Women are still strongly under-represented in technical fields.
In STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) only 15% of employees are currently female. We at Gottwald greatly value women in engineering and would be delighted to welcome many more!
We interviewed some of our women engineers and asked what they enjoy about a technical job and what tips they can give to women who are interested in engineering.
What do our women of power have to say? Read for yourself!
“It is high time to show what women can do!” Women can hold their own in male-dominated occupations too and show that they are in no way behind their colleagues. Technical jobs do not automatically have to be “men's jobs” – women should show their potential with confidence, says Rabia, our technical draughtswoman.
“Decide for yourself what you can achieve, do not let others influence you and believe in yourself,” is the motto of Michelle, who is currently in her first year. What she finds particularly interesting is seeing the different businesses and buildings. She also now realises how complex “everyday” things are and how much work goes into them, the trainee says. Her advice to girls interested in engineering: do not be shy and always believe in yourself.
“The one-size-fits-all thinking has to stop at last,” because women must not be afraid of technology. Her enjoyment of mathematics gives her the feeling every day of having found the right place in her working life. The job can also be combined well with children and family, explains Emira, our new electrical engineer. She works on planning large projects such as the Vienna General Hospital.
“After almost 15 years with the company I still really enjoy the work!” Nici, who works in maintenance, tells us how much pleasure she still takes in learning something new every day and in seeing her knowledge of the technology grow over the years. Colleagues treat each other with particular appreciation. Everyone has different strengths, which can be used to best effect when people work together.
Sarah, who works in cost estimating, says she is fascinated by how the work has changed the way she looks at things outside work, and that she now sees electrical installations everywhere. Being part of a project – large or small – and seeing it through fulfils her anew every day. “Abilities have nothing to do with gender; as a woman you must not let yourself be unsettled when you work with a lot of men,” is her tip to women interested in STEM careers.
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