Eurovent has launched the ‘Women of Eurovent’ series which features women leaders from Eurovent members who provide synopsis’ on how they are contributing to the HVACR sector. Anneli Halfvardsson, tells us about her experience.
What made you decide to pursue a career in HVACR?
It was due to a company nearby that was expanding. I was educated in electrical/mechanical engineering, and I am actually a light industry designer. So I studied alongside my work, to add the HVACR knowledge to my list.
What do you think we can do to support and encourage more women to join our industry?
I think that profiling the education or work in that area to be about environmental solutions. This is actually one of the possibilities to meet the sustainable demand and turn it into something positive and showcase that it is about making people’s life healthier. This would attract both women and men.
How do you deal with stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
This is not something special for the HVACR industry alone. It is something you have in common with most of areas of business. I think people have different strategies to deal with this matter. My advice to anyone would be to invest in yourself and not only in others.
What has been your most memorable experience in the HVACR industry?
You can find many small events when working in a project and I have come across a number of them. You also find solutions together with your colleagues and be able to take the next steps. I find the teamwork very satisfying.
Do you ever feel like you are being underestimated or undervalued? How do you deal with it?
I have worked as an Engineer and Product Developer throughout my career, not only within the HVACR industry but also in another industry. I would say that this issue is common, and it is true that the female Engineers have to be better than the male Engineers to compete. However, nobody can take away your own knowledge from you and if you use it well and make your voice heard, you will see that after a while the male engineers suddenly depend on you. Another thing is that a good portion of stubbornness also helps. Furthermore, do not focus on the differences or that you feel you are being treated differently, ignore that. This is my best advice I can give!
What is your personal definition of success and how do you continue to learn and expand your knowledge?
Success is to achieve what I put up as a goal and to have fun at work. In terms of expanding knowledge, you have to keep your curiosity and not to be fast with rejecting an idea.
What advice would you give to women thinking of joining the HVACR industry?
Be open for challenges, stay interested and dare to follow your instincts to try out your ideas.
How do you motivate others to embrace change?
There is a saying: change is the only constant there is. I would say that it is important for a product developer to not get stuck in the comfort zone in order to dare try out new ideas. I think this is valid also within other areas or industries.
