Women in IT&D: Meet Sandra, Head Office Demand Manager and IT Solution Architect at DB Schenker

Introduction

In the ever-evolving world of logistics and technology, passionate professionals drive innovation and excellence. Today, we have the pleasure of introducing you to Sandra, an inspiring figure in the IT&D department at DB Schenker. Based in Austria, Sandra serves as the Head Office Demand Manager and IT Solution Architect, playing a crucial role in bridging customer needs with technical solutions.

Sandra's journey in the logistics technology sector spans nearly two decades, showcasing her dedication, adaptability, and continuous growth in this dynamic field. Her story not only highlights the exciting opportunities available in IT&D within logistics but also serves as an inspiration for women considering a career in this industry.

Let's delve into Sandra's professional journey, her insights on working in IT&D, and the valuable lessons she's learned along the way.

Sandra's Role and Responsibilities

As the Head Office Demand Manager and IT Solution Architect, Sandra's responsibilities are both diverse and critical to DB Schenker's operations. Her primary focus involves:

• Managing dedicated accounts
• Understanding and interpreting customer needs
• Translating customer requirements into technical specifications
• Developing detailed solutions within DB Schenker's IT landscape
• Supporting both external customers and internal organizational needs

This multifaceted role requires a deep understanding of both the technical aspects of IT systems and the practical needs of logistics operations. Sandra's position exemplifies the critical intersection of technology and business in modern logistics.

The Fascination of IT&D in Logistics

When asked about what fascinates her most about working in IT&D within the logistics sector, Sandra highlights two key aspects:

1. The complexity of DB Schenker's IT landscape
2. The constant introduction of new technologies

Sandra acknowledges that these elements can often be challenging. However, she emphasizes that this very complexity and dynamism are what keep her daily work interesting and engaging. In an industry where technological advancements are rapidly reshaping operations, the opportunity to continually learn and adapt is a significant draw for professionals like Sandra.

The logistics sector, particularly in its IT&D departments, offers a unique blend of challenges. Professionals in this field must not only keep pace with general technological advancements but also understand how to apply these innovations specifically to improve logistics operations. This combination of technical knowledge and industry-specific application creates a rich, ever-evolving work environment that Sandra finds deeply fascinating.

Sandra's Professional Journey

Sandra's career at DB Schenker began in 2004, marking the start of what would become a nearly two-decade journey of growth and adaptation within the company. Her professional path showcases the diverse opportunities available within a large logistics organization, particularly in the IT sector.

Early Career: EDI Developer

Sandra's journey with DB Schenker started in the Southeast Europe region, where she took on the role of an Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Developer. This position laid the foundation for her technical expertise, allowing her to dive deep into the intricacies of data exchange systems crucial for logistics operations.

Transition to Head Office

A significant shift in Sandra's career came in 2017 when she moved to the head office. This transition marked a broadening of her professional scope and responsibilities. In her new role, Sandra had the opportunity to explore new areas of IT in logistics:

• Data Modeling: She delved into creating canonical interfaces, a crucial aspect of ensuring seamless data integration across different systems.
• Integration Platforms: Sandra expanded her knowledge of various integration platforms used in DB Schenker's complex IT ecosystem.
• Application Knowledge: Her role required a comprehensive understanding of the diverse applications within DB Schenker's IT landscape.

Current Role: Head Office Demand Manager and IT Solution Architect

Today, Sandra's role combines her technical expertise with a broader business perspective. As the Head Office Demand Manager and IT Solution Architect, she bridges the gap between customer needs and technical solutions, showcasing the versatility required in modern IT roles within logistics.

Reflecting on her journey, Sandra notes, "After almost 19 years, I'm still passionate about my job due to its variety." This statement underscores the dynamic nature of IT in logistics and the continuous opportunities for growth and learning that keep professionals like Sandra engaged and excited about their work.

Overcoming Professional Challenges

Every professional journey comes with its set of challenges, and Sandra's experience is no exception. When asked about her biggest professional challenge, Sandra points to a significant career shift she made in the previous year.

The Transition Challenge

Sandra describes her biggest challenge as the transition from being a "purely technical consultant" to her current role in Global IT Partner Management. This shift required her to:

1. Expand her knowledge beyond technical aspects
2. Gain a deeper understanding of DB Schenker's business processes
3. Develop a more comprehensive grasp of customer needs

This transition highlights a common challenge in IT careers, especially in logistics: the need to balance deep technical knowledge with broader business acumen. Sandra's experience demonstrates that career growth often involves stepping out of one's comfort zone and embracing new areas of learning.

Ongoing Learning Process

Importantly, Sandra notes that this learning process is ongoing. She mentions, "I needed to – and still need to – learn much more about our business and about our customers' needs." This statement reflects the continuous nature of professional development in the fast-paced world of logistics IT.

Strategies for Overcoming Challenges

While Sandra doesn't explicitly outline her strategies for overcoming this challenge, her success in the new role suggests several approaches:

• Embracing a growth mindset and being open to learning
• Leveraging her technical background to understand business needs better
• Actively seeking to understand customer perspectives
• Collaborating with colleagues from different departments to gain broader insights
• Possibly engaging in formal or informal training to bridge knowledge gaps

Sandra's experience in tackling this challenge serves as an inspiration for other IT professionals in logistics who may face similar transitions in their careers. It underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in this dynamic field.

