Shattering Stereotypes

Some women, like Valeria, who was interested in technology as a child and enjoyed tinkering, have successfully made their way in the world of technology. Valeria touchs on that self-confidence is extremely important, especially when you unexpectedly appear as a technical expert and do not conform to the expected male stereotype. However, her experiences also make it clear that women in the tech world often have to prove themselves more and are exposed to a harsher working environment than in typically female-dominated industries.

Elina and Noemi have had similar experiences. They highlight how important it is not to underestimate yourself and to believe in your own abilities. They also advise not taking too long to make decisions and occasionally stepping out of your comfort zone. They also appreciate the range of additional benefits on offer, such as yoga and English courses, which play an important role in motivating employees and promoting a positive working atmosphere. They also mention the great advantage of working in a global environment where you have the opportunity to immerse yourself in different cultures, interact with people from all over the world and even travel. This aspect adds another layer to her professional life in a technical environment.

Ainhoa, a mother of twins, spotlights the paramount importance of a healthy work-life balance, which is firmly anchored as a core principle at INFICON. From her personal experience, she points out how important it is for employees to be flexible, for example in terms of working hours. These working conditions not only accommodate different lifestyles, but also allow employees to manage their time efficiently, reduce stress and increase their overall wellbeing. She believes that by promoting a harmonious work-life balance, INFICON not only creates a happier and more motivated workforce, but also fosters a culture of productivity and resilience - regardless of gender or orientation.

They all underline that at INFICON, where men and women work equally and an open culture prevails, there is respectful interaction between colleagues. However, they would like to see more women represented in the industry to create a more balanced group dynamic and bring in different perspectives.

^{*Valeria Poma (Customer Application Engineer), Elina Graf (Physics Laboratory Technician), Ainhoa Pardo (Application Scientist), Noemi Riederer (Product Manager)}