Role Model Portrait photo of Therese Nyffenegger
red_WST_logo

Role Model:
Therese Nyffenegger

Role Model:
Therese Nyffenegger

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?

In my opinion, we women are often too modest and want to let our achievements speak for us. Perhaps we also place greater value on a good working atmosphere. I would like us women to participate confidently in this interesting and promising IT industry and still remain true to ourselves.
Role Model Portrait photo of Therese Nyffenegger
Therese Nyffenegger
Tags

Like this article?

Spread the word and share this article on social media!

Imprint          Privacy Policy          © 2021 We Shape Tech

Job

Openings

Welcoming

Diversity

Our newsletter will keep you posted on featured openings. Sign-up now!

HSLU is looking for a "Python for Data Scientists" Lecturer

HSLU is looking for a "Big Data Tools" Lecturer

Crack the Confidence Gap | 28 June 2017

Get in touch to attract diverse talent!

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Please refer to our Privacy Policy for more information.

Join Your Fellow Shapers

Don't Miss a Thing

Sign up to receive our monthly newsletter and you’ll never miss an event or insightful article!

By signing-up you agree to our Privacy Policy.