1. What is your job at link|that?
I install and support telephone systems, primarily in call centers. This starts with the installation of the telephone system itself, the configuration of a wide variety of call flows – the path a call takes from arriving at the system to being answered by an agent – and the implementation of AI (artificial intelligence) such as voice control into the systems. After configuration comes installation and then agent training, as well as on-site support at GoLive and ongoing maintenance.
I support my customers with their call center locations all over the world, so I’ve been around a bit!
2. How did you get the idea to work as a VoIP system specialist?
Personally I didn’t come up with the idea at all 😊. I applied for 2nd level support at link|that was a position that was advertised for a large project at the time. I had just finished my training and was completely new to the field. It was supposed to be an entry-level job. During the selection process, however, I was only second best. The best colleague got the job. But I didn’t have the opportunity to be sad, because I was able to impress them with my knowledge, and they offered me a job that didn’t even exist at the time. I was supposed to help out in the VoIP team first, continue learning and taking a foothold. And so I was asked if I would like to try that instead of 2nd level support. So of course I immediately said YES. 😊 I acquired knowledge of the telephone systems, and then put it to use in the newly created job. What can I say? I think by now it’s hard to imagine the VoIP team without me. I have already found my own special field!
3. What kind of education did you have?
After the classical education via elementary school and high school I went to commercial school. A commercial education, to my chagrin, but the wish of my parents. Only after some professional stops in the office, in the insurance sector and in trade, I could retrain after the maternity leave with my son Andre! I knew that I wanted to do something else, but what, that was completely unclear. So I first went through the FiT program (Women in Technology). In this program, you have the opportunity to get a taste of various technical and skilled trades. Along the way, you refresh your general knowledge and get the time to research your “dream job,” the possibilities of apprenticeships, and so on.
My path led me via a university entrance examination directly to the TGM (Technologisches Gewerbemuseum – Höhere Technische Bundeslehr- und Versuchsanstalt) to the 2-year college for network technology. At the beginning there were nine of us, but unfortunately at the end there were only two of us left. In the end, I graduated from the college with a diploma and good results. After three years on the job, I got my engineering degree.
4. Do you think it is more difficult for a woman to gain a foothold in a male-dominated field or have you ever had the feeling that you were not taken seriously as a woman in your profession?
No, I don’t think it’s harder to get a foothold as a woman in a male-dominated field. Yes, you will be “tested” at the beginning, but if you have knowledge, brains and charm, you will have male colleagues and partners on your side very quickly.
5. What advice do you have for all women who want to follow the same path as you?
Have the courage!!! If you enjoy technology, then do the appropriate training and find your dream job. Fun is the most important thing, because if you don’t enjoy what you do, you won’t do it well. Stones that you find in the way – just clear them away. You can do it, you just have to really want to!