WoMent connects female students from Heilbronn with experts from the worlds of business and science. Sarah Bell and Anika Widmann share what they have learned from each other.
Ms. Bell, you were a mentee in the WoMent program. How has this shaped your career?
Sarah Bell: I wanted to work in the IT industry, preferably in the automotive sector. Thanks to my logistics studies at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences and my work-study positions in the automotive sector, I had already gained some initial insights into the industry and knew that I wanted to establish myself professionally in this field. However, I still wasn’t quite sure how to get started. Then I heard about WoMent. Thanks to the program and my mentor Anika, I gained more direction and self-confidence for my future path. The mentoring helped me find my way into the IT sector, even without a traditional IT degree.
How did you manage that?
Bell: Anika encouraged me to be more self-assured. I used to think that I had to fulfill all the requirements of a job profile in order to be able to apply. The mentoring taught me that personality matters too. To name an example: My hobby is programming. Anika gave me the idea of creating a game that showcases my strengths, values and skills, instead of submitting a traditional cover letter. This is how I convinced my first employer. Through the exchange, I’ve learned to reflect on myself and to ask myself when applying for jobs: Is the company actually a good fit for me and my values? The fact that I dared to take the plunge with such an unconventional application and to also apply to companies outside my original field was, for me, a result of the entire mentoring process.
Ms. Widmann, you are the founder of Kobold Consulting and a project manager at an automotive group. You were selected as a mentor for Sarah Bell. What was your first impression?
Anika Widmann: We immediately realized that we were a good fit, both professionally and personally. We treated one another as equals from the very beginning. We both had similar expectations of the program: It wasn’t about someone pulling job opportunities out of a hat, but about an honest exchange, concrete tips on job applications and support in moments of doubt.
Why did you become a mentor at WoMent?
Widmann: During my studies in England, I participated in a buddy program and experienced firsthand how valuable the exchange with professionals from the business world can be for someone who is just starting out in their career. That’s why I wanted to give something back and agreed to be involved in WoMent. Sarah was my first mentee. I’m now supporting my fourth mentee.
For many years, WoMent has been supporting female students at Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences on their path into professional life. Since 2020, the career development program has been a joint initiative of Heilbronn University, DHBW Heilbronn and Wissensstadt Heilbronn, funded by the Dieter Schwarz Foundation.
The program connects female students with experienced managers from business and science for one year. The focus is on specific questions regarding career planning and professional orientation – while at the same time fostering an interdisciplinary network. In addition to the one-on-one mentoring, WoMent offers a diverse continuing education program with workshops on personal development and future skills as well as in-depth career coaching and sound potential analysis.
The next application phase for female bachelor’s and master’s students at Heilbronn’s universities starts on April 20, 2026.
Has your career changed as a result?
Widmann: I used WoMent as an opportunity to train as a systemic coach. This allows me to support mentees even better and has also given me a new perspective myself.
You were part of the first WoMent cohort five years ago. Do you remember how your first meetings went?
Widmann: The first few hours with Sarah felt like looking in a mirror – Sarah had a lot of the same questions I had at the start of my career. A lot of it revolved around applications, networking and gaining visibility in the industry. From the very beginning, I wanted to emphasize to her that passion is the best tool for gaining a foothold in your dream job.
Bell: This made me realize how important it is to find a job that I feel comfortable in and that brings me joy. Anika also spoke very openly about her day-to-day work. She showed me all facets, not just the view through rose-colored glasses. These unfiltered impressions made it easier for me to find my way, because they gave me a realistic insight into the industry.
Ms. Bell, in addition to mentoring, the WoMent program also includes training courses and workshops. Which were most valuable for you?
Bell: I used to get nervous in front of large groups. During the mentoring, many meetings took place online due to the coronavirus pandemic. The training courses taught me how to present myself well digitally despite my nerves: how to position myself in front of the camera, how I come across and what I need to pay attention to in an online setting. Many of these tips still help me today in digital meetings.
WoMent is a mentoring program specifically for women. How important is that?
Widmann: Exchange is very important, especially in a digital world. In technical fields, where women are often in the minority, mentoring creates a safe space. Here, you can ask questions openly, exchange ideas and share experiences.
Bell: I can only emphasize that. Particularly in sectors where women are still underrepresented, networks are all the more important. Through our exchange, I have learned how to make myself visible as a woman in a rather male-dominated field and actively use contacts to my advantage. And when you see women in positions of responsibility, it broadens your own horizons. Thanks to Anika, I knew: That’s what I want to achieve too. She remains a role model for me to this day.
So you’re still in touch today?
Widmann: Yes. We both now work for the same company, which makes it quite easy for us. We meet for lunch or run into each other from time to time in our daily lives. It’s great to support Sarah and see how she is developing.
Bell: I still like to ask Anika for advice today, even though it’s no longer her job. She has a very good eye and gives clear, honest feedback. The fact that this turned into a friendship is a very nice side effect of the program.
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