Danijela Jani

I’m a field service engineer trainer and technical instrument specialist at Bio-Rad Laboratories, a multinational specialized in immunohaematology. I provide level-3 technical support and train our engineers around the world on how to use our instruments.

My passion. I’ve always been passionate about new technologies and medicine, so my job provides the perfect mix. I also love teaching and working with people from different cultures. I appreciate the diversity, the travel, meeting new people, the variety of cultures and working in an area that’s important for public health.

My career path. I’ve been interested in technology and maths ever since I was little, so I decided to study electrical engineering at ETH in Zurich. My father worked in a similar field, and he was probably the one who influenced me the most in my choice. My family has always supported me.

A downside or obstacle ? As a woman in a male-dominated field, I had to – and still have to – work harder to get recognition from my male colleagues. That’s especially true when I work with people in countries where women are not on an equal footing with men. It can be difficult to get people to take you seriously, and you constantly have to show that you are capable, and even sometimes demonstrate that you are more capable than they are. I’ve always had to work more and be more effective. I constantly have to prove myself.

I am (unfortunately) one of the rare women in my line of work, but I’m also the first to hold such a high position in my company.

I’m proud to bring more equality to my field. My colleagues like me because I’m sociable, helpful and enthusiastic. I understand how people work and I’m very patient, and that helps me to explain complicated things in a way that’s easy to understand.