She started as a Production Engineer in Gimo,
Why did you want to become an engineer
It was a combination of the era and my upbringing. In high school in
What was your experience studying in a male dominated academic field
After high school I began to study at
To be able make it as a woman in a male dominated business you need some extra power from within to actually do what you want, because sometimes you need to assure some of the people around you that you belong
What does your current position entail
I'm responsible for sales in
What is the future for your field
How to handle data and transform that into real customer scenarios. Intelligent tooling and artificial intelligence will make the industry more efficient and safer as the tools themselves, for example, can communicate when they need to be exchanged for new ones. I think AI and robotics will broaden the scope for female engineers as it promotes a more holistic view of the industry where you combine knowledge and see different aspects and possibilities.
You have had a long career within Sandvik, how did it start
As a PhD student at LTU I was asked to go to an interview for a position as production engineer at Sandvik's facilities in Gimo. I remember them asking me, a bit typical maybe, if I wouldn't be startled by the machines. But I had my welding exam to show I had the practical experience with production machines and so I was hired. It was a great place to work at, very friendly and heartfelt.
How have you navigated your role within the industry
Wherever I have been in the world, my competence has never been challenged. There have been some occasions when someone outside of Sandvik has addressed me as the secretary, even though that has never been my role, but otherwise my expertise and position has not been disputed.
What are your main leadership traits
I listen, observe and then I act in the way that is most beneficial.
Have you had any female role models
Not in the industry, for obvious reasons; there weren't any female engineers on my level to identify with. My role model in life is my mother, who was courageous and had a great drive within.
What would you like to say to female students today that you would have wanted to hear yourself
Focus, focus, focus and follow through. Don't give up on your aspirations and keep doing what is important to you. To be able make it as a woman in a male dominated business you need some extra power from within to actually do what you want, because sometimes you need to assure some of the people around you that you belong. And, get a female mentor. I never really had one, even though I have a great network. In hindsight I realize it would have been a good thing to have a female mentor to go to just to vent and develop ideas.
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