In our series, we present individual stories about female employees at Telekom Technik GmbH. Jennifer Specht is a supporter of lifelong learning. Learn more about her great success here – her career path, which started with a team assistant role, has led her to become the product owner of a business management tool with 1,500 users and a team of 11.
Jennifer, how did you end up at Telekom Technik?
Jennifer: I accepted a job as a team assistant following my vocational training as an office communications administrator. After transferring internally to Telekom Technik, I took the lead in a software development project. After returning from my maternity and subsequent parental leave, I was responsible for the development of a new business management tool and, after two years, took the lead in the project as the product owner.
What’s your current role at Technik?
Jennifer: As a product owner, I have been responsible for the development of Telekom Technik’s business management tool since 2016. My team consists of three external developers and eight internal employees. I collect new requirements from the business, agree on them and translate them into IT requirements. I support the development process, carry out testing with the team, accept new developments, and install them. In addition to all this, I draw up training materials and carry out training. Automation is becoming bigger and bigger and in some cases requires new working methods, even within the development team. There’s never a dull moment.
There is no right or wrong way, just your own.
What particular challenges do you face as a woman working at Technik?
Jennifer: There are no challenges here that are particular to women. I generally see challenges as something positive and not gender-specific. I get excited about new tasks and new developments. My superiors recognize my potential and always encourage me to keep my eyes open, explore new paths, and keep furthering my own development. In everything that I try, I am supported, encouraged, and those around me keep their promises. We place great value on having trusting relationships and benefit from a strong basis of trust. That’s how I have been able to keep developing personally and am now in a job that has nothing to do with my training.
What drives you in your work?
Jennifer: Curiosity, an interest in innovation, and readiness to change. On top of that is courage and the opportunity to implement ideas on my own. I am very self-motivated. I work a lot, but I love doing it too. Finding something interesting is the greatest motivation. It gives me so much joy when new features work, get used, and we receive positive feedback on them.
What are your career tips?
Jennifer: Believe in yourself and
- Keep an eye on your environment and new trends.
- Get involved and take on challenges that others might shy away from.
- Be open to new, exciting topics.
- Take opportunities for personal change.
Jennifer Specht’s story is one of many that show how employees can develop at Telekom and just how different their career paths can be. Do you want to start your career with us? Click here for jobs at Technik. We look forward to meeting you. And you can look forward to the next story about Women@Technik. Stay tuned!☺️
