„Women need to be independent“

A conversation about women, leadership & technology with Eva Christina Schwarzl

The aspect of women's advancement seems to be omnipresent in the corporate world. The second edition of the Guidance Blog discusses the practical substance of this topic. Eva Christina Schwarzl also gives valuable advice and tips for young students!

Eva Christina Schwarzl, divisional manager in the energy sector

You work as a divisional manager for a critical infrastructure operator in the public sector - what exactly fascinates you about this industry?

It is, of course, a very technical area to which I have a very strong affinity, because we are looking in the future every day and moving in that direction too. To give you some examples: Smart Grid and Smart Meter are important components for shaping the digitalized energy grid of the future. It gives me great pleasure to be able to support and promote this development in our company.

Women, Leadership & Technology: What do you associate with these terms?

Not hurdles, but challenges! There are few women in technical leadership positions, but they can make a huge contribution to a company's transformation because they bring valuable assets. I am convinced that it is not necessary to understand the technology down to the smallest detail in order to work in a technical area. The basic prerequisite is that you have technical experts around you and that their advice is carefully taken into account.

What do you think of special development programs for women in corporations?

This depends entirely on the type of the program. I believe, for example, that programs that only promote gendering are of limited benefit to women because, in my experience, it helps in the wrong place. Development programs must focus on women's core competencies in order to develop an organization.

Have you had mentors in your life? What makes good mentoring for you?

Of course, both in the private and in the professional field. The quintessence is to listen carefully, ask a lot of questions and grasp opportunities quickly. It is also necessary to take courageous decisions. I think women often have a problem with that. We often believe that men are just better at it than women. We have to look for this error in our own personality, we cannot blame men for it. Women have to convince by their performance and implement things, only complaining does not improve the situation!

When you hire applicants as an executive, do you observe extracurricular commitment?

The more extensive the experience, the better. Engagement outside of university life shows social competence, which is of enormous importance in professional life. Theoretical knowledge is greatly expanded as soon as responsibility in the extracurricular field is assumed. In particular, students show commitment and interest. This ambition must be clear. I would like to point out that clubs impart fundamental virtues such as politeness and teamwork.

What three pieces of advice can you give young women?

First, always be brave.

Secondly, women should not disguise themselves! There is a motto in my office from Coco Chancel: "The self-confident woman does not blur the difference between man and woman - she emphasizes it." Women must not find excuses about the profession or role of mother. Of course, organizing these aspects is a daunting challenge, but women should not expect companies to automatically adapt to them, even though there has been a great deal of progress in this area in recent years.

Thirdly, never fall into the role of the victim. Women will have to take independent steps to achieve equality in all areas of life. However, when we appear in a suffering role, we have already lost.

Finally, I would like to say that ...

Guidance is an extremely cool initiative. If I were still a student, I would have applied anyway. I think it is important to show young people opportunities. If someone had told me during my studies, that I was acting in my current role, I would not have believed it.

About the person Eva Christina Schwarzl

• Since 2017 in the divisional management of a network operator

• Previously working in the Consulting and Banking sectors

• Studied at the University of Graz and the Danube University in Krems