Women in Technical Professions

I have been working at Wascosa in Lucerne since 2012 in a part time position, currently 40%. In my current role, I am responsible for the scrapping of old or heavily damaged wagons, as well as checking where the nearest scrapping workshop is, and which parts can still be used. I come from the internal sales department of a steel production company and had to overcome some hurdles in the beginning. Twelve years ago, it was not easy for me to assert myself in a male-dominated world. Today much has changed. I started in support and was able to develop internally into a technical customer advisor. My colleagues have always supported me very well along the way.

I have been working for Wascosa from France since 2024. In my current role, I collaborate closely with various departments such as Sales, Accounting, Fleet Management, and more. Externally, I maintain communication with customers, workshops, and railway undertakings. My primary responsibility is to manage our customers’ wagon fleets to ensure maximum availability. Initially, I oversaw the configuration and publication of event sales. I was approached directly by a competitor in the railway transport sector. As a newcomer in this industry, I had to prove myself, and this challenge only strengthened my resolve.

I have been with Wascosa in Lucerne since 2019. My journey started through a temporary placement for a planned fixed-term position. Soon after, I was offered a role as a Technical Customer Support Representative. Over time, I experienced a few role changes until I arrived at my current position. In addition to my role, I also manage the team and oversee the planning of overhauls for our entire international wagon fleet. Coming from a market research background, I have successfully established myself in this technical field through patience and determination.

My ‘railway career’ began with a job offer in Ticino, which led me from an energy cost auditing office to Hupac. I have been working for Wascosa in Lucerne since 2009. I was keen to return to German-speaking Switzerland and, on the recommendation of Hupac, I applied for a job at Wascosa. Shortly afterwards, I was able to count myself among the ‘Wascosians’. My main tasks at Wascosa include data maintenance and document management for new-build vehicles and registering them with the relevant authorities. Thanks to training and the support of my colleagues, I have successfully familiarised myself with this specialist area.

I have been working at Wascosa from France since 2023. I provide support to our customers and maintain technical data, a role I have held for 13.5 years, even prior to joining Wascosa. I originally aspired to become a primary school teacher, but fate had other plans for me. With the support of my colleagues, I have been able to grow and develop my career.