Lecture series by “Ladies in MINT”

What we experience as ‘normal’ during our studies and in our everyday working lives is often shaped by structural factors, even if it seems self-evident to us. 

In this interactive session, we’ll explore how networks, rules of the game and visibility emerge, and for whom they work particularly well. 

Together, we’ll reflect on our own experiences and then take a look at construction practice: what patterns emerge there – and what does this mean for us as future engineers?

The aim is to become aware of these structures before we help shape them ourselves later on.

Come along and join the discussion!

‘Hands-on Systems Engineering’ workshop, 75 mins 

Vehicles are becoming more sophisticated and complex. How can we make sense of these systems? The systems engineering approach offers an interdisciplinary method that enables complex technical systems to be developed and implemented efficiently. 

Join us for a hands-on workshop! Generate new ideas and think them through logically using the systems engineering approach! 

Presentation: ‘Competency Profiles Put to the Test’ 30 mins 

Following a brief introduction to the competence profiles, I’ll explain how I’m now using them retrospectively to reflect on the stages of my career. 

Further questions can be discussed in a subsequent Q&A session. 

A leading management and specialist consultancy that supports companies in the energy sector as they transition towards a digital, decentralised and decarbonised future.

When someone asks me, ‘What do you actually do for a living?
’, I reply: ‘Something to do with energy.’
‘Ah, are you a yoga teacher?

In my talk, I’ll discuss the misunderstandings I encounter and how I started my career as an engineer. I’ll talk about my day-to-day work in the still male-dominated energy sector, my contribution to the energy transition and my career path from trainee to manager. I’d like to offer some insights into the challenges I face every day, what motivates and drives me, and how I balance my work and private life – and benefit from doing so. Together, let’s talk about why the energy sector offers an exciting future, what drives me and why I would choose this path again in a heartbeat – perhaps you would too?

Verena Nitsch has been a professor at RWTH Aachen University since 2018, where she heads the Institute of Ergonomics.

Her career path is unusual, yet not untypical for an interdisciplinary ergonomics researcher.

At the age of just 16, she set off into the world on her own and lived first in the USA, where she attended high school and was particularly fascinated by the subject of psychology. She initially studied this subject in Australia, then in the UK, where she obtained her Master's degree in Work and Organisational Psychology at the renowned Manchester Business School. One of her main areas of study there was human–machine interaction, which involves, amongst other things, researching the effects of technology on human work. As she had always had an affinity for technology, she was immediately captivated by the subject. And she asked herself:

How should technologies be designed to effectively support people at work? She spent 10 years researching this at the University of the German Armed Forces in Munich, where she did a doctorate in Engineering and, at the age of 30, received her first appointment as a professor. She now feels right at home at the interface between occupational psychology and engineering.

In her talk, Professor Nitsch will discuss her career path, what drives her and the experiences she has had. She will also be happy to answer questions about her main area of research.

Ms Leonie Beek has been a Research Assistant in the Multifilament Technology group at the Institute of Textile Technology at RWTH Aachen University since 2019.

Her research interests include filtration, texturisation, bionics and the functionalisation of fibres.

“I’ve always been interested in how the things around me work,” explains Leonie Beek.

In her talk, she will discuss her career path to date and her day-to-day life as a doctoral candidate at RWTH Aachen University.

She knows that it’s worth persevering, believing in your goals and pursuing them. “Anyone can complain. But if you want to make a difference, you need to take action. It’s better to take matters into your own hands and shape your own path according to your own vision.”

She’ll talk about the challenges she faced when moving from the Westphalian University of Applied Sciences in Bocholt to RWTH, but also about the opportunities that opened up as a result. 

Does the path always lead from a dream to a goal to success? How can you deal with a lack of motivation and the ‘valley of tears’? In a discussion session afterwards, she will be happy to answer these and other questions.

Since 2023, David Edel has been leading the Ford Pro Team at Ford Motor Company with great success. His responsibilities encompass customer service for commercial vehicles in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Prior to this role, he demonstrated his capabilities in the pioneering dual transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles and digital value chains. During this time, he held various positions in portfolio planning, business transformation and technology strategy. He also acquired his extensive expertise through his successful studies in Engineering Management and Mechanical Engineering, which he completed in 2015 with a Master of Science from RWTH Aachen University.

Betty Cherian-Oddo, plant manager of the ‘Pilot Plant’ (prototype construction) at Ford Werke GmbH, has carved out a career for herself in the male-dominated world of motoring, starting with an apprenticeship as an industrial mechanic. She then successfully completed a degree in ‘Production and Manufacturing Engineering’ at RWTH Aachen University. Her career path took her back to Ford, the company where she had completed her apprenticeship. Within the company, she gained extensive experience in the production departments as well as in the ‘Strategy and Business Transformation’ division.

You can read our news article on this talk here

"Knowledge is the best way to keep pace in a rapidly changing world." This is the key message from our Consultant, Katharina Schmitz. Many of you may be familiar with the warning you’ve heard from people in your own circle or from friends: “Don’t go on to further qualifications, or you’ll end up overqualified!”

In her talk, Ms Schmitz will explore the topic of further study after a Bachelor’s degree and provide insights into academic life at university. Drawing on best practices from her own career path, she aims to offer you inspiration on how to plan your career and avoid being discouraged by preconceptions, setbacks or uncertainties.

Julia Kessler is a former doctoral candidate and Research Assistant at FB8, and co-founder of the GoetheLab for Additive Manufacturing. She also founded IwF GmbH, an affiliated institute of FH Aachen, where she is now Executive Director. She currently works as a professor of additive manufacturing at the Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences.

Her talk demonstrates how dreams can change, how new opportunities arise, and how, with determination and courage, one can tackle any challenge.

You can read our news article about this talk here.

We are delighted to announce Ms Friederike Philipsenburg as our first speaker. She is responsible for Technology Strategy Europe at Ford-Werke GmbH. In her talk, ‘Technology Moves Us’, she will discuss her day-to-day work, opportunities for women in technical professions and training options.

Afterwards, there will be a group discussion where your questions can be answered.

To help us plan the venue and refreshments, please register briefly by emailing [email protected]. You can also attend without prior registration or, if you prefer, via Webex.