How did you join EnBW?
Daniela Sturm: I was looking for a partner company for my dual study program and came across EnBW through DHBW. It turned out to be an absolute perfect match.
What has your career path looked like so far – and what is your current role?
Daniela Sturm: I started out with the dual study program. Afterwards, I had the opportunity to work as an assistant to a technical managing director – an exciting time that offered deep insights into the company’s core business. After two and a half years, I moved into HR and discovered my passion for employer branding. Then came Fukushima, and I decided to leave EnBW. After working in employer branding at another company and spending three years in New York, I returned as a recruiter at Netze BW. Today, I’m part of the Employer Branding team, focusing on university marketing and diversity.
Since when have you been leading the femtec program – and what’s behind it?
Daniela Sturm: EnBW has been a partner company since 2011, and I’ve been involved from the very beginning. I’ve been leading the program since 2023. Femtec is a career-building program for female STEM students. It helps them strengthen their self-confidence, explore career paths and build a strong professional network.
What excites you most about femtec?
Daniela Sturm: The conversations with the scholarship holders are incredibly inspiring. The program is international and conducted in English, which I love – especially the exchange across different cultures. Collaborating with universities and partner companies is equally rewarding.
Are there any special success stories?
Daniela Sturm: Absolutely! More than 30 alumnae now work with us, some even in leadership positions. Many of them serve as role models, are active in our Women’s Network or support femtec events.
Why is promoting women in STEM so important to you?
Daniela Sturm: Women are often underrepresented in technical degree programs and still face stereotypes. Femtec advocates for equal opportunities. As a mother of three daughters, that’s something I care deeply about. Girls need strong networks that support them in all stages of life.
What makes your job special?
Daniela Sturm: Definitely the variety! No two days are the same. I love being creative, planning events and campaigns, and trying out new ideas.
What does a typical workday look like for you?
Daniela Sturm: “Typical” doesn’t really exist for me. I usually work from home, plan university events, coordinate campaigns and test new formats. Boredom? Not a chance.
What goals are you pursuing with your team?
Daniela Sturm: We aim to identify key universities and strategically strengthen our relationships – through tailored communication, both on-site and online. Diversity is especially important to me, particularly inspiring women to pursue STEM careers.
And what challenges do you face?
Daniela Sturm: Sometimes it’s the language barrier – international students may not yet speak enough German, which limits potential opportunities.
Any special moments at EnBW that stand out?
Daniela Sturm: Our team days are always special – even though we work remotely, those days bring us together in person. Another highlight is definitely the femtec scholarship program – my personal passion project.
Describe your work in three words.
Daniela Sturm: HRcool, connected, diverse.