Finding your place in a male-dominated industry

Product designer Anna Mård-Ek has worked in the automotive industry for 16 years. Today, she works in Ekeri’s Research and Development department in Kållby, where she designs subframes in 3D for transport units with side opening. Working in a technical field has always felt natural to her, although a career in the automotive industry was not something she initially had planned.

“When I was studying electrical engineering, I never really imagined that I would end up working with trucks,” Anna admits.

Anna has always had an interest in technology. After comprehensive school, she chose to study electrical engineering. To keep her options open, she combined a vocational qualification with the Finnish matriculation examination.

Anna graduated as an electrical engineer from Novia University of Applied Sciences in 2010. Her four years of study in Vaasa were time well spent – and something she would not have done if her husband had not also wanted to continue his studies.

From production to design

When Anna graduated, there were few jobs available, so she began working in production at a company in Nykarleby.

“At the time, for example, there was only one changing room for everyone to use,” Anna recalls.

According to Anna, workplaces today are better suited to both women and men, even in industries that have traditionally attracted mostly men. Working environments and processes have also developed considerably.

“Companies are investing more in pleasant working environments and smoother processes. In some tasks, being smaller and more agile can actually be an advantage,” she says.

Her time in Nykarleby gave Anna the opportunity to develop professionally. After working in production, she moved into an office-based role, where she designed electrical systems.

An opportunity she almost passed up

While Anna was on parental leave, Ekeri was looking for designers with 2D and 3D skills. As she had never worked with 3D design herself, she initially felt that the role was not for her. She was also happy in her existing job. But someone got in touch and encouraged her to apply. They believed Anna would be a good fit for both the role and the team, despite her lack of previous experience with 3D design. After giving it considerable thought, she decided to apply – and got the job.

“You don’t have to know everything when you apply for or start a new job. What matters is being willing to learn.”

Anna’s experience also shows the value of companies making the most of the skills their employees already have. The right education, experience and interests can create opportunities to develop and move into new roles.

Part of the team

Anna has always studied and worked alongside men. She does not see being the only woman in her department as an obstacle. What matters most is competence, a willingness to develop and the ability to make the most of opportunities.

“In Research and Development, we all have different backgrounds and perspectives, and we complement each other well. Women need to believe in themselves more. We are just as capable, but we need to have the confidence to make our voices heard.”

Anna is far from the only woman at Ekeri. Of Ekeri’s 269 employees, 51 are women. Of these, 21 work in office-based roles and 30 in production. Women work across many areas of the business, from design, purchasing, finance and HR to supervisory roles, warehousing and production.

Networks are also built outside work

Anna believes that attracting more women to technical and industrial careers starts early. Companies need to make themselves visible to girls and young women and show them the opportunities available. She also highlights the importance of networking and the fact that valuable networks are not always built in formal settings.

“We shouldn’t forget all the people we meet through our children’s hobbies, on the ski trails or at the football pitch. You don’t just talk about which ski wax you use – you also talk about people’s experience and what they do for a living.”

Those encounters may later turn out to be important for your career, even if you do not realise it at the time.

Anna Mård-Ek

Ekeri