Julia Wenninger
Can you tell us a bit about your career journey?
I joined the Austrian Armed Forces in 2006, graduated from the Theresan Military Academy in 2012 and became a deputy company commander and company commander. For two years I worked in the PR business and in 2018 I returned to the Military Academy as a deputy class commander. As such we are responsible for the education and training of the next generations of officers in our Armed Forces. At the moment I serve in EUFOR/ALTHEA BOSNIA, where I hold the position of S3, a staff officer at the multinational battalion headquarter. My current rank is captain.
Do you think that gender discrimination affects your area of research/work at all, and if so, what do you do to deal with and overcome this?
Generally, I do not think that there is gender discrimination in the Austrian Armed Forces. Sometimes, there might even be a positive discrimination, which is a totally different topic and should not be discussed here. What I personally noticed is, that there is a kind of “age discrimination.” The older you are, the higher the chances to get the position you apply for and qualification plays a subordinate role. This is not specific to a military system, but it is something young soldiers face on a regular basis during their military career.
In your opinion, what are the most effective practices to promote diversity and solidarity among women in your field?
I personally prefer the practice to include and integrate every soldier in the same way, no matter how old they are, which gender they have or what religion they practise. I do not treat women differently and I also do not want to be treated in a different way because I am a woman. I want to be respected because of my performance as a soldier, fulfilling my tasks and leading the soldiers I am responsible for well. In my experience, this is the most effective way to promote diversity, by developing and promoting every one’s potential, not by treating soldiers differently.
WIWIP is currently hosting a workshop series to tackle issues like Imposter Syndrome and achieving professional fulfilment. Do you have any specific ways in which you deal with things like self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy?
I write down my successes, even if they seem too small to mention. It is all these details and small successes that keep me in a positive mindset and which prove that I am doing a good job. I learned to separate my self-esteem from the appreciation of others and to show my appreciation to my subordinates and colleagues on a regular base.
Are there any specific women who have inspired you?
There is no single woman I can mention. I try to look at different people and learn from their best habits, behaviour or knowledge.
What advice would you give to women students who wish to work in the same field as you?
Always give your best and be disciplined.