"Technology is not just technology, and skilled trades are not just skilled trades"
Interview series People&Culture at Messe Karlsruhe: Technical Project Manager Luisa Seefried
According to a recent analysis by the German Economic Institute (IW), only 16.4 percent of all employees in STEM professions in Germany are female. Although this figure has risen slightly compared to previous years, it is still very low. Women continue to be severely underrepresented in STEM professions. A year and a half ago, our colleague Luisa Seefried took the plunge and switched from project manager to technical project manager (TPM). We asked her why so few women still pursue technical or scientific careers, what she loves about her job, and what her experiences are like as the only female TPM in a male team.
Luisa, what exactly is a TPM, and what are your responsibilities?
Luisa Seefried: The scope of responsibilities for technical project management is truly diverse. It begins, of course, with the planning and coordination of technical services. We are responsible for compliance with all safety regulations, for coordination with the authorities, but also for the design and planning of the event, for example, forums and special shows. I am responsible for our own events, the NUFAM commercial vehicle trade fair and, together with a colleague, the art karlsruhe art fair and guest events. What I find particularly appealing about technical project management is the holistic overview that you always have to have in this position.
You originally started as a project manager at NUFAM. Although this is a trade fair that is already very industry-oriented, there is still a huge difference between a project manager who acquires exhibitors, plans the trade fair, or finalizes the program, and a technical project manager. How did this change come about for you?
Luisa Seefried: I really enjoyed the work and my tasks in the project team. Nevertheless, I was always interested in the broader technical planning: what goes into making an event successful and safe from a technical perspective. I wanted to develop further in this direction. I studied business management with a specialization in event management, which also included event technology. Nevertheless, there was a lot of new stuff for me to learn, and I knew that this would also be a challenge.
I thought long and hard before applying and also gathered some experience, and then I knew pretty quickly: this is what I want! In addition, I am also someone who loves challenges and always gives it my all. I then started my new job in February 2024.
You are the only female technical project manager in the team. The classic question: How does that feel? And: Was that even an issue?
Luisa Seefried: Working in predominantly male-dominated industries was already familiar to me from my six years at NUFAM, and—to be honest—it didn't matter to me at all whether I had male or female colleagues, because the main thing for me is that we work well together.
The fact that there are relatively few women pursuing careers in technology or science is also reflected in society as a whole. What do you think could be the reason for this?
Luisa Seefried: I think it's important to teach girls and women what these so-called STEM professions actually involve. Of course, people think of technology and natural sciences, but I believe that some women are not really aware of the wide variety of professions in this field or what specific activities a job description actually entails – and this makes them more hesitant than they need to be.
Does that mean, conversely, that more education is needed?
Luisa Seefried: I can still remember Girls' Day at school, when we got to spend a day trying out jobs in which women tend to be underrepresented. However, I believe it is just as important for children to come into contact with such career profiles more generally at school and to get to know the whole spectrum of STEM subjects. After all, technology is not just technology, and skilled trades are not just skilled trades. There is endless variety.
For example, at school I had the choice between technology and MUM*, and I chose MUM. Today I would say: If only I had chosen technology instead! But back then, I simply didn't know what was involved.
Do you see yourself as a role model? Do you promote positions in traditionally male-dominated fields in your circle?
Luisa Seefried: I like to encourage people to give these kinds of jobs and challenges a chance in general. It doesn't matter whether you're a woman or a man, or whether you have a completely different background. If you're interested in technology, just give it a try. For me, applying to be a TPL was simply the right decision.
If you had to get someone excited about your job in just one sentence, what would you say?
Luisa Seefried: If someone loves challenges and adventure in their job, and if someone wants to constantly expand their knowledge, then technical project management is the right job, because in this profession, there's never a dull moment!
A nice closing statement. Thank you very much, Luisa!
*MUM stands for people and the environment—the successor subject to home economics.
