Meet Anke Brandts, a trailblazing figure in the world of technology, whose journey is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance. From humble beginnings rooted in the family business of engraving and rubber stamp production, Brants discovered a profound fascination with the intricate processes and endless possibilities of technology.
Driven by an innate curiosity and a desire to explore the realms of digital innovation, Brandts embarked on a journey that would lead her to the forefront of the Graphic Arts Sector. With a degree in print engineering from Bergische Universität Wuppertal in Germany Brandts delved deep into the colourful world of print, eventually becoming captivated by the emerging realm of digital print and the boundless potential of personalisation.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
During my university years, I was the only one who did not come from a print background, and all the technologies were completely new to me, so it was a steep, but interesting, learning curve.
I worked for various companies in the Graphic Arts Sector. In most of my roles, I learnt and adapted to new technologies. When learning about them, my main source for information was always the pre-sales person. This is because they work on the equipment and also demonstrate it to potential clients, so they know the technical background of the equipment, but they also understand the application of the end product.
What is your take on women in technology and how is the landscape changing? What can be done to ensure there are more women in tech roles?
The proportion of women in technology is slowly growing, which is exciting to see. I believe we need to make more effort in getting young children, and especially adolescent girls, to be interested in technology. It was the fascination with the final product created by the equipment that inspired my interest as a young child, so perhaps this is one way to inspire girls.
What is the biggest obstacle that women in technology face?
Nowadays, there are fewer barriers, so it’s more about having confidence in your abilities and being open to choosing a less traditional career path for women. There will always be a male colleague in every industry that thinks you are the PA, so ignore it and move on.
What advice would you give women who are looking to get into the field of technology?
Follow your interests and embrace the fact that you will be in the minority. Allow your male peers to see you as one of the group rather than someone who needs to be treated differently.
