Explore Lena’s journey as a female Embedded Software Development Engineer. Uncover challenges, advice for women in engineering, and insights into her evolving career in this dynamic field.
Women In Engineering with Lena
FPGA Insights has conducted an exclusive interview with Lena, who is working as an Embedded Software Developer at Bosch to gain valuable insights into her experiences as a woman in engineering.
What’s your Name, job title & area of research/work?
Lena, Software developer for home appliances.
What sparked your interest in engineering? Can you describe the moment you realized this was a field you’d like to pursue?
Already got used to technical stuff in my childhood.
Interest in computer science at school.
Real interest began with my further studies (computer science).
What are your experiences of being a female engineer?
Sometimes, you first have to show your abilities to get full respect and trust. But in my company, there are not too many disadvantages.
Can you tell me more about your career path so far?
I started my dual studies (Computer Science) with a B/S/H, switching departments during this time. I have been a long-time Embedded Software Developer for coffee makers, but I am now more into generic code.
What has been your most challenging experience as an engineer?
To show colleagues you are a “full-fledged” engineer and you don’t need to be protected.
What is the most exciting thing about your job?
Thinking about a concept to solve a problem and then to see the finished product, for which you were a part of the development team.
What kind of impact would bring you great satisfaction in your work?
More open-minded people. Some are really stuck in “good old times” and are not very open to new stuff. I think that’s the big mindset problem.
What do you think needs to be done to improve the statistics in terms of women’s participation in engineering?
Start at school to get the girls interested, try to change the old mindset of parents. Often, they are the problem that a girl won’t choose a technical field.
What do you enjoy most and least about engineering?
Most: Thinking and solving part with much creativity
Least: Old mindset- Discussions like that.
Who has been your greatest support, coach, and mentor across [Industry], and why?
My mentor during the practical semester and thesis. He is one of the most open-minded people I know. He doesn’t know nor likes to hear: “This is not possible.”
What is it like to be a woman in engineering? Do you feel that your gender gives you a different perspective and experience from your male counterparts? Any advantages?
Maybe sometimes the social part and the open-minded thing, but I would not generalize that because I know women from “both the sides”.
What advice do you have for women interested in engineering? What kinds of practical experience should they have? What technical skills should they pick up?
Keep going with that what you like. You will find something in every area. Just try to be open to everything new. Try everything out as much as you can , and then you can make a decision about it.
