Celebrating parcelLab's Women in Tech

The team takes care of product implementation and consult with our customers to ensure that they get the most out of our service. One of my colleagues recently described me as ‘Scrum Master for the Team’. Meaning, I lay the foundation so that the team can do their best work, grow, exchange knowledge and experience... and have great fun at the same time!

 

What attracted you to working at parcelLab?  

I found parcelLab the classic way, searching for a new challenge on one of the job platforms. From the first contact I had with the HR team, I was attracted by the openness and kindness everyone at parcelLab conveys. The kindness makes you immediately feel part of the ‘crew’. The openness allows you to add value to the company with your very own individuality.

How did you get into Tech?  

This, of course, happened by coincidence. I studied Business Administration, but during my first job, I worked with developing tools and UI, working closely with developers. I enjoyed this so much, that I just stuck with it. 

What do you think is the best thing about working in Tech?  

The variety. You work in one industry, but there is an endless amount of products to work with. It feels like there is something for everyone. I also love that in Tech anything is possible. You just need an idea and you are ready to start. And, I also love the variety of people. Luckily, Tech is international and no matter which country you are based in, you are usually surrounded by multiple nationalities and languages. 

In your view, what is the greatest challenge about working in Tech?

Managing expectations. I mentioned above that in Tech anything is possible. It is, but of course... not always immediately. ???? Especially when it comes to customers, it is crucial to understand the real requirements and find the best solution, which serves individual needs but is scalable at the same time.

What advice would you give a woman trying to get into Tech? 

Believe in yourself and don´t question yourself. This goes for any industry, but I guess especially for one that still is mostly covered by male colleagues. Do not compare yourself with others around you. Find out your own individuality and your own area of expertise and follow this path. 

In your opinion, how can companies attract more women into their Tech roles?  

I believe we just have to take every chance and opportunity to be an example for the importance of diverse teams. This does not only apply to gender. This goes for anything (gender, cultural background, beliefs, personalities etc). The world is colorful and so our products, teams and work environments must be, too. 

There were quite a few things that attracted me to parcelLab. Firstly the way they advertised all of their roles was so unique. You could see immediately that they don't just focus on the customer experience but put a great deal of effort into their employee experience and job satisfaction. Secondly, the interview process was exciting... yes, exciting! In fact it didn't feel like I was having interviews at all. Everything felt so comfortable and welcoming. The final attraction was that we aligned on core values and goals. This was the most important factor for me when choosing a company to work with. 

How did you get into Tech? 

I always had a knack for technology. However, my first job out of school was working as a receptionist for an IT Consulting Company. My manager and mentor at the time saw potential in me and gave me the opportunity to study part-time and work full-time as a junior IT Administrator. The rest is history! 

What do you think is the best thing about working in Tech? 

I get to work in an ever-changing industry and environment. This means that I get to continuously learn and develop as well. There is never a dull moment working in Tech!

In your view, what is the greatest challenge about working in Tech?

Traditionally, being a Woman in Tech was difficult... until joining the parcelCrew. Now the biggest challenge is adapting to the rapid growth and change in technology.  

What advice would you give a woman trying to get into Tech? 

Don't self doubt, be curious about everything, set goals for yourself and work towards them every single day. You are the master of your own destiny. 

In your opinion, how can companies attract more women into their Tech roles? 

Put effort into the job ads by showing that the company goals and values are important to the business. Show an inclusive working culture and embrace diversity! 

Who is a Woman in Tech you'd consider a role model and why?

Hands down: Hedy Lammar. She was unapologetically herself. She had no formal education in Tech and science, yet she contributed to what we know today as WiFi, GPS and Bluetooth. A very good friend of mine works for a company that uses the parcelLab platform. She told me about it and said I should take a closer look. So, I looked up parcelLab on LinkedIn, and before I knew it, I was at a job interview with Julian, our CTO. The team all really caught me with their personalities. I felt like an integral part of the team right from the start.

How did you get into Tech? 

In a previous job, I gained experience as a Sales Manager in a SaaS company. I worked closely with my colleagues from the dev department. Their work was so interesting that I started learning HTML and CSS on CodeCademy. Afterwards, I applied for my Master’s degree in Information Systems and Management at the University of Applied Science in Munich. That’s how my journey started in 2016. 

What do you think is the best thing about working in Tech? 

Technology is steadily evolving, so it will never get boring. You can always learn a new programming language, a new framework or a new technology. Besides, you can really be creative and flexible in solving problems. You get rewarded immediately when something is working as intended. 

What advice would you give a woman trying to get into Tech? 

Never let fear and self-doubt control you - be bold enough to follow your passion! Along the way you will always meet people who try to discourage you or don’t believe in you. That should not stop you from following your ❤️ but encourage you to try even harder. 

In your opinion, how can companies attract more women into their Tech roles? 

By showing how open-minded they are towards that topic. It’s not only a discussion about Women in Tech but about more diversity in general. At parcelLab for example, we just started our “Geek Girls Group” recently. Our idea of having a regular meet-up to learn together was very much appreciated and supported. I’m so excited to see how this project will evolve in the future! 

Who is a Woman in Tech you'd consider a role model and why?

I don’t really have one role model but have been inspired by many outstanding women. To name at least one I’d say Sheryl Sandberg because she has shown the world that you can be an executive in a Tech company without having to give up your dream of having a family. Having worked in the retail industry, I was particularly impressed with the way in which parcelLab is solving a common problem in the industry. Many retail business owners were struggling to maintain a great customer experience after the order was placed. I also really enjoyed the interview process and the people I met along the way, which made it an easy decision to join!

How did you get into Tech? 

I kind of fell into Tech at the start of my career and haven't look back. I started as a technical support consultant where my role was to provide support for education software. Here, I quickly progressed into technical writing and then product where I found my passion in Technology. 

What do you think is the best thing about working in Tech? 

The world of Technology is always changing, so there's always something to learn. Additionally, the majority of skills in Tech are transferable to any industry, and that opens up so much opportunity to make a difference. 

In your view, what is the greatest challenge about working in Tech? 

Technology is rapidly changing, and I think the biggest challenge is staying ahead of the game and striving to be the best at what you do. 

What advice would you give a woman trying to get into Tech? 

The Tech industry may be male-dominated, but don't let this put you off. I was working in a largely male- dominated company but my ideas and experience were always greatly appreciated. The industry is one of the most diverse in my opinion. There is still room for improvement but that can't happen without more Women in Tech. Everyone learns differently and so the more diverse a workplace is, the better products can be produced. 

In your opinion, how can companies attract more women into their Tech roles? 

I think this can start as early as the job description - making it clear that the company is a diverse company to work for, and furthering that in the interview stages. Candidates will always start their research with the companies website, so that's another great oppoturntiy to show diversity. 

Who is a Woman in Tech you'd consider a role model and why?

Teresa Torres - I like her approach and have learned a lot from her resources, which I've been able to play out in real life in my previous roles.

I got to know parcelLab while working on a project in my previous company, where I was part of the Logistics team responsible for system integrations. I was curious about the product and the company. From the moment I had the interviews with Julian, our CTO, and Caro, my Team Lead, I felt a “connection” and knew I wanted to be part of the parcelLab journey.

How did you get into Tech?

The game-changer was while doing my master’s degree in International Management when I decided to get some insights into the Informatic world. After finishing my studies, I started working for a Consulting company as a Business & Integration Architecture Analyst, where I had to dive into system integrations and software implementations.

What do you think is the best thing about working in Tech?

There are many attractive things about working in Tech: dynamic environments, continuous learning, interesting challenges... But the best is just to feel part of shaping the future.

In your view, what is the greatest challenge about working in Tech?

Dealing with complex systems while translating business requirements into a working solution.

What advice would you give a woman trying to get into Tech?

Be curious, don’t be afraid of failure, and be open to changes.

In your opinion, how can companies attract more women into their Tech roles?

Highlighting in all channels the diversity and inclusion the company embraces.I was first attracted to parcelLab due to my love for creating digital solutions that overcome online retail challenges. In addition, a culture that drives innovation and radical ownership in the implementation of new ideas. And last, but not least, an awesome team committed to work together to provide an excellent service to our clients.

How did you get into Tech?

I am originally an Industrial Engineer, who used to work mostly in mechanical and automation Industrial environments, but while studying my third Degree (a Master of Science in Engineering) here in Germany, I got the chance to work for the Digital Product development department in the Engineering faculty of my University, which of course planted the seed of curiosity for the digital transformation of operations and all the technology involved on it.

What do you think is the best thing about working in Tech?

Cool Swag! Just kidding. I would say at work, the borders of what is possible is replaced by what users need. If it does not exist, you just develop it. This is what makes the Tech industry an incredible playground for growing your career, delivering solutions, testing hypothesis, satisfying needs, and ultimately generating profit, all in one.

In your view, what is the greatest challenge about working in Tech?

In the same context of the opportunity, technologies and trends are extremely dynamic and this can easily become a challenge. You dedicate yourself to pushing a specific product/project using specific stack/knowledge/methodologies and the whole industry could be going in another direction, so this could be hard. Consequently, being agile becomes more than a working methodology but a mindset.

What advice would you give a woman trying to get into Tech?

Do not be afraid to try, do not be afraid to fail, do not underestimate yourself, and please feel comfortable talking and working on things you are not an expert in. Everybody must at some point! And especially, do not forget it is not about knowing everything, it is about asking the right questions. Just because it is still a male-dominated environment does not mean we are not able to do an amazing job, and actually enjoying it! Finally, for those females who have made it, when you see other women struggling in this industry do not forget that was you at some point, so keep supporting the newcomers.

In your opinion, how can companies attract more women into their Tech roles?

There are a few things you can do. Firstly, speak to more women in the job market. Invest in the next generations, with scholarships and internships to let women try new things. Create a culture that embraces diversity and inclusion in the company. Implement an attractive environment by enabling flexible working hours, remote work, maternity packages, Kindergarten facilities etc. And finally, showcase the success stories. There are a lot of them! 

We are hiring across every department, and we'd love to hear from you. If you're looking for a new role, take a look at our Careers page.