Surprises and Unexpected Aspects of the Current Role

Every new role brings its share of surprises, and Sandra's experience in her current position is no exception. When asked about unexpected aspects of her job, Sandra highlighted two key points:

1. Learning More About Business Processes

Despite her long-standing technical background, Sandra expressed a newfound appreciation for learning more about DB Schenker's business processes. She states, "Although I'm a developer at heart, I like the opportunity to learn more details about our business processes."

This revelation showcases the multifaceted nature of IT roles in logistics. While technical skills form the foundation, a deeper understanding of business operations can significantly enhance an IT professional's effectiveness. For Sandra, this unexpected aspect of her role has become an enjoyable part of her job, demonstrating how career growth can lead to new areas of interest and expertise.

2. Meeting Amazing New People

The second surprise Sandra mentions is the opportunity to meet "so many amazing, new people" in her new role. This aspect highlights the often-overlooked social and collaborative elements of IT careers, especially in global companies like DB Schenker.

The chance to interact with a diverse range of professionals can bring several benefits:

• Exposure to different perspectives and ideas
• Opportunities for cross-functional collaboration
• Building a broader professional network
• Enhancing communication and interpersonal skills

Sandra's experience underscores that careers in IT&D within logistics are not just about technology; they're also about people and relationships. This human element can add a rich, rewarding dimension to technical roles.

Implications for Career Development

The surprises Sandra encountered in her new role offer valuable insights for those considering or currently pursuing careers in logistics IT:

1. Be open to learning beyond your core technical skills. Understanding business processes can enhance your effectiveness and open new career opportunities.
2. Value the connections and relationships you build. Networking and collaboration are crucial aspects of career growth in this field.
3. Expect the unexpected. As you progress in your career, be prepared for new experiences that may challenge and expand your preconceptions about your role.

Sandra's positive embrace of these unexpected elements demonstrates the importance of adaptability and openness in navigating a successful career in IT&D within the logistics sector.

Encouraging Women in IT&D Careers in Logistics

As a successful woman in the male-dominated fields of IT and logistics, Sandra offers valuable encouragement to other women considering similar career paths. Her message is clear and empowering: "Don't be shy! It's a great field to work in and to challenge yourself."

Key Reasons to Consider IT&D in Logistics

Sandra highlights several compelling reasons why women should consider careers in this field:

1. Challenging Work Environment: The IT&D sector in logistics offers numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The challenges presented by complex systems and evolving technologies provide a stimulating work environment that encourages continuous learning and skill development.
2. Supportive Colleagues: Sandra emphasizes the presence of "amazing colleagues" in the field. This point underscores the collaborative nature of the work and the potential for mentorship and support within the industry.
3. Diversity: By mentioning "so much diversity," Sandra hints at the varied nature of the work and the diverse backgrounds of professionals in the field. This diversity can lead to a rich, inclusive work environment and exposure to different perspectives and ideas.
4. Opportunity for Impact: While not explicitly stated, Sandra's role in translating customer needs into technical solutions highlights the significant impact IT professionals can have in shaping logistics operations and customer experiences.

Overcoming Barriers

Sandra's encouragement to "Don't be shy!" addresses a common barrier that might prevent women from pursuing careers in tech-related fields. This advice suggests:

• The importance of self-confidence in entering and succeeding in the field
• The need to overcome potential stereotypes or preconceptions about women in tech and logistics
• The value of taking initiative and being proactive in one's career development

The Broader Context

Sandra's encouragement comes at a crucial time when the logistics and IT sectors are actively seeking to increase gender diversity. Women in these fields can bring unique perspectives, problem-solving approaches, and leadership styles that can drive innovation and improve overall industry performance.

By sharing her positive experiences and encouraging other women, Sandra contributes to creating a more inclusive and diverse workforce in IT&D within logistics. Her message serves not only as encouragement for individual career choices but also as a call for broader industry change.

Conclusion: Dancing in the Rain

Sandra's journey in IT&D at DB Schenker embodies a powerful philosophy: "Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass. It's about learning to dance in the rain." This metaphor beautifully captures the essence of thriving in the dynamic and often challenging world of logistics technology.

Throughout her career, Sandra has demonstrated the ability to adapt, learn, and grow. From her beginnings as an EDI Developer to her current role as Head Office Demand Manager and IT Solution Architect, she has embraced change and continual learning. Her story illustrates that success in this field isn't about avoiding challenges but about facing them head-on and finding joy in the process.

Key takeaways from Sandra's experience include:

• Embrace complexity and continuous learning in IT&D
• Be open to career transitions and new responsibilities
• Value both technical skills and business understanding
• Appreciate the human element in technology-focused roles
• Encourage and support diversity in the field

For women considering a career in IT&D within logistics, Sandra's journey serves as an inspiring example. It shows that with passion, perseverance, and a willingness to step out of one's comfort zone, one can build a rewarding and impactful career in this exciting field.

As the logistics industry continues to evolve, driven by technological advancements and changing global dynamics, professionals like Sandra play a crucial role in shaping its future. Their ability to bridge technical expertise with business acumen, coupled with a resilient and adaptive mindset, will be key in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Sandra's story reminds us that in the world of IT&D in logistics, the 'rain' of challenges and changes is constant. But with the right attitude and skills, one can learn not just to weather the storm, but to dance joyfully within it, creating a fulfilling and impactful career along the way.