Women in technology continue to lag behind their male counterparts in terms of representation, leadership roles, and pay. Many systemic issues must be addressed for women to achieve greater equality in technology, and devmio wants to help by providing an opportunity for inspiring women to introduce themselves and share their stories about why they chose a career in technology.

Every Wednesday, devmio celebrates women in the tech world. This week, we’d like to introduce you to Monika Arbter-Hubrich, Head of Digital Solutions at Samhammer AG.

Today’s Woman in Tech: Monika Arbter-Hubrich, Head of Digital Solutions at Samhammer AG.

How long have you been interested in tech? How did you first come into contact with tech?

It was always there. As a small child, I was introduced to my big brother's Kosmos electrical construction kit and my aunt's microscope, and later, I copied Basic code lines on the C64.

Could you tell us about your career path? How did you get to where you are now?

Professionally, I did everything the traditional way at first. I come from a working-class family, and it was also common in my circle of friends to do an apprenticeship after graduating from middle school. At just 16 years old and in the countryside, you're lucky to get any apprenticeship, especially somewhere close. So a bank clerk apprenticeship was on the agenda. It was neither technical nor did it include a lot of complicated maths.

In the years after my apprenticeship, I realised that there had to be more to life than a career as a bank advisor, and after completing my degree in business administration, I went on to become a state-certified business economist and changed employers. That was truly a stroke of luck. A small to medium-sized company with a boss who valued simple people and provided opportunities for everyone to contribute and grow. I discovered my passion for processes, workflows, data, and technical software solutions there. Diligence and passion almost predetermined the career path. Then came family planning, but I was always able to work during this time, although on a smaller scale and with less responsibility.

In the final weeks of my maternity leave before the birth of my second child, I started a distance learning programme in business informatics. I had been thinking about getting another degree for a while at the time, and I had also applied for a scholarship from the Foundation for the Promotion of Gifted and Talented People in Vocational Education. After I was accepted for a scholarship, I interpreted this as a sign of fate, and I completed my studies in 4 ½ years while working and raising a family. Professionally, everything went on as usual. Even before the end of my studies, I held a management position in software development. I was still working for the same company that I had started after leaving the bank.

Limits were set more by the general framework of society and education.

Are there any women who have supported or encouraged you? Do you have a role model?

I've never had a clear role model. My surroundings encouraged or supported me, but no one did so consciously or on purpose:

• My mother, who made me take care of my own things from a young age because she despises authorities and paperwork.
• My aunt, who showed me early on that you can pursue interests like astronomy or general education as a hobby, and that your head is there to think, not just to solve routine tasks.
• My math teacher, who told me at the time that he would be offended if I only did a stupid vocational training rather than a specialised baccalaureate and continuing my studies. It took some time for him to be right.
• My two daughters, who show me every week that girls can do anything they set their minds to. My little girl's dream job is to be a princess, by the way. When asked if she had found a prince to marry, she replied, "No, I'm going to do it as a profession and learn how to do it. You can do it even if you are not married… So, perhaps I'll become queen right away... And then I'll consider who I'll marry, have at least six children, and have them work in my workshop while I'm there." I'm curious to see which workshop that will be, hopefully she won't be a rocket scientist.

Did anyone try to impede your success?

Not consciously. Limits were set more by the general framework of society and education. You could learn how to use a computer if your parents could afford one. If your parents couldn’t afford one, you were just unlucky and had to settle for learning to type on a typewriter.

What is your current position and what company do you work for? What exactly do you do there, and what is a typical day like for you?

My title is Head of Digital Solutions. I'm in charge of software solutions that are used both internally and externally as software as a service.

My responsibilities include anything and everything related to software development. We build prototypes with colleagues from the operational environment, evaluate new technologies, and finally transfer them into a software product with my teams of software developers, DevOps engineers, UI/UX designers, data science, and AI experts.

Our society is made up of both men and women, why shouldn't the roles be distributed equally?

Tell us about a project you're working on.

My current project is called "Programming for the Youngest." I organise courses in which children as young as five years old are introduced to programmatic thinking and software development before they learn to read.

Why are there so few women in tech? What challenges do women still face?

I believe the barrier is lower in the educational system, but it remains in the social environment. Dolls and dresses are still available in the girls' section, while robots and construction kits are available in the boys' section. We shouldn't keep them apart.

When I look at my two daughters, I see that they enjoy a variety of things. Children are true all-arounders. Whatever gender they are. They enjoy programming with me, gazing at the stars through the telescope, and conducting STEM experiments. They are, however, equally enthusiastic about painting, dancing, dresses, and doll carriages.

Which stereotypes about women in technology have you encountered? What problems arise from that?

In fact, not many. As a tech woman, you may feel lonely at times because you work with a lot of male colleagues. That, however, does not bother me. So far, I've only met pleasant coworkers. I believe it also depends on the industry and the grey gorillas you might encounter there.

Invest your time and, if necessary, money in your education, and the rest will fall into place.

Why should there be more women in tech? Would the world be a different place if more women worked in STEM fields? What advantages do you believe more women in technology would bring? Would fields would benefit the most?

I struggle to find an answer to the question "why," because this question should not be asked. Our society is made up of both men and women, why shouldn't the roles be distributed equally? However, I would argue that employment should not be based on quotas. Tomorrow's society should simply provide everyone with the same opportunity to pursue their passions.

What does the future hold for the diversity debate?

If you believe the saying "the mouth of babes speaketh truth" and what my daughters tell me, the diversity debate should be over soon. But that could just be our personal filter bubble. What my children hear is simply their personal truth.

Do you have any advice for women who want to work in tech? What should other young women and girls know about working in tech?

It must be enjoyable for you and relevant to your personal interests. If you have a strong interest in the subject, go ahead and pursue it. Invest your time and, if necessary, money in your education, and the rest will fall into place.