Coroplast Global | Insights | 22 Apr 2021 Girls Day at the Coroplast Group
Girls Day at the Coroplast Group - two of our female employees share their stories
Dr. Mareike Hanssen, Head of IT Applications at the Coroplast Group
Dr. Hanssen, you have been Head of IT Application at our company for some time now. What particular reasons or moments made you gain a strong foothold in what was supposed to be a male domain?
Since my mother was already a math teacher, the question of whether "girls can also be good at math" never occurred to me. I was always taught that math is fun and that it's not a question of gender whether you enjoy science and technology. That's why I studied financial and business mathematics at the Technical University of Braunschweig and then at the University of Hamburg immediately after graduating from high school - with advanced courses in mathematics and biology, by the way. After completing my PhD at Bayer Technology Services, I joined the company as an SAP consultant and was able to advance to the position of department manager. I am now looking forward to taking on the responsible role of Head of IT Applications at the Coroplast Group. I am particularly attracted by the teamwork and the high level of communication involved in this role.
What is it like for you to work in a so-called "man's job"? Does that still exist at all?
For me, IT is no longer a "man's job". Nevertheless, there are significantly more men than women in most IT departments. For me, women need to be recruited more actively. But unfortunately, the classic role model still exists in many minds and companies. When it comes to parental leave, at the latest, too many women leave the profession for a longer period of time and the way back is made quite difficult for them, especially in a management position.
What advice do you have for young women who have yet to start their careers?
Have the confidence to study science and enjoy what you do.
It has always been modeled to me that math is fun and that enjoying science and technology is not a matter of gender.
Natascha Hoffmeister, trainee electronics for plant
Ms. Hoffmeister, you are currently training to become an electronics technician for industrial engineering at the Coroplast Group. What particular reasons or moments led you to choose a technical apprenticeship?
I graduated from Realschule in 2014 and then from high school. Afterwards, I studied medical physics for two semesters, but the studies didn't meet my expectations, especially because I lacked practical work there. That's when I realized that an education with technical and practical work would be a better fit for me personally. In addition, I have always been very interested in technology.
What is it like for you to work in a profession that is considered to be a "man's job"? Does it still exist at all?
For me personally, there are no advantages or disadvantages to working in a "man's job"; I am treated the same as everyone else. In my opinion, there are no typical male/female professions or the classic role model.
What advice do you have for young women who have yet to start their careers?
Just do what you enjoy! And it's important not to be influenced by the opinions of others or let yourself be dragged down by setbacks.
Just do what you enjoy doing! And the important thing is not to be influenced by the opinion of others or to be dragged down by setbacks.
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