Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day with Christina Schulz at SIG

As we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day, we're thrilled to introduce Christina Schulz for those who do not know her.

1.        Could you please introduce yourself and tell us what you do at SIG

My name is Christina Schulz, I am 53 years old and live in Cologne. In my spare time, I love traveling, gardening, and driving one of my old Vespas. I joined SIG in August 2021 as Circularity & Recycling Manager Europe, working closely with my European colleagues to promote beverage carton recycling. Amongst others I am also involved with our European association ACE, the technical platform EXTRACT, and 4evergreen, an industrial platform promoting fiber-based packaging.

Growing up in the 80s, I developed a passion for environmental issues. It was the era of acid rain, the ozone layer hole, Chernobyl, and a growing environmental consciousness. Fascinated by scientific and biological topics, I chose to study civil engineering, specializing in water and waste management at Aachen, including a period abroad in Dublin, Ireland.

Prior to my experience at SIG, I worked for 12 years at Green Dot, one of Germany's EPR schemes, as a Sustainability Manager responsible for Design for Recycling, Reporting, and Sustainable Services. I also spent 8 years at Bellmer-Kufferath as an application engineer, conducting European-wide trials for water cleaning and dewatering equipment, for example in paper mills.

2.        What experiences have you made as a woman in engineering?

Overall, I've had mostly positive experiences. As a young engineer, I was fortunate to have supportive colleagues and managers who valued my choice of a technical profession and shared their expertise with me. However, I did face subtle biases, which were challenging but made me more resilient and confident. This is something all women in male-dominated fields can relate to.

3.        How do mentorship and support networks within engineering help professionals, particularly women, advance in their careers? Can you share examples of effective support you've seen or received?

Mentorship and support networks are crucial in advancing careers, particularly for women in male-dominated engineering fields. Mentors help identify skill gaps, provide learning resources, and offer personalized guidance for technical and soft skills. Support networks offer a safe space for sharing experiences and seeking advice.

I recall an incident early in my career when a customer refused to work with me because I was a woman. He complained to my manager, but my boss, who always encouraged me, stood by me and helped me overcome the situation.

4.        And finally, could you share a personal quote or mantra that inspires you in your work?

I don't have a specific mantra, but I believe in "always being curious and open to new experiences and people." This enriches both personal and professional life.

Stay tuned for more features on women engineers at SIG.