How do women reach the management level of Swiss technology companies?

Although it has been proven that diverse companies are more innovative and successful, there are still only very few female executives in management and on boards of directors. What are the reasons for this and how can a woman still make it into such a position?

In the male-dominated tech industry, the SwisswoMEM Club platform has been promoting female careers since 2015. Regular events are held on topics such as applications, unconscious bias and empowerment. In 2025, to mark the 10th anniversary of the network, two workshops are planned that address the challenges faced by female professionals in middle management and HR. Before that, in December 2024, the SwisswoMEM Club Romandie is holding an event on the topics of leadership, success and doubt.

The club's most recent workshop was entitled ‘Career in Swiss Tech: The Path to the Boardroom’.
Sara Duindam (mentor), Nadine Peneder (mentor) and Amélie Schneider (former mentee) from the TecLadies network attended the workshop.

Three questions for three women who know what they want!

What did you expect from the workshop?

Amelie: ‘I was looking for a kind of roadmap for my development. The workshop impressed me with specific tips that could be implemented immediately, as well as the presentation of long-term goals that can be achieved in steps.’

Sara: ‘Networking with like-minded people and gaining new experiences definitely broadens your horizons. I was particularly interested in this workshop because I would like to take on a management position in the technical field one day.’

Nadine: ‘Budding female leaders benefit most from personalised career development, such as coaching or leadership development programmes – and that's exactly what this workshop offered on a small scale. Not to be underestimated is the hurdle of even finding out about such offers and qualifying for them.’

What motivated you?

Nadine: ‘How essential a good network, visibility and a sharp, meaningful profile are... and how much planning and commitment this requires. Preparing and presenting your own elevator pitch was challenging and exciting. It's not that easy to concisely present your professional experience, values and core competencies in a few minutes and to back them up with measurable successes. The most important lesson for me: it takes courage to leave things out! Anything that is not relevant only dilutes your own profile.’

Sara: ‘A good internal and external network is actually one of the most important keys to success, a valuable resource at every career step. You have to maintain it online and at events to feel, hear and see what makes the industry tick and who is moving in it and in which direction. In conversation, you have to clearly show what you can do and where you want to go.’

Amelie: ‘What I found particularly exciting was that every company is structured a little differently and operates according to its own rules. You have to know these in order to identify the path with the greatest potential for development.’

Sara: ‘Exactly. To position yourself correctly, you have to know your core competences and be able to cite examples of the experiences that have led to these competences.’

What insights are you taking away for yourself?

Sara: ‘You have to keep asking yourself: what do I stand for, where am I going? This helps you to centre yourself and not stray from your chosen path. It is not possible to get on the management team without a specific goal and plan.’

Amelie: ‘Based on the case studies in the workshop, I was able to gain a new, realistic attitude towards the career process. My most important takeaway is: never accept that a problem cannot be solved or that “that's just the way it is”. It's a long road to change.’

Nadine: ‘I see it the same way. What remains with me is the image of a lighthouse that represents your own career goal. You should never lose sight of it and should always work towards it with focus.’