Martina Roese

Martina Roese, born in 1978 in Piestany, Slovakia, studied Social Sciences in Bayreuth. Over the course of her career, she has held various technical positions in the fields of SAP and logistics, with experience in the medical technology, automotive, consumer goods, energy, and mobility sectors. She is currently working as a Senior IT Consultant at leading technology companies.

• Question 1: What had the greatest impact on you during your time as a student at the University of Bayreuth?

In 2005, I studied Social Sciences at the University of Bayreuth – with two small children, only basic German skills, and a very limited budget. What shaped me the most? My ability to manage all of that. Today, I know: if I was able to get through that, I can handle anything life throws at me. What did I take away from that time? Logical and analytical thinking, the ability to understand connections, the courage to question things and to try new paths. I learned to see the bigger picture and not to be intimidated by the unknown. That’s how I eventually found my way from Social Sciences into the IT sector.

• Question 2: What excites you about your current role as a Senior IT Consultant at leading technology companies?

I don’t want to present some flowery, ChatGPT-generated phrases about self-fulfillment. In leadership positions, it essentially comes down to two things: power and money. Power means taking responsibility, making decisions, and pushing your own ideas through. As for money – we women need to stop politely waiting for someone to recognize our skills and compensate us accordingly. We need to assert – politely but firmly – what we’re worth. It is no longer acceptable that we keep reading about the gender pay gap in the media – that women are still paid less than men for the same work. There is absolutely nothing wrong with striving for power and money.

• Question 3: What message would you like to share with young women today as they look toward the future?

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to officially finish a marathon – against all odds. She ran the Boston Marathon disguised as a man and registered in secret. Officially, women weren’t allowed to compete, because a 42-kilometer run was considered harmful to their health. Back then, science was convinced that women simply weren’t capable of running a marathon.
Today, my friend Tina competes in triathlons – adding 180 kilometers of cycling and 4 kilometers of swimming on top. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something, that you’re not capable, not allowed, or not supposed to. Not politics, not science, not teachers, parents, or even your best friend. Make your own decisions. Try things out. Find out for yourself. And if you fail – try again.