interests, “my father himself is a self-employed mechanical engineer and I always worked with him and had the opportunity to travel to customer appointments. That was my first experience in tech and it sparked my enthusiasm for such an environment.”
I believe that the question is much more about what advantages everyone brings with their strengths. Regardless of gender. I believe that diversity in general enriches the corporate culture and has a direct impact on the company's success.
Others like Grete, a snap switch development engineer, started in engineering right after graduation, “I've always had a fascination for science, especially engineering,” she says. “There's a certain amount of creativity that you can bring to the table when you're creating something new. I would say that was what inspired me to choose a technical career.”
Whether it’s production planning, the development and construction of our products, or process optimization for warehouse management, Schaltbau’s workforce is made stronger through diverse talent. While there are many positive aspects to being a woman in engineering at Schaltbau, there are also some challenges. For example, being perceived as insecure or shy, or feeling like you must go above and beyond to prove yourself. However, there are always ways to overcome challenges and Veronika advises women in STEM to “communicate as equals.” She also sums it up differently, saying “I believe that the question is much more about what advantages everyone brings with their strengths. Regardless of gender. I believe that diversity in general enriches the corporate culture and has a direct impact on the company's success.”
When asked what they might say to young girls considering a technical career, they had some great advice. Carina says, “trust in yourself, you can do it and you will do it!” Veronika encourages girls to “have the courage to take a different path and not be guided by the majority or stereotypes at school.” And finally, “if you are really interested in a profession, you will be successful,” Grete adds.
The future of engineering is bright, and it is brimming with opportunities for young women ready to make their mark. By pursuing careers in STEM, young women can not only achieve their personal and professional dreams but also contribute to the global quest for innovation and excellence. Industry needs their unique insights, their creativity, and their determination. As barriers continue to fall and support for women in engineering grows, now is the perfect time to seize the moment and step confidently into these fields.
Embracing a career in STEM is not just a choice for a brighter future; it's a chance to be part of the dynamic force shaping our world for generations to come. So, to all the aspiring female engineers out there: your journey is just beginning, and the possibilities are as vast as your ambition. The world is waiting for you to make your impact.
If you are really interested in a profession, you will be successful.
To learn more about careers at Schaltbau, visit https://www.schaltbau.com/en/company/career/