Women in Tech

We would like to use today's International Women's Day as an opportunity to introduce some of our female colleagues as "Women in Tech" at valantic DXA. Four "Women in Tech" at valantic DXA, four women with different tasks and insights. Their paths and careers are as different as they are, and yet they have chosen the tech environment. You can find out why, why and why right here.

How did you get into IT? What was the reason why you wanted to become a developer?

I knew relatively soon that I wanted to do a technical job - but I didn't know exactly which one. The training at that time helped me a lot to find out in which areas (from application development, operating systems, computer systems to network technology) my strengths lie. I then applied to valantic DXA as a web developer, as the internship only confirmed that this was exactly my thing.

How were you received at valantic DXA and how do clients react to you?

I received a very warm welcome. In the agency, equality is written in capital letters in every respect and our clients always treat me with respect. I have never had the feeling that I was treated unfairly or "differently".

What would have to be done to encourage even more women to enter this professional field?

That's a difficult question, because in the end your future is a very personal decision. What I think can be very helpful in finding out whether you are interested in the IT sector is to get involved with such areas at school. And that even if you didn't choose a technical branch at school, information technology is still a subject. Without having seen such topics and having had a look into these areas, you can't know whether it's a possible career field for your future or not. But I don't think it's necessary to explicitly "recruit" more women; that should apply to everyone.

At the end of the day, I can only recommend it to everyone: Take a look at different areas in the IT industry, maybe there's something you'll enjoy!

How did you get into IT and web development?

The proximity to IT already existed in my marketing days due to the common customer structure. Over time, I noticed that I could develop my talent in technical SEO more. During my time as a project manager outside valantic DXA, I took the opportunity to get even more involved in the subject. I continued my education privately and quit my job for further education in full stack web development. In other words, I put all my eggs in one basket.

Valantic DXA then took me on as a trainee to offer me further experience opportunities - and employed me as a junior.

How were you received at valantic DXA and how do clients react to you?

Although I already knew the agency, a lot changed during my absence. I joined a completely new, unknown team, so to speak. The reception was definitely very relaxed, which made it extremely easy for me to get started. I don't currently have any client contact, but the feedback from the PMs is very positive and constructive.

What would have to be done to encourage even more women to enter this professional field?

Perhaps this is a generational problem? Many people have little or no idea of this professional field or treat "IT" without subcategories. This means system administration, network, hardware, interfaces for SAP, websites, apps. This lack of knowledge may put many people off, especially if the school results, e.g. in maths, are not right - although this has nothing at all to do with my actual professional field. It's not as complex as many people might imagine - you just have to inform yourself.

Another reason is perhaps the compatibility of career and family - although of course this also comes into play in other professions. In the meantime, it is almost easier as a web developer than in other fields, thanks to the possibility of working remotely.

There is simply no getting around the fact that this topic should be dealt with at an early stage in school.

When did you start at valantic DXA and as what? Trainee, junior, senior etc...?

I started at valantic DXA in 2018 as a junior project manager straight after my bachelor's degree.

How did you get into the "tech" field? What was the reason why you took this step?

I have always had a fascination for technical contexts and always wanted to understand everything in detail. So I chose a degree programme that combined IT, design, business and communication. During my studies, I had many projects in software and web development and discovered my passion there. With the other disciplines, I then saw myself perfectly at home in technical project management.

How were you received at valantic DXA and how do clients react to you?

I received a very open and warm welcome at valantic DXA, everyone always had an open ear for me and the opportunity to develop into technical project management was also always encouraged.

What would have to be done to encourage even more women to enter IT / tech topics?

In my opinion, many women think IT = maths and that's not really true - I was super bad at maths ;). IT is more about analytical thinking or understanding logical connections and the willingness to learn. If there was the possibility in schools, no matter what the focus, to spend at least one year learning the basics of programming or an insight into tech topics, that would certainly change the picture and make it easier to get started.

When did you start at valantic DXA and as what? Trainee, junior, senior etc...?

I started at valantic DXA in 2010, initially as an assistant to the management. The switch to marketing as online marketing manager took place after only a few months.

How did you get into the "tech" field? What was the reason why you took this step?

By chance, actually. I came from a PR internship and was mainly interested in marketing. At valantic DXA, however, online marketing in the website universe with SEO, SEA and social media grabbed me quite quickly.

How were you received at valantic DXA and how do clients react to you?

From the very beginning, I was not only received in a friendly manner, but also actually as a team member. This message was also conveyed to the outside world by valantic DXA. For the most part, the clients did not react differently to me as a woman than to male colleagues with the same know-how.

What would have to be done to encourage even more women to enter IT / tech topics?

If it is really still necessary, then perhaps point out and advertise the diverse development and earning opportunities in the sector. Especially in the last few years, however, I think a lot has already happened here. When I look at our agency, but also at our clients, many women are already represented. Not only as developers or project managers with technical know-how, but also as product owners and contact persons on the client side for sometimes complex technical implementations. I think a lot has happened here compared to 10 years ago, and since there is a great need for young talent, there will certainly be a lot more.

Saskia, Silke, Maria and Eva are just four of over 40 female colleagues at valantic DXA. We want to continue to support women who choose a career path in the tech environment. Basically, we don't recruit by gender - but we believe in the power of diverse teams, of different perspectives and different needs. Diversity is not just a buzzword for us. The tech industry is booming, capable employees are desperately sought after - but female and non-binary colleagues are unfortunately rare. At DGLTS, we have a working environment in which values and competences such as solution orientation, creativity, perceptiveness and diligence are important. None of this is specifically "male". Our task in the coming years will continue to be to promote this working environment and diversity in the teams.

Would you also like to be a part of our journey? Then apply here!