Interview with
Vera Fuchs
Production manager | Saccharification production department AGRANA Starch, Aschach a. d. Donau | Austria
My name is Eva Blees. I’m the production manager and deputy site manager at the plant in Gmünd. I manage the production lines for making potato starch and manufacturing potato flakes.
My strengths and interests have always been in the areas of analytical thinking, the natural sciences and technology. That´s why I decided to study engineering. After my degree, I decided to go into production so that I can directly experience the output of my work. The production systems and products mean that I can see every day what my team has done; I enjoy managing the team and supporting the team members.
The best thing about my job is the diversity of the tasks involved: planning, organising, analysing, motivating, convincing and inspiring people – there’s something of everything involved. Teamwork and creative problem solving are just as important as persistence and having a technical understanding.
My advice to all women who are thinking about deciding on a technical profession:
overcome your self-doubt. Yes, technology is a highly demanding area with many challenges. But that also means that there are many opportunities to learn, to prove yourself and to be successful. You only develop further when you leave your comfort zone.