Growing up in East-Berlin, I had no doubts everything was possible career wise. I was surrounded by women who worked full time in engineering, architecture and medicine, which was very important for me to see. After visiting a tech exhibition in grammar school, I wanted to become an astronaut to discover new planets.

I feel lucky that I only realized it relatively late in my career, when “mansplaining” on mostly technical issues started. I am still genuinely surprised when it happens, and it still does to this day.  What I learned the hard way is, that I have to address it immediately, and I prefer to do so mainly with humor.

First, do not be shy to voice your career aspirations, and second, trust in yourself and try out as much as possible. You will only know for sure if something is for you, if you give it a try.