GWNET brings you the 1st instalment of the “Meet the Women in the Energy Transition” series which celebrates the work and achievements of the women who are part of GWNET’s 2/2019 Mentoring Programme. This mentoring programme contains 22 mentee-mentor tandems, with mentees from over 15 countries. Meet GWNET mentee, Tanja Muller. Tanja has over a decade of experience in political security analysis, public relations, teaching, and investigative journalism, specializing in cybersecurity in the context of critical infrastructures in the sector of sustainable energy.
1) Tell us a little about yourself. What do you love most about what you do?
I love being part of this sector, and I am highly interested in it from a political point of view.
2) What were your goals when you started working in sustainable energy? Have these evolved?
It has become my personal goal to make the energy transition fit for the challenges of the digital world so that its positive political goals can be reached. This is the reason why I decided over time to emphasize on the topic of cybersecurity in the energy sector.
3) What are the opportunities for sustainable energy growth in your country?
The opportunities include wind, solar and biomass energy.
4) What challenges have you faced in the sector? Can you tell us how you overcame (or are overcoming) these challenges?
Having studied Political Science I was extremely interested in the topic of ‘Energy Transition’. However, as I did not have any technical background, I wasn’t taken seriously on the job market. GWNET helped me to be more confident in job interviews. I had the feeling of being backed up by a big community of strong women all over the world. My GWNET mentor was also a great help. With any uncertainty, any question, I could contact her. She was my safe haven.
5) Why did you join the GWNET Mentorship Programme? What do you hope to achieve?
As a community we can reach way more; being part of an international network is empowering. Together with all the other wonderful women, I want to reach my goal of protecting the critical infrastructures of the energy sector.
6) What advice would you give to women hoping to join the sustainable energy sector?
They should quit two dysfunctional beliefs:
- Networking is hassling people
- My dream job is waiting out there
And replace them with:
- Networking is asking for direction. Success needs help.
- Design your dream career through a process of actively seeking and co-creating
If you are interested in knowing more about GWNET’s mentoring programmes, this comprehensive article outlines our work in this area.
