What is your goal when you’re networking? Is it to meet people that you hope someday might be able to help you? Is it finding people that you might mentor and help? Are you looking for friends and/or colleagues who share similar experiences? Maybe you’re watching the clock until you can duck out (we see you, introverts!)?

For Anna Maria-Kulpa and Rabea Reitmeier, being part of a local women’s network in Germany has brought opportunities for collaboration, friendship and mentorship. We asked them about how their relationship