In this year’s editions of Power Journal, HyTEPS is focusing extensively on women working in electrotechnics and other technical professions. Despite the significant shortage of skilled technical personnel, women remain underrepresented in (electro)technical education and professions. What’s still keeping women from pursuing a career in tech? And what are good reasons for choosing this path? In a series of interviews, women already working in the field share their experiences, challenges, and insights to foster understanding and drive change.
Mandy Heppe, Technical Engineer, HyTEPS
“Sometimes people look slightly surprised when I walk into a room. They don’t have bad intentions, but I always wonder: ‘What exactly is so remarkable?’ It’s also not uncommon for people to ask if I really have a degree in studied. Maybe women in technical professions already seem fairly normal to my generation, while those who have been working in the field longer might still be adjusting.
Some people find it remarkable that I chose electrotechnics, but during my studies at Eindhoven University of Technology, this was never a topic of conversation among female students. Understandably – they’d understand why you’d want to choose a technical field of study better than anyone else. Although there were fewer women than men in my year, there were still quite a few women at the university as a whole. I didn’t feel like I was part of a very small minority.
If primary and secondary schools spent more time positively highlighting the importance of technology, more people—including women—might get into technical studies. Some women are already putting electronic devices together at a young age, but I liked Barbie dolls and was thinking about becoming a teacher. It wasn’t until later that I became more interested in the exact sciences. I grew into technology, but never wondered, ‘Is this really something for girls?’ I simply found electrotechnics interesting, so continuing in that direction was a logical step. It needn’t be be any more complicated than that!
Ultimately, you just have to do something you enjoy. I would recommend that women considering a technical study simply give it a try. There may still be some resistance in certain programs, and I understand that this can make the field of study less appealing, but I didn’t experience this to any great degree at university. If there aren’t all that many other women students in your chosen field, you’ll definitely meet them elsewhere, for example during sports activities.
In the end, the fact that I’m a woman isn’t relevant: I want to be judged solely on the work I deliver. I’m certainly enjoying my work in electrotechnics and aim to gain a lot of experience and grow in my career!”
Dagmar Dekker, Assetmanager metro-energievoorziening, GVB Amsterdam
“My interest in technology dates back to my childhood. My father was a radio amateur and regularly tinkered with transmitters and cables, which I found fascinating. I also loved my brother’s LEGO. I did play with dolls, but would often took them apart to figure out how they had been put together. That curiosity still drives me today; if I want to know something, I research it thoroughly.
My first university study didn’t go as planned, so I had to choose a new direction. Riding the subway, I passed the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool van Amsterdam) every day so I decided to just walk in one day. I was immediately warmly welcomed.
In the late 1990s, I graduated as an electrical engineer with honors, specializing in information technology. There were only two women in my program at the time, but I got my degree without significant obstacles. During my studies, I took part in a coaching program for girls and women in technology, although I later had to quit because balancing it with work and personal life became too demanding.
After completing my electrotechnics degree, I began working at the Ministry of Defense as a Maintenance Engineer for the Naval Aviation Service of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Five years later, my department was dissolved, and I transitioned to Head of Operations at the energy distribution company on the naval base in Den Helder. Here, I was introduced to energy technology and beca,e responsible for the power generation plant.
Back then, SAP systems and advanced computers weren’t widely in use; we had only just started using email. After my son was born five years later, I looked for a job closer to home. This brought me to GVB, Amsterdam’s public transport company, where I started out as an asset manager for tram systems and power supply. I’ve now been with GVB for nearly fifteen years, working as an asset manager for subway power supply within the Rail Infrastructure department. My work is incredibly varied, covering everything from high and low voltage to direct and alternating current.
Unfortunately, fewer women than men still opt for technical studies. Persistent stereotypes about technology being a ‘man’s world’ may lead some women to think they won’t fit in. In my early working years, I may have encountered the occasional sexist comment, but I’m outspoken and address issues directly. That’s not to say that girls with different personalities can’t succeed. During my time at the Ministry of Defense—a bit of a macho culture—I didn’t face major problems, either. Outdated biases may still exist, such as people unconsciously favoring men for technical positions, but you just have to ignore it.
I encourage girls considering a technical study to definitely explore this. Technology is broad and multifaceted -it’s about much more than soldering! Many programs now combine technical and process-oriented aspects, areas in which I believe women can truly excel.”