Our Women in Stamping series has proven to be very popular. In this new blog post, Berna Tunali from Ford Otosan reports on her journey and encourages new women in the industry.
I’ve spent nine incredible years in the automotive industry, and currently work at Ford Otosan, Turkey’s leader in the field. Today, my career is on a strong trajectory with the development in the role of Stamping Business Unit Leader at Ford Dunton UK with an ISE international assignment. As a woman, I feel lucky to be at a company that truly champions gender equality and supports women’s growth. However, getting here wasn’t an easy ride. Before Ford Otosan, I faced the challenge of proving myself in an industry where women are still a minority.
It’s my goal to prove that women can succeed in stamping just as easily as men. And to show that women can thrive in the field, here, I share my story and advice for females wanting to pursue a career in stamping.
From university to the industry
My passion for the automotive industry was inspired by my cousins, who were already working in it. Plus, I grew up in a city heavily reliant on the automotive sector, so I knew this was where I wanted to build my career.
My journey began with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. At university, I was often the only woman in my mechanical engineering classes. It was tough at first, but I soon made friends and found my footing.
I also earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Anadolu University and had the opportunity to study in Spain for a semester through the Erasmus student exchange program. This experience helped broaden my horizons and introduced me to new cultures and languages.
It took me a year of job hunting to land my first job as a stamping engineer at a toolmaker in Turkey. In my job-hunting experience, companies often sought experienced candidates, making it tough for new graduates (especially women) to find opportunities. Gender biases also played a role; many companies didn’t even respond to my applications!
Early barriers to progression
I must admit, the beginning was tough at my first employer, a well-known global toolmaker. Being a new graduate, I had limited knowledge and faced the challenge of proving myself in a field where men significantly outnumbered women.
Being the only woman in my mechanical engineering class at university helped prepare me, but it didn’t make it any easier to navigate the workplace dynamics. I consciously chose to avoid wearing colourful or feminine clothing in an attempt to be taken more seriously. Even getting tea and biscuits for colleagues felt like it was reinforcing stereotypes.
During my five years at first employer, I completed a Master’s degree with a thesis on automotive topics. This combination of practical experience and advanced education finally opened the door for me to transition into the heart of the industry.
A new home at Ford
In 2021, I joined Ford Otosan. This was a game-changer for me. I found tremendous support in showcasing my self-confidence and talents. Shortly after I started, I was appointed as an acting team leader for six months, a managerial position I successfully held. This experience demonstrated that, given the opportunity, women can excel just as much as men in terms of both technical skill and management ability. It proved that we can succeed in any field when provided the chance.
Ford Otosan’s commitment to gender equality has been remarkable, largely due to its strong diversity, equity and inclusion policies. At Ford Otosan, skills and competencies are the focus, not gender. Women are highly valued, and half of the senior roles are now held by women. This shift is crucial for breaking the glass ceiling in core industries.
The evolution of women in stamping
Over the past nine years, I’ve definitely seen positive changes in the stamping field. When I started, there were very few women in stamping. While this reality persists, it is improving. Stamping requires complex skills and often demands a heavy workload, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I feel it’s my responsibility to encourage more women and young people to enter this industry.
A growing field where women shine
Stamping, compared to other sectors, is still maturing. It’s an area that demands specialized skills and often involves intricate work. However, it’s also a very enjoyable field, so I hope more young people, especially women, become interested in it.
In fact, I believe women possess many attributes that allow them to bring value to the industry. For instance, we excel in attention to detail and delicate work, which results in high-quality products. We also enhance teamwork and communication, boosting productivity.
How women can thrive in stamping
The difficulties women face in business are undeniable, and they’re not unique to stamping or engineering. Wage inequality, negative stereotypes, and slower career progression due to family responsibilities are common obstacles.
My advice is to constantly improve yourself, find a mentor, stand against gender discrimination, and always have confidence in your abilities. If you can, enrol on an internship before you graduate to get hands-on experience.
Ford Otosan is now expanding into a welding department, giga casting and 3D printing of stamping tools. I believe these rapidly emerging niches offer room for specialization, which can be super beneficial for job opportunities. Women interested in a strong future career should consider these areas now.
When it comes to maximising your earning potential, I definitely recommend developing technical skills and acquiring specialized skills. Technical knowledge in stamping can help you become a valuable employee. For instance, learning CNC machines, CAD software and other advanced manufacturing technologies are important.
Overall, keep up with the latest developments and innovations in the industry. Learning about industry trends and keeping yourself updated. Increase your level of expertise by taking more responsibility and gaining experience in projects.
Although the sands are shifting, older mindsets in management and patriarchal employment hierarchies do still exist. When encountering these, I feel women can benefit from presenting themselves as confident, knowledgeable, and professional.
Ultimately, my journey in the automotive industry has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I hope my story inspires other women to pursue careers in this field and shows that we can excel and lead, just as men do.
On behalf of all our fans at FormingWorld.com. Thank you Berna Tunali for this thought-provoking interview.
See our other Women in Stamping post here.