Technical professions have traditionally been seen as a male-dominated field. Industry, manufacturing, and engineering are often associated with male professionals – but this perception is gradually changing. More and more women are choosing technical career paths and bringing new perspectives to industrial work environments.
Despite this progress, women remain underrepresented in technical professions in Germany. According to data from the Federal Employment Agency, women account for only around 16 to 18 percent of employees in STEM occupations – that is, in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. At the same time, interest in technical degree programs continues to grow. Data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) shows that the share of women among first-year students in STEM fields has been steadily increasing for several years. The MINT Women Data Portal confirms this trend.
As a result, the technical workplace is becoming increasingly diverse – a development that is also reflected in the day-to-day operations of many industrial companies.
Change in Action: Women in Operations at redi
This shift is also visible at the redi-Group. Women work in a wide range of technical roles – including quality inspectors, deployment and order coordinators, project managers, and engineers. They coordinate processes, ensure quality standards, and play a key role in the success of complex industrial projects.
For Alla Haidenko, an Order Management Coordinator at the redi-Group, the fascination of technical work lies primarily in the combination of structure and problem-solving:
“What excites me most is seeing complex systems come together and ultimately deliver a working result. For me, technology isn’t just about machines – it’s about organization, precision, and solving problems.”
Julia Schmidt, Operations Coordinator at redi, finds the dynamic nature of the operations environment particularly motivating:
“The variety in my daily work keeps things exciting. Decisions often need to be made quickly, but at the same time you always have to keep the bigger picture in mind.”
These examples show that technical careers today extend far beyond traditional engineering work. Organization, communication, and a strong understanding of processes are just as important for the success of modern projects.
Career Paths in Technical Professions
There are many different paths into technical careers. Often, an interest in technology doesn’t start with machines themselves, but with a fascination for processes, workflows, and solving complex problems.
Alla describes how she found her way into the field:
“From an early stage, I realized that I was especially interested in technical processes and structured workflows. This combination of organization and technical understanding is exactly what makes my work in operations so interesting.”
Nadine Zänger-Winkelmann, Operations Coordinator and Deputy Site Manager at redi, also entered her current role through hands-on experience in the automotive industry. She started her career as a quality inspector and later took on responsibility as a shift supervisor.
“No two projects are the same. Even if many processes start in a similar way, each project requires individual decisions and active process management.”
These examples illustrate that technical careers often develop step by step. Practical experience, responsibility in day-to-day project work, and continuous professional development all play a central role.
Challenges — and How Women Navigate Them
Despite positive developments, many technical industries are still largely male-dominated. As a result, women sometimes face challenges – for example when it comes to demonstrating their expertise or establishing themselves in new roles.
Alla addresses this openly:
“Sometimes women have to prove themselves more or are underestimated. It’s important to be confident, well prepared professionally, and committed to continuous learning.”
Balancing career and family responsibilities also remains an important topic in technical professions. Flexible work structures, strong team support, and clear communication can make a significant difference.
Julia highlights the importance of personal attitude:
“Courage, authenticity, and empathy are qualities that make women strong leaders – and help their teams succeed.”
Stephanie Sorge from the HR team at the redi-Group adds:
“For us, it’s important to create working conditions that reflect different life situations. Flexible working hours and individual solutions help employees better balance their careers and family life.”
Diversity as a Success Factor in Technical Teams
Diverse teams bring together different perspectives, experiences, and ways of thinking. In complex technical projects, this diversity can be a real advantage – whether when optimizing processes or developing innovative solutions.
Alla sees these benefits clearly in her daily work:
“In mixed teams, different experiences and perspectives come together. That often leads to more creative solutions and a better understanding of customer needs.”
Nadine also sees clear advantages for project work:
“Different backgrounds lead to better discussions and more well-informed decisions. Especially when dealing with complex topics, diverse perspectives are incredibly valuable.”
Studies show that teams with diverse perspectives often make more balanced decisions and respond more flexibly to complex challenges.
Looking Ahead: Technology Needs Diversity
The number of women in technical professions is growing – slowly but steadily. With increasing student numbers, greater visibility, and new role models, the perception of technical careers is also evolving.
Companies play an important role in this development. Open corporate cultures, clear career opportunities, and transparent development paths help encourage more women to pursue technical careers.
For young women considering a career in a technical field, Nadine has a clear message:
“Have the courage to follow your own path – even in male-dominated industries. Expertise, curiosity, and perseverance are your strongest tools.”
The transformation within technical industries is already underway. With every new perspective and every new career path, the sector becomes more diverse.
Because one thing is becoming increasingly clear: technology needs diversity.