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As a kid I had never had any limitations in what I could do or how far I could push myself. I was always curious about how things work, how to solve problems and always willing to discover new cultures. It is surely for this reason that I expatriated to Denmark to study my Master in Sustainability Energy Engineering, before joining Schneider Electric as an Analytics and Reporting Engineer in 2021. This role was the perfect cocktail to combine an experience abroad, my interest in math and physics, and my ethical principles.
Yet throughout growing up, I found myself developing some kind of impostor syndrome. I found myself doubting my skills and competencies. As a young woman working in a technical role in a foreign country, it can be easy to fall into a trap of feeling insecure and overwhelmed at times. However, with a bit of determination and the right mindset, it is possible to overcome these fears and thrive in your role!
Trust your abilities
At first, I tried to establish what created this feeling of insecurity – was it being a woman in a men’s driven work environment? Was it due to me living abroad? Was it my lack of professional experience?
But instead of dwelling on these negative thoughts, I decided to focus on the solution. One key strategy for overcoming insecurity is to focus on your strengths and accomplishments. It can be easy to get caught up in the things you don’t know, or the mistakes you might make. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes, and no one knows everything. By focusing on what you do know and what you’ve achieved, you’ll be able to build confidence in your abilities and push through any doubts or fears.
Counting on your people
Another important step is to build a strong network of support and a sound work life balance! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues; having people you can turn to for help and advice can make a big difference when you’re feeling unsure. They can provide encouragement and reassurance when you need it most and can also offer valuable perspective when you’re facing a difficult problem.
Take it as a chance to grow
Finally, it’s important to remember that insecurity is a normal part of the learning and growth process. Instead of seeing it as a weakness, try to view it as a natural part of taking on new challenges and pushing yourself to grow. With time and experience, you’ll learn to trust yourself and your abilities, and will become more confident and secure in your role.
I am today a Digital Services Architect within Schneider. I have learnt to grow and feel supported every day to do what I love (analytical, technical engineering) the way I want (being myself) and for a purpose that matters to me (make the world a greener place)!
Working in a technical role in a foreign country can be challenging, but with determination, focus on your strengths, building a strong network, and viewing challenges as a natural part of the learning and growth process, you can overcome your fears and thrive in your role.
Are you interested in a career at Schneider Electric like Alessandra? Check out our website for more information and for available positions to take your career journey to the next level. www.se.com/careers
About the Author
Alessandra Cossu comes from the beautiful island of Sardinia in Italy. She has lived in Denmark for the past 4.5 years, where she studied and started working for Schneider Electric in 2021. Coming from a very diverse and international environment, she loves spending time with friends, painting and playing volleyball. A true adventure seeker, she books tickets for new destinations every time she can.
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