In this interview with Katie Rose, Christiane Pursche shares how women can hold their own on construction sites and enjoy a successful profession in the industry.
KNXtoday: Tell us your background and how you came to work in your current role.
CP: I’m a trained wholesaler and previously worked as an accountant for a master electrician. After working with KNX for a long time, my husband, Lothar, decided to start his own business. Initially, I managed the accounts, but then became fascinated by what Lothar was doing and started working with ETS. I learned from him and got my KNX certification in November 2022. I also did three Homeserver training courses at Gira.
Lothar and I now run our company, Smart Systems, together. I’m not an electrician and I don’t install any devices, I just do the computer-based integration.
KNXtoday: What are the highlights of your job?
CP: We work on many exciting projects, from banks and clinics to large office complexes and production halls. I love to see how the programming comes to life, after all of the preparation.
KNXtoday: What has your experience been working in a male-dominated environment?
CP: My male colleagues are often quiet and always very nice to me – when they get to know me, they realise that their jokes and comments don’t bother me.
KNXtoday: What advice would you give to women entering the industry?
CP: It’s difficult to generalise, as so much depends on individual circumstances. My approach is to consider who I’m dealing with first, and then either demonstrate my expertise or make a few jokes, because men are usually so aloof when women are on the construction site. So far, this has always worked for me.
KNXtoday: What do you feel needs to change to encourage more women to enter the industry?
CP: First, you have to know that this profession even exists and that, while you’ll end up working on construction sites, you’re not a construction worker. Sure, you’ll get dirty sometimes, but you don’t have to do the heavy physical work.
I think young people are the most important starting point for long-term change. Women should be present at career advice events to explain the role of the systems integrator and demonstrate that it’s possible to pursue a profession in the industry.
KNXtoday: How did you join Women in KNX and how do you feel the initiative can support women working in the industry?
CP: Thanks to Katja Schuster, I’m now a member of Women in KNX and KNX Professionals, but I’m still very new. I think it’s great when women support each other, share experiences, and spread the word about what they do. I always tell everyone about it.
KNXtoday: Is there a female colleague whose work you would like to celebrate?
CP: Yes, Women in KNX founder, Katja Schuster. She is doing a great job, and if I ever have a question, she is there for me.
Christiane Pursche is a systems integrator at Smart Systems, a modern company orientated to the technological pulse of the times.
