Back to the Hall of Femmes

Hall of Femmes

A moment with...
Professor Andrea Kaimann

“As a Doctor of Engineering, I can look back on a highly diverse career: from industrial research to networking, inspiring young people for STEM subjects and my current role as a professor. In my free time, I volunteer as a Soroptimist, improving the situation for women and, of course, for my family!”

(1) What I love about my current job is...
…the variety of work, the constant new challenges and working with young people!

(2) One of the highlights of my career so far has been...
…being appointed as a professor at Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences.

(3) When I look back on my career to date, I’d say that what has particularly shaped me has been...
…working with a wide variety of people in diverse contexts.

(4) I believe that female role models are important in university and professional life today because...
…they help steer young women into exciting professions that are still viewed as predominately male positions in today’s society.

(5) I’d advise any young women wishing to pursue a career similar to mine to...
…build up and maintain a personal network of people who will help and encourage you along your career path through their professional expertise and contacts and personal support.

(6) Given my experience as a professional with care responsibilities, I’ve found the following support particularly beneficial...
…support from my immediate family
…the employment of au-pairs from countries all over the world for over 15 years
…the possibility to take up to two semesters off during my degree to raise my children and still be able to take one exam per semester

(7) One challenge I believe still needs to be conquered on the road to gender equality is...
…the elimination of gender stereotypes in society, so that people and their individual abilities are perceived without prejudice, regardless of their gender.

I’m confident that we’re on the right path to gender equality when I think how...
…more and more young fathers no longer see themselves as only the breadwinner, but also choose to play an active role in looking after and bringing up their children.

(8) I associate my time at Paderborn University with...
…an inspiring, formative period as a student in a wealth of aspects and a fantastic time pursuing my doctorate at the Laboratory of Material and Joining Technology (LWF), which set the course for my professional career.

(9) For the next 50 years, I wish Paderborn University...
…every success in empowering its students to become responsible designers in a highly dynamic environment characterised by complexity and uncertainties.

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