In our series, we present individual stories about female employees at Telekom Technik GmbH. Elke Brummer decided against doing a degree, but this hasn’t stopped her from progressing to the manager role she holds today.
Elke, describe your journey to Telekom Technik
Elke: I did my apprenticeship as an IT systems electronics engineer in the field at Deutsche Telekom. During the apprenticeship, I worked as an installer and as a service technician in the business customer segment. Then I switched to in-house operations at Telekom Technik GmbH, and I’m still there today. For the last three years, I have been in charge of order management in our department. We are the gateway and make sure that the right people receive the right order at the right time. Through our work, we enable more and more people to access fast internet every day. I was able to “grow” at Telekom Technik – ultimately becoming team leader. Daring to take this step makes me unbelievably proud.
Why did you decide on your current job?
Elke: For a long time, I had the impression that you had to be tough as nails and authoritarian to be able to work as a manager. That’s why I never saw myself in a management role. My managers showed me that it didn’t have to be like that, and that the leadership culture at Deutsche Telekom had changed. I grew into my team leadership role without being aware of it. I had several team leaders who supported me and so I was able to take on the role of team leader in 2021.
For me, it’s important for the pace and path to feel right.
How do you perceive your role as a female manager?
Elke: In our management circle, respect guides our daily behavior. We maintain an open exchange and an objective feedback culture. Of course, no two days are the same. I have become aware that, depending on the environment, I take on different roles, adapt my behavior and am therefore more successful. The “Assertiveness and negotiation skills” seminar really helped me to recognize this.
What makes you tick?
Elke: By nature, I am a reserved, quiet, harmonious person. But I also consider myself to be self-confident. For me, self-confidence doesn’t mean being loud or always being involved in everything, but having an opinion, sticking to my point of view, and representing it. I also find it important to celebrate the small achievements, and to be proud of the small things I have accomplished by myself. All of these things are essential for my job. In my position, I have to represent the interests of my team as well as the interests of our division and Deutsche Telekom, and find a balance in doing so. That also means taking decisions that don’t please everyone. That’s outside my comfort zone, but I get positive feedback from colleagues.
What are your personal career tips?
Elke: Don’t listen to well-meaning recommendations of what a career path should “normally” look like. There isn’t just one way. If you want to do something, have a go! Be brave and trust yourself to step into unknown territory. It’s also important and helpful to talk to your manager. There are so many opportunities at Deutsche Telekom. Trust yourself to take on a project or a new task. Step outside of your comfort zone, but stay yourself. You don’t have to be perfect.
Elke Brummer’s story is one of many that show the career opportunities our company offers. 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! ☺️
