My Femtec Journey: From STEM Student to Career Growth

Femtec is a career-building program designed for female STEM students, offering opportunities to grow through networking, workshops, and industry exposure. I applied during my exchange semester in Tokyo and was selected for the assessment centre, which tested my abilities through group discussions, individual tasks, and interviews. As a member of Femtec Class 46, I’ve had the chance to visit companies like EnBW, Daimler Truck, and Porsche, where we learned about cutting-edge technologies and industry trends, paving the way for an exciting future in STEM.

The Femtec Scholarship Program

The Femtec Scholarship Program is a prestigious career-building initiative aimed at empowering female students in STEM fields. It offers a platform to connect with leading companies, engage in workshops, and enhance personal and professional growth. Femtec’s partners, including Procter & Gamble, Fraunhofer, EnBW, Amazon and Daimler Truck, offer unique opportunities for participants to develop their career paths through mentorship, training, and hands-on experience.

My Application Journey

I applied for Femtec through their official portal, excited by the opportunities it promised. Shortly after, I received the news that I was selected for the assessment center. At the time, I was in Tokyo for my exchange semester at Tokyo Institute of Technology, and though Japan is seven hours ahead of Germany, I was determined to make it work. The assessment centre ran from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (German time), which meant I was in for a long evening, but the fact that it was online made it a lot easier to navigate.

The assessment center consists of three key components: group discussion, an individual task, and an interview. We were given breaks between each round, which helped to ease the process. Here's a breakdown of each round:

Group Discussion:

Participants were split into virtual breakout rooms and given a topic to discuss for 20 minutes. Panelists from partner companies and universities observed our interactions. Despite my initial nervousness, it felt more like a casual conversation with friends, making the experience enjoyable.

Networking Lunch:

During the break, representatives from Fraunhofer IAO gave us a glimpse into their work culture, life at Fraunhofer, and their career journeys. The Q&A session was engaging, and I encourage everyone to ask questions, no matter how small they might seem.

Individual Task:

After lunch, we had 20 minutes to prepare for an individual task, where we were asked to answer a set of questions. The task felt more like an interview conducted by two panelists. Though some questions were unexpected, the atmosphere was comfortable.

Interview Round:

The final round, the interview, involved panelists from Daimler Truck and Fraunhofer. They focused on learning more about me beyond my resume. It was insightful and surprisingly relaxed.

Feedback: A Key to Growth

After the assessment centre, you have the opportunity to request feedback. I took advantage of this, and the HR representative from Daimler Truck arranged a meeting with me. The feedback was constructive and encouraging, helping me understand my strengths and areas for improvement. It gave me confidence and helped me overcome some of my fears about performing under pressure. I highly recommend that everyone ask for their feedback—it’s an excellent way to grow!

I was thrilled to be selected for Femtec Class 46! In September, we participated in an intensive five-day program focused on career building, confidence, self-assertiveness, and networking.

Throughout the week, we engaged in group tasks that fostered collaboration. We created presentations, interviewed each other, and shared our views, which helped us develop our communication skills. We also enjoyed fun games, breathing exercises to manage stress, and visualization exercises that encouraged us to think about our goals.

A highlight was creating illustrations of our visualizations, allowing us to express our aspirations creatively. Meeting 54 inspiring women from diverse backgrounds was incredibly rewarding, and their stories motivated me and expanded my perspective. We also had a fantastic summer event organized by Procter & Gamble at Wasserwerk Berlin, which provided a perfect opportunity for networking and fun!

Industry Field Trips

Following our first school, we went on field trips to some of Germany's leading companies, including Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, Daimler Truck AG, and Porsche AG.

EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG):

We explored their HYPER-PARK & E-MOBILITY initiative, which included trying out charging stations and taking a ride in a Tesla. There was also a VR simulation, where I got hands-on experience with cutting-edge tech. The day ended with a corporate fair where we asked questions about recruitment, work-life balance, and leadership roles. We also received some nice goodies!

Daimler Truck AG:

Here, we explored AR and VR technologies used in prototyping and training. The company explained their prototyping and production lines, showcasing 3D printing technologies. We even received a 3D-printed bus as a keepsake. Afterward, we enjoyed a networking lunch and learned more about their work culture. It was both informative and interactive.

Porsche AG:

At Porsche, we witnessed their impressive production line, including the moving assembly line. The entire session was engaging, with plenty of time for questions. We also had a dedicated networking session with employees from Porsche, gaining insights into their roles and experiences.

Wrapping Up: A Life-Changing Experience

My journey with Femtec has been nothing short of transformative. From the assessment centre to the industry field trips, every experience has contributed to my personal and professional growth. I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of the Femtec Network and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead! The Femtec Scholarship Program has truly empowered me to take on the challenges of the future with confidence.

Ankita