Actually, I did not really have a dream career even though I was ambitious in school and achieved top grades. The professions I found interesting when I was young were nurse (not doctor!), stewardess (not pilot!) and teacher (like my father). I assumed I would be a stay-at-home mum eventually.
 
So, without a clear idea of what I wanted to achieve after school, I followed my mother’s advice to do an apprenticeship in a local bank because it would be a safe and solid option. While I did not develop a passion for banking, I wanted to do my very best and finished the apprenticeship with the best grades possible. Only when I later began studying international business administration did I realize that anything linked to business and business management was really “my thing”.
 
Even though I did not have a clear plan early on or sometimes worked in roles that were not exactly what you’d describe as exciting, the fact that I have always tried my very best has helped me greatly during my entire career. This mindset has opened up the opportunities that have got me to where I am now. Talking about “now”: I would also like to mention that I am not only what people would typically call a successful career woman, but also a very happy and proud mother of two teenagers.

After I finished my apprenticeship with a top grade, I was offered a job that in no way reflected my potential or really offered a career path in banking. A male colleague who had not completed his apprenticeship to the same level as I had, was invited to participate in a tailored career advancement program. When I asked the CEO of that bank – with whom I had requested a meeting, summoning all my courage – why I had not been invited to take part in the program, he bluntly told me that I was a female and would therefore stop working sooner or later anyway.
 
The good news from that meeting was that his response and this decision by my employer motivated me to quit and begin studying international business administration. While this event was during a different time to now, I still wonder how this could have happened? But I am proud that I had the courage to ask for a meeting with the CEO, requested an answer and subsequently handed in my resignation. Hopefully I made a lasting impression upon him and our meeting made it a little easier at least for female apprentices in the future.

Strive to be the very best you can and do your best in whatever role or situation you find yourself in. Do not assume that people will see you, your performance or understand your aspirations. Be vocal about all three and make yourself visible. Don’t be afraid to voice what you want to achieve in your career and if you don’t know exactly what that is yet, then make sure that opportunities find you so that you and your talent are seen.