Studying electrical engineering and information technology is still considered a male domain - and many young women start it with the feeling that they are not well enough prepared. This is exactly where the TUM Student Club EI Girls comes in. In this interview, its leaders talk about how their community supports other female students.
Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at TUM is 150 years old. In everyday student life today: What do you take for granted - and what not yet?
Sanna Blidh: It goes without saying that women study Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, lead tutorials, work as student assistants or are among the best in their year. Formally, there are equal rights, but in everyday life you can feel that they are not always a reality. Women are in the minority in many lectures, and female role models among female professors or lecturers are rare. This makes it all the more gratifying when you meet them.
You often have the feeling that you have to prove yourself more. And many are surprised when you say that you are studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. The opportunity exists - but it is not yet fully taken for granted in everyday life.
Was there a situation during your studies when you realized: You need the EI Girls?
Abril: Several situations - but the decisive moment was when we realized that many women drop out of university because they feel unprepared. They have never programmed, soldered or built robots before, don't know their way around Arduinos or don't feel ready for important exams.
This is exactly where we come in: We wanted to create a community where such worries are talked about openly and experienced students support newcomers. This shows that nobody has to get off to a perfect start and encourages each other to take the plunge. A network where you can exchange ideas and make new friends is particularly helpful.
When was the last time you thought: Here's another cliché - and how did you deal with it?
Abril: There are always moments like that. When I recently told a friend of a fellow student that I was studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology, she was completely surprised and said: "You don't look like that." Or an older neighbor once said: "Huh, that's not a profession for women." In moments like these, I think about the diversity of our community. The EI Girls are made up of people from very different backgrounds and personalities who stick together and pursue the same goal. These experiences help to put such prejudices into perspective - and I can be a role model myself, showing that women are a natural part of technology.
What do you do specifically and how does this help female students in the subject?
Emma Maier: We work in the areas of mentoring, careers and community. In mentoring, we connect female students with alumnae so that they can gain insights into different career paths and ask questions. In the career area, we exchange experiences, support each other with applications and work together with companies to offer practical events such as CV checks.
For us, community means creating an open space in which we promote cohesion and motivation in everyday student life. In this way, we pave the way for others and strengthen the self-confidence of the next generation of female engineers.
What advice would you give to a young woman who is thinking about studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology but is still hesitating?
Sanna Blidh: Don't let the cliché put you off. Nobody expects you to be able to solder, program or build your own circuits before you start your studies. The course teaches you these skills step by step.
Curiosity is more important, because Electrical Engineering and Information Technology opens up many possibilities - from sustainable energy and medical technology to AI and networked communication. You don't have to go down this path alone. Especially at the beginning, semester opening events and similar formats help you get to know other female students, ask questions and realize that there is a supportive community behind you.
Abril
Born in Bolivia, she is studying Electrical Engineering and Information Technology for a master's degree with a focus on power electronics and is particularly interested in the many different ways of generating electrical energy - especially technologies that transport and convert energy efficiently. As the founder of EI Girls, she has been working to get more women interested in technology since 2022.
Emma Maier
The EI Girls have been part of her everyday life as a student since her first bachelor's semester in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology. Initially, Emma Maier was a member in search of exchange and friendships during her studies, later becoming co-leader. Today, the Master's student is primarily responsible for mentoring and connecting female students with female graduates and advanced students.
Sanna Blidh
Her studies focus on e-mobility. As Co-Head of EI Girls, Sanna Blidh is responsible for the careers area. She organizes workshops and company visits, connects female students with companies and facilitates personal contacts and direct exchange with professionals. Her aim is to empower women in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology and support them in starting their careers.
