Cornelia Haldemann: “We were a mixed bunch”

Cornelia Haldemann, why did you decide to study computer science at ETH Zurich back then?
My getting into computer science was a coincidence. After graduating from high school, I wanted to travel the world. Hence, I needed money and started working as a programmer at Siemens. While the world trip didn't work out, I had discovered my main professional interest: computer science. Then, another coincidence occurred. My brother, who studied electrical engineering at ETH, handed me the application forms for the then newly created computer science course at ETH Zurich. Without further clarification, I filled out the documents and sent off the application.

Which moments from your studies do you remember most?
"Don't be intimidated, everyone is bluffing here," my former mathematics teacher advised me, whom I happened to run into on my first day at ETH. And then, after the first year, the bitter disappointment: I had failed the first intermediate diploma. Thanks to perseverance, great support from my fellow students and new learning strategies, I succeeded on the second attempt. We students from the first computer science programme at ETH Zurich were a mixed bunch. Like me, the majority had already gained professional experience after the Matura. Some were already studying another subject or had already graduated. I also remember very well that, as a student representative, I got to give a closing speech at our graduation ceremony. Never before had I spoken in front of so many people. And occasionally, I ended up in memorable situations because I was a woman in computer science.

Would you like to elaborate?
After an oral exam, a computer science assistant said I had only got my good grade because I was a woman. I was stunned. Many years and several further training courses later, a young male "techie colleague" was irritated. It couldn't be that I was better than him even in the technical subjects. I had to smirk a little.

What did you do after graduation?
My studies were followed by a period of "learning and wandering". I worked in various jobs in the IT sector, at banks and an insurance company. To satisfy my growing interest in economic interdependencies, I completed a postgraduate degree in business administration at ETH while working in the early 90s. In 1994, I became a mother for the first time and stayed at home for three years. Since my return to professional life, I have always worked for Zehnder Group International – first as an IT project manager, then as an information security officer and since 2013 as head of product data management. I acquired additional knowledge about information security and design thinking in my two postgraduate courses at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

What do you appreciate most about your profession?
The wide range of new technical, organisational and social challenges every day. I also appreciate the freedom to set my own priorities. Further, in my many years of work, I have been through numerous changes and developments. Today, I can therefore classify current developments easily and I’m able to focus on the exciting aspects of the new.

What did you learn during your ETH studies besides technical knowledge?
Precise and systematic work, persistence, and perseverance. My studies broadened my mind significantly – not only in computer science. I gained exciting insights into the humanities and social sciences thanks to my minor in occupational psychology and physiology as well as lectures from the "Department XII". (Editor's note: The department focused subjects such as history, philosophy and linguistics and has been part of the Department of Humanities, Social and Political Sciences (D-GESS) since 1999).

What was your favourite lecture?
My elective lectures on a broad spectrum of topics: from philosophy of science (P. Feyerabend) to French literature (Liaisons Dangereuses with R. Kempf) to feminist philosophy (Huber & Huber). I even learned Arabic for a few years (H. Fähndrich). All our lecturers sparkled with passion for their subjects, it was lasting and unforgettable.

What do you wish for D-INFK on its 40th birthday?
Many more great, able and eager people who are involved in the department in various roles!