Women in IT: A perspective on International Women’s Day

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CANCOM Slovakia: Hello Theresa, today is International Women’s Day. Does the day have a special meaning for you?

International Women’s Day is important to me because it reminds us that women have fought hard for their rights in the past. This day honors their efforts and reminds us that there are still countries where women continue to be oppressed. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to show solidarity and stand up for equality. It calls for all of us, regardless of gender or background, to work together towards a just and equal future. I am very grateful for the courageous commitment of the women back then. It is only because of this that I am now able to decide for myself what I want to do and how I want to work.

CANCOM Slovakia: You decided to pursue a career in IT and started a commercial IT apprenticeship at CANCOM last year. How did that come about?

I’ve always found it fascinating to find out how technical devices work. This passion also led me to choose the science stream at school and take technical subjects – even though I was the only female student. But it was just the right thing for me and I really enjoyed the subjects.

When it came to choosing a career after school, the IT sector immediately appealed to me. It fits perfectly with my interest in technology and offers many different facets and directions. As an IT systems management assistant, I have a connection between IT and commercial tasks. I deliberately chose this combination. It was always important to me not only to work with technology, but also with people. This is exactly what my apprenticeship offers me. I chose CANCOM because I used to drive past the office building in Munich when I was at school and was curious to see what was hidden behind the building walls. On the other hand, I was also told by people close to me that CANCOM is a good employer. When I discovered the right job advertisement, I applied for the apprenticeship straight away.

 

Túto kombináciu som si vybrala zámerne, keďže bolo pre mňa vždy dôležité pracovať nielen s technológiami, ale aj s ľuďmi. No a práve toto mi ponúka moja stáž a CANCOM som si vybrala, pretože keď som chodila do školy, tak moja trasa viedla okolo administratívnej budovy v Mníchove a bola som zvedavá, že čo sa skrýva za múrmi tej budovy. Taktiež mi aj moji známi povedali, že CANCOM je dobrý zamestnávateľ, no a keď sa objavil vhodný inzerát, tak som sa hneď prihlásila.

CANCOM Slovakia: What does the training in this area look like? What are your tasks?

I’m in my first year of training and it’s a lot of fun because I learn something new almost every day. Our training takes us through various departments. I’m currently working in the sales team, where I mainly process orders for customers. This includes creating individual offers, taking specific customer requests into account, making phone calls to clarify questions and coordinating with manufacturers. My focus at the moment is on understanding everything and implementing it correctly. But I’m really looking forward to being involved in larger projects in the future.

CANCOM Slovakia: What about the female quota in your profession? What experience have you gained?

There are many women in the sales team, but overall there are more male colleagues. At vocational school, however, I experience a different dynamic. While there are a few women in the commercial class, you immediately stand out as a woman in the IT specialist class. Personally, I don’t mind being one of the few women. I already know the situation from my school days. But I am pleased to have other female colleagues.

CANCOM Slovakia: What is the situation regarding equal rights for men and women at CANCOM?

In my experience so far, women at CANCOM are respected just as much as men. Ideas and comments are heard and accepted equally, regardless of gender, age or hierarchical level. I am listened to just as attentively as someone who has been with the company for many years. Equality definitely exists here.

CANCOM Slovakia: What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in IT?

My advice would be: Just do it! That’s the best way to decide whether the job really suits you. Women shouldn’t be put off just because someone says it’s a man’s job. This cliché is long outdated. I have the feeling that women are highly valued in the IT sector and that it is perceived positively when a woman attends a customer meeting, for example. Nevertheless, I sometimes have the feeling that women have to prove themselves in one situation or another in order to emphasize their abilities. But they shouldn’t be intimidated by this.

CANCOM Slovakia: What skills are particularly important for success in IT?

It’s an advantage to be curious and interested in new technologies and products. A willingness to keep learning is crucial. A deep technical understanding is helpful, but not essential. There were trainees in my class who were more tech-savvy than me. But we all acquire the same basic IT knowledge at vocational school. After a year, we then specialize in different areas of training.

CANCOM Slovakia: What do you think the future will look like for women in IT professions?

I am optimistic and think that more women will work in IT in the future. On the one hand, the demand for qualified specialists is increasing, and on the other hand, more and more women are showing an interest in technical topics.