Your success in business greatly relies on your ability to gather and analyze business intelligence – keep your eyes and ears open to what is happening around you among your peers and in the industry. Social networks (particularly Linked In, but also Facebook) can be very helpful to your career – use them wisely and engage your professional community in what you do. Don’t give up or postpone motherhood because of your career! There is nothing more beautiful and natural than being a mother…And it’s our responsibility as educated women to raise children who will take leadership roles in our societies. Simply make sure you have the right support system around you that can help you continue to grow professionally after maternity… If you feel like the corporate environment under-values you, it probably means you should start your own business! Don’t be shy about your success – leverage on your professional success to make a political impact that will push your country forward!

Shira Kaplan

Cyverse, Founder & CEO St. Gallen MBA Women in Business, Co-Chairwoman

 It was a pleasure to discuss about career start and exchange perspectives with students from the University of St.Gallen. They all have great potential and have all options open on this point of their careers. At the same time this includes many open questions and is a big challenge: Do I want start my career earning a lot of money or are interesting experiences the most important? Do I want to join a company that provides me with good career opportunities or do I prefer to join a Start-up where I can truly take ownership? Do I seek for a good professional training or a diverse job profile? What is more important: My futurebos or my future job profile? Do I want security or fun? and much more. Not all of those questions have to be an “either-or” relationship. But it makes sense to set your own priorities. My advice: Follow your feelings and try to support them with rationale arguments. And just try out something, because your first job will certainly not be your last one.

Katja Rieger

Swiss Re, Director Risk Managment

Anything is possible – if you go for it! To be successful you must be smart, passionate and determined. “Lean in” and pursue opportunities. Be visible: if you’re working hard and achieving, find ways to make sure that others know about it. Step up, volunteer for high-profile assignments, demonstrate your capabilities. Start building your network when you don’t need something from it – develop contacts now for your next move, making sure you are in a position to be aware of opportunities as they become available. Cultivate mentors and sponsors: be proactive about finding your mentor. Ensure you have gender equality at home and that your partner is bearing his fair share of housework and childcare.

Cinzia De Martin Bär

CREDIT SUISSE AG, Diversity and Inclusion Switzerland

„What I would have liked to know just after finishing my studies is: How important (internal & external) networks are – they should be build up and preserved consciously. A network is both taking and giving – It’s fun to promote someone of your network and be promoted afterwards. That?s how your network grows!To be good is not enough…you also have to let others know about it. Take every chance to attract attention. Invest enough time in marketing yourself. Ask questions, be proactive and self-confident in meetings, understand how your company works.Yes, you can! In promotions, projects, teams. Do say yes to it and do not doubt about your competencies. Train leadership as early as possible!“

Anne Cheseaux

Director at pro ressource - Financeoptima, Chairwoman of the board of directors at Swiss International Hotels