Interview by Brigitte Hulliger
Every month we ask one individual in our network a few questions about their way into tech, their motivation and their lessons learned.
Let’s start from the beginning. Tell us about where you’re from!
I grew up in Emmental, where our parents ran a store with a wide range of products. My siblings and I learned to help out at an early age. It was difficult for me to choose a profession. In the end, I learned to be a medical assistant. I quickly realized that I still wanted to develop further and completed commercial school. In my job, I slid into IT by chance: The introduction of a laboratory information system was a bit tedious and some functions didn’t run perfectly from the start. And suddenly I was in the middle of it, and I enjoyed it.
Meanwhile, I’ve been working in IT for 18 years and, as a qualified technician HF for IT, I’ve gotten to know several business areas.
What valuable advice did you get from your parents?
Our parents expected us to have a certain amount of stamina and willpower when doing schoolwork, boring chores, or hiking, true to the motto: “Even when things get tough, stick to the challenge.” In my life, I benefit from this guiding principle again and again. Admittedly, this path is not always easy and I cannot always realize my original plans. But I know that with perseverance and willpower I can successfully achieve my goals.
How did you become interested in tech?
By facing technical difficulties on the job, I suddenly understood some technical correlations. Fixing system errors regularly turned out to be absolutely logical in retrospect. I was able to help adapt systems to changing needs. This was extremely exciting for me, and so I wanted to gain a better understanding of computer science. Another important motivating factor was certainly the fact that I was always facing new challenges.
What aspects of your work are you proudest of?
In general, technology is ubiquitous in our everyday lives and indispensable in many areas. I am proud to be involved in the exciting world of IT.
Currently, I work as a team leader in the public sector in the area of IT application management. Part of my job is to ensure the smoothest possible operation of our systems. In addition, I am involved in the development for an increase in the value contribution of IT and thus contribute to the success of the company.
What drives you at work?
My work is interesting and diverse. Fortunately, I have quite a large scope of responsibility. In my job, every day is different, with many new challenges and many encounters. That motivates me
What has been your toughest challenge you faced while working in tech?
At times, entering the IT industry was quite a rocky road. There was so much to learn and at first I had to assert myself in a male domain that was unfamiliar to me. But I grew on the job and was able to develop personally.
The biggest challenge, however, is probably still my own ambition to give more than 100 percent in order to prove myself.
What advice would you give other women in tech?
