“Thanks to Anika, I knew: That’s what I want to achieve too”

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.

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.