What is your name?
My name is Chantal Schinkels
What is your current job title?
I am the author of The IT Girl and The Buying Infusion, a speaker and social tech and e-commerce expert
What appeals to you in your current job?
Mainly the variety. No two days are the same. For instance, I just finished writing my second book, The Buying Infusion. But I am also a columnist at AG Connect, I often appear on a stage as a speaker and I also provide training on e-commerce and setting up a women in tech community. As a self-employed person, I am of course also responsible for administration, my social media, and other things that come with being an entrepreneur.
What is the male/female ratio in your company?
I am self-employed so the ratio is 100% female. In companies where I have worked before, the male/female ratio was anything but balanced. I was even the only woman for a long time.
What do you think the tech world will look like in 10 years?
Hard to predict. Developments are going very fast, but changes on the shop floor, for example, are very slow. If we look at the ratio of men to women, I think we should be happy if we move towards 25 to 30%. In addition, I also think that we will then better realize that tech is not a defined sector but affects every conceivable sector.
What are your hobbies/interests in addition to your work in tech?
I love reading very much and also call myself a book nerd. I like to watch interesting documentaries on Netflix or NPO. If I don't want to think about anything for a while, I prefer watching series like Below Deck. Besides, I really like learning so I am always busy taking training or (online) courses.
What else do people know you from?
Maybe from LinkedIn? That's where I am Top Voice. I provide tips, useful information and am also not afraid to share my (sometimes different) opinion.
Where do you think are the best places to network?
I don't really like networking events on location. The idea of having to go up to people already bothers me. Online is much better! I sometimes get messages to have a digital cup of coffee. Before, I used to always say yes until I sat drinking coffee all day. There was also work to be done! Now I have a better balance in that. I notice that the conversations online are more concrete and less about small talk.
What is your career advice for women (in tech)?
If you only work hard enough, you won't get there. Make time for a chat with colleagues, linger a bit longer after a meeting, and ask colleagues who can help you further to have coffee. Say no to office work and yes to great opportunities. You don't just get those opportunities, so try to create them for yourself too.
What's your LinkedIn or Instagram link?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-schinkels/
https://www.instagram.com/chantal.schinkels/
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