On 3 May WIA-E Leiden and WD Amelia, the Women’s department of the TU Delft Student Association VSV, organised an Aerospace Women’s day for the fourth time at the TU Delft. The goal of the day is to bring students, young professionals and professionals together to share experiences and to network.

This year the theme was Leadership and 2 inspiring and motivating speakers kicked off the day and gave advice to students and professionals. Dr Jeannette Heiligers, working at the TU Delft, investigates the enabling potential of solar sailing in the Earth Moon system. She shared her experience and gave advice how to go about an academic career. Helen Brocklehurst, Engineering Manager at Rolls-Royce on the other hand focused on careers in a commercial environment.

After this introduction it was time for the participants to choose 2 out of 4 different workshops. Zita Papp from NLR gave an interactive session to practice with several leadership styles. Prof. Castelvecchi guided us how to come across professionally in manners as well as appearance. Ilona Eichhorn taught how to give interesting speeches that inspire other females to start with or stay in technology. She also gave the last workshop how to steer negotiations in such a way that a satisfying result for all involved parties is accomplished, including you!

The event ended with a networking drink in the student bar ‘De Atmosfeer’ of the faculty.