Meet woman in engineering: Hong!

Power woman Hong tells all about her love for technology!

Meet Hong, a motivated woman in technology, who has been employed by Boorwerk via BergWerk since September 1. She has had a great heart for technology since a young age and has always worked in this industry. She can completely express her passion in this. Yet there is a disadvantage: the prejudices about the industry and the shortage of women in the workplace. ”People often think that the salary is low or that you need short hair to work in technology. I like to show the opposite and inspire others through information to also choose a job in technology, says Hong.

Back in time

From making your own toys to drawing (technical) drawings. Hong has always been concerned with why something is the way it is. She took apart her toys to see how something was put together and became very enthusiastic about the technology lessons at school. Her parents also inspired her to be creative. For example, her emancipated mother helped build their own house and made her own clothing. In addition, her parents ran their own restaurant and her father is always creative with food.

Working as a goldsmith

It was therefore no surprise that Hong would opt for a technical and creative profession after HAVO. Hong says, ”It was a bit old fashioned, but the dean used to have a career guide. That contained all professions. I saw goldsmith standing there and I thought it would be great fun to do. I then completed a 4-year course for this, says Hong. Before she had found a job as a goldsmith, she worked for several years as a logistics employee and as a watchmaker. She then worked as a goldsmith for 20 years.

Getting started at Boorwerk

When work as a goldsmith became too much for her after 20 years, she decided to return to a logistics position. She used to enjoy working in logistics. Hong says: “The work of a goldsmith is never finished. Although I really like it, I never had peace. I was always working.” So Hong ended up with our mountain worker Benjamin. He helped her get a job as a logistics employee at Boorwerk. A company that sells drilling in all sizes worldwide. Here her love for logistics and technology comes together and she has much more peace in her head. By now she knows all about the types of drills and metals and is happy to work with such a beautiful product. In addition, she has enough time to work as a goldsmith. She also teaches once a week at a creative association. Here she guides people who have less to spend with creative and technical projects. So she has found the perfect balance! ;)

Woman in technology

Hong is a true expert by experience when it comes to women in engineering. She has been in this man's world for years and likes to see more women in the workplace. ”Women's talk is really something I miss in the workplace. Talking about nonsensical things. Isn't it wonderful to complain about a broken nail? Recently I had turned a wax and everything had shrunk. Most male colleagues do not understand the frustration I have, says Hong. People also often wrongly think that you have to be tough or behave masculine. In addition, Hong emphasizes the importance of a diverse team. Diversity creates new ideas and you complement each other well.

The importance of information

To encourage more women, but also young people, to choose a profession in technology, Hong voluntarily provides information in schools as a hobby. There are even more prejudices about working in technology. For example, people in technology are often seen as less. Someone is ‘maar’ a plumber and the trade would earn poorly. ”Of course, none of this is true at all. Technicians are desperately needed in this world and you can make a good living from it. Yet parents often prefer to see their child in the office. And that is a problem, because their influence is great. Every child must be able to decide for themselves what they will make their money from”, says Hong.

To dispel these prejudices, Hong has been teaching classes in schools for years. Although it is difficult to penetrate the adolescent brain, she also sees success. ”Sometimes years later I hear from an old student that they have chosen a job in technology. That gives me a lot of feeling”, says Hong.

Where to start?

Are you unsure whether a job in technology is for you? Then Hong is advised to just try it! That doesn't necessarily have to be big. Even if you start with hobby courses. When you try it, you find out what you think. Making mistakes is part of that. In the end it's not for you? Then at least you know that and you have challenged yourself.