The evening’s guest speaker was Françoise von Trapp, editor of the semiconductor journal 3D InCites, who gave an overview of best practices applied in the semiconductor industry to create corporate cultures that promote women in tech.
SWE’s advisor Rishelle Wimmer gave an introduction to the role that corporate culture plays in sustaining a diverse workplace. Emphasizing the necessity of establishing an inclusive work environment, in order to sustain industries ever growing demand for a qualified technical workforce.
A lively discussion ensued after Françoise von Trapp related strategies implemented in the semiconductor industry to promote and retain women in their companies. In addition to focusing on classical flexible working conditions, rigorously enforcing equal pay standards, promoting women in executive management positions, and hiring an international workforce; some companies also recruited new hires directly from women’s networks such as SWE. Other novel approaches were presented, such as not only inviting students to be interns, but also having school teachers participate in summer internship programs designed to acquaint them with technology and further career opportunities. As teachers are a primary source of career and further education advice.
Together with representatives from Palfinger software development, Wüstenrot-Datenservice, Skidata, Porsche Informatik, Porsche Bank and Salzburg AG, the students and professional women could discuss these important issues and expand their professional network.
