Be bold and focus on your strengths – Stefanie's advice for women in IT

Could you introduce yourself and describe your role in our company?

My name is Stefanie, I am 48 years old, married, and a mother of two young children aged 8 and 10. My career at BE-terna began as a Senior Consultant in the finance area for Dynamics 365 FSCM. I was fortunate enough to be trained as a Solution Architect, which is currently my secondary role in the company.

Tell us about your career path and what sparked your interest in a career in the IT industry.

My career path began rather by chance. After graduating from high school, I originally planned a career in public service and started a relevant degree in that field. However, during my studies, I realized that it was not my calling. So, after graduation, I decided against a civil service career and instead applied to a company, initially in the front office and as an executive assistant. At the same time, I deepened my business knowledge because my previous education did not seem sufficient for practical business. By chance, I encountered a company in southern Germany that carried out software implementations with the products Microsoft Navision Axapta and Concorde XAL. During the introduction of the Euro in 2002, I unintentionally slipped into the world of IT projects. Early on, I developed a passion for working on customer projects. My activities always involved ERP software, from the earliest versions of Damgard Axapta to the latest version of Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Supply Chain.

Is there a project that has meant a lot to you personally or professionally? What made it special?

Projects are not just professional tasks for me but real team challenges. I particularly appreciate the collaboration both within the team and with our customers. It is important to me that we manage to get the projects live, and the best part is when the project runs independently, like a child taking its first steps. My first project as a Solution Architect was particularly significant, and despite the challenges and effort, it brought me a lot of joy. This role carries a great deal of responsibility, especially with large-scale customers. Additionally, you never stop learning, as new functions and technological advancements are constantly being developed by the manufacturers.

The trust that the customer, and especially BE-terna, placed in me was very appreciable.

What challenges do women face in the IT industry, according to your experience?

When I entered the workforce twenty years ago, the IT industry looked very different. Women in this field were a rarity, and the typical IT expert was more stereotypically perceived as a nerd. But times have changed, especially with the rise of the Internet, and the industry has become more open. Nowadays, I believe that talented women no longer face obstacles. I am probably the best example of this: I had children and still managed my career without needing external childcare. Of course, this requires a reorganization of life, agreements, and communication, but it is doable. I work full-time while my husband, as a business economist, can work from home. In terms of challenges for women in the IT industry, I see more structural problems. In many industries, not just tech, women are underrepresented in leadership positions. This, in my opinion, has several reasons: It is often due to upbringing or social conditioning, as children still grow up with very traditional role models that include gender-specific associations with certain professions and skills. Additionally, women sometimes do not dare to apply for such positions or doubt their abilities. Men, on the other hand, often approach things more freely and think less about potential obstacles.

What tips would you give to women who want to work in the IT industry?

Women who aspire to careers in the IT industry should be bold and focus on their strengths. They do not need to compare themselves with men. Men may be further ahead in technical fields due to earlier experiences from childhood and upbringing, but that does not mean women cannot catch up. Women might have a different approach to certain things, which is not a weakness but simply a different perspective. It is important to stay true to oneself, build on one's strengths, and not focus too much on what others are doing.

If you know what you can do and who you are, gender no longer matters.

I have never felt the need to prove myself to my colleagues, even though I was often the only woman in the room.
Women should trust themselves more and not hold themselves back. It is crucial to develop more self-confidence and be willing to engage. Trainee programs can help with this. I believe it is important to start with youth work to promote young talent in tech. If we can excite young girls about technology and IT from kindergarten age, we lay the foundation for a balanced gender distribution in the industry and break down potential stigmas. It is crucial to recognize and use these opportunities early to affect sustainable change for the entire industry.

How does BE-terna support women in the IT industry, in your opinion? Are there aspects that you find particularly positive or encouraging?

What I particularly appreciate about BE-terna is that neither my age, gender, nor my role as a mother has ever been an issue. When they hired me, the possibility that I might become a mother again was minor, but still present. Despite having two young children, the question of how I would handle sick days never came up. This kind of “Sword of Damocles” that many have hanging over them in other companies has never been an issue for us.

Another positive aspect is that I am compensated based on my performance and knowledge, without my gender being a factor.

At BE-terna, you are judged solely based on your professional skills and qualifications.