* 1996 | Germany
Department: Computer Science
IT Systems Engineering (B.Sc. + M.Sc.) at the Hasso Plattner Institute, Potsdam
My work:
Technical Account Manager in the cloud sector • Author & lecturer
Brief job description:
Supporting and advising clients, resolving technical issues, developing strategies to achieve objectives, chairing meetings, planning workshops, and producing reports and roadmaps, for example in the areas of capacity management or cost optimisation.
Lisa Ihde
"From a working-class child to a pioneer in IT – I want to show that your background doesn’t create barriers, but opportunities, and to inspire others to forge their own paths."
Her vision for ‘Women in STEM’
My vision for women in STEM is an industry where diversity and equality are the norm, and where talent is nurtured regardless of gender. It is particularly important to me that women are given the opportunity at an early age to discover and develop their enthusiasm for technology and science.
Did you have a clear idea of what your future would look like when you were a child? How did that evolve? Did your vision come true?
As a child, I had many interests: I loved crafting with a passion and tried my hand at various sports, such as ballet, judo, gymnastics, and handball. It was at school that I discovered my enthusiasm for logical thinking. To me, every new mathematical formula felt like another magic spell for Hermione from *Harry Potter*. I practically devoured the material and originally intended to become a math and art teacher.
Then, a single book changed everything. At the age of eleven, I taught myself how to create a website, and this aha moment awakened a completely new passion in me: programming. The idea of bringing my ideas to life through code and developing my own apps felt like becoming an inventor through the power of technology. When I was 20 years old and allowed to write a book for children and young people on how to create a website, a small dream came true.
Since then, I have written four books and now work as an author alongside my primary career. My latest book offers insider knowledge and practical insights for building a career in the IT industry. I still really enjoy tinkering and combine this with programming, for example by using microcontrollers to control LEDs or motors in my DIY projects.
Which person(s) or experience(s) had the greatest influence on your decision about which career to pursue, and why?
My brother had a major influence on me. For one thing, he was studying at the Hasso Plattner Institute (HPI) before I was, and I wanted to find out exactly what he was learning there. On the HPI website, I came across the student programs, which I later participated in. On the other hand, I can still remember some advice from my brother. He once said to me:
“By learning to program, you acquire a tool that allows you to develop your own software exactly the way you want it. You are no longer dependent on finding an existing app that happens to do exactly what you need.”
That quote really struck a chord with me. Even back then, I often wished that certain apps could offer additional features that I was missing.
The idea that I might one day be able to develop these features myself fascinated me and sparked my ambition. Fueled by this thought, I began to view programming as a means of turning my ideas into reality.
Please tell us how your interest in your profession, academic field or trade was sparked.
The IT field offers a wealth of career opportunities, and I am passionate about various areas within it. Towards the end of my Master’s degree, I was contacted by a Google recruiter who felt my career path was a good fit for a specific role that I had never heard of before.
Intrigued, I researched the profession in depth; during the application process, I was able to speak directly with Google employees and learn more about their responsibilities. These conversations and insights helped me gain a clear understanding of the role. What particularly appealed to me was the opportunity to use my technical knowledge to support customers with their technical challenges – an aspect that makes a lot of sense to me and that I enjoy very much, as I like to help people.
What do you like most about your current job?
As a Technical Account Manager, I am passionate about combining my technical expertise with strategic thinking to drive customer success and build long-term partnerships.
Customer satisfaction is my top priority, and I always find it rewarding to resolve a technical issue and witness firsthand the positive impact it has on the customer. I am also fascinated by the innovations made possible through the use of Google Cloud.
Collaborating on the roadmap provides me with insights into our customers’ objectives, enabling me to offer targeted support for their ongoing development and to organize relevant training sessions and workshops. I also enjoy contributing to Google Cloud events, whether by moderating sessions or delivering talks.
The collaboration with different teams – from project management and engineering to sales – also makes my work particularly varied.
These qualities have helped me along the way:
Organisational skills, a knack for networking, project management, courage, honesty, openness, curiosity, ambition, determination, proactivity and resilience.
If you could give young women some advice, what would it be?
Have the courage to go your own way and believe in your abilities – even if they may not meet what is expected of you. Do not let anything stop you from trying new things, especially in areas considered “unconventional.” Ask questions, seek out mentors, and build a network that inspires and supports you. Mistakes are part of the journey, so view them as learning steps.
And above all: Stay curious, and trust that you are the best person to make the right decisions for your own future.
Find out more about Lisa and get in touch
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Tel. 069 / 713 79 69-0
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Fax 069 / 713 79 69-190
info@experiminta.de
