Diversity in all its forms – culture, gender, age, sexuality, religion, – encourages a wider range of perspectives that allows a team to better solve problems and make decisions, and generally optimize performance at both an individual and business level. Women in tech, however, are unfortunately still heavily under-represented. In fact, women occupy just 22 percent of tech roles across European companies.
gridX is very proud of the many women that help advance the company’s ambitious goals. However, we are also aware that encouraging more women to join tech positions takes time and proactive action. So we’re putting the spotlight on three female developers – read their interviews below to find out what they do and how they think we can increase the number of women in tech.
Hadhemi Ferjani - Junior Solution Engineer in Munich
1. What do you do at gridX?
I’m a Solution Engineer in the Future Energy team.
2. What exactly is behind your job title?
I work together with my amazing colleagues to develop, implement and test software solutions which improve the efficiency and effectiveness of renewable energy resources and operations.
3. How did you come to choose a technical profession?
I have always been passionate about new technologies and I enjoy how complex problems can be solved with code. Ultimately, software engineering is a great way to make an impact by crafting meaningful and useful computer programs that people depend on and use.
4. How is it for you to work in a tech position at gridX?
It’s exciting and challenging. There is always something new to learn. People at gridX are really inspiring and support you to become a better version of yourself.
5. What message would you like to give to women or girls who are interested in technology?
A career in a technical position gives you the opportunity to use your skills to develop solutions for real world problems and make an impact. You can also use your creativity to bring innovative thinking to whatever tasks you take on. Technical positions come with a potential for career growth and the potential to become an expert in your field. These roles are also often very challenging and come with ample opportunities to learn and develop new skills. The technical industry is also extremely diverse and presents many paths to success. There is truly no better time than now to choose a technical position.
6. What challenges do you face specifically as a woman in your profession?
From my personal experience, I strongly believe that the challenges are not related to the fact of being a woman or a man.
7. Women in tech are unfortunately still a minority. What are your thoughts on this?
Women are slowly making their way into the world of technical positions such as software engineers, hardware and networking specialists and database administrators etc. While many of these fields have traditionally been male-dominated, women are now playing important roles in pushing technology forward. We have the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in technical fields, and more and more employers are capitalizing on this by increasing their hiring of female employees. With the right support and leadership, women can make significant contributions to the technological advancement of our society.
8. Do you have a role model?
My mom is definitely my role model. She has shown me what it looks like to have a strong work ethic and strive for excellence. She has shown me that making a positive impact in the world can make a difference and allows me to give back to others. Whenever I need help or advice, she is there for me with love and wisdom. My mom is the embodiment of what it means to be a strong, independent and determined woman. She inspires me every day and I couldn't be more grateful to have her in my life.
Egenaz Yücel- Support Engineer
Ilgin Camoglu - Frontend Developer
1. What do you do at gridX?
I am a Frontend Developer in an awesome team that creates state-of-the-art user experiences at gridX.
2. What exactly is behind your job title?
We create touchpoints for our customers that enable them to build digital energy solutions. We bring design, services and technology together for users to interact with. It’s not only about implementing efficient and scalable applications, but also providing users with the best possible user-friendly experience.
3. How did you come to choose a technical profession?
I always see myself as an analytical thinker. That was also the case when I was little. During my high school years, not only did I enjoy math and physics, but I also realized that I want to be part of something very dynamic that offers endless possibilities and potential.
4. How is it for you to work in a tech position at gridX?
It's great to have a new challenge every day. I learn a lot, improve myself and feel like I'm part of something that matters and can actually change the world. Most importantly, I feel that I am being heard and my opinion has value.
5. What message would you like to give to women or girls who are interested in technology?
Follow your passion and don’t be afraid to speak your mind.
6. What challenges do you face as a woman in your profession?
I know that many women in tech face challenges on many levels in their careers, but I am fortunate to work in a place where I do not have to experience any. Still, I would be happy to see more women joining the team.
7. Women in tech are unfortunately still a minority. What are your thoughts on this?
There are still unresolved issues facing women in tech around the world, such as gender bias in the workplace, unequal growth opportunities, and unequal pay. These issues need to be addressed every day. It's not just about having discussions, it's about taking action. I hope that the more of these problems are solved, the more women will be represented in the tech industry and that we will no longer be considered a minority in the future.
8. Do you have a role model?
No, I don’t have a role model. I believe that every person, especially women, needs to be their true self to have an impact in the world. We are all beautifully unique and we should act on it.
Do you want to join Egenaz, Hadhemi or Ilgin? Then apply now, we have lots of interesting job openings in all departments, and of course we would love for more women in tech to join our cause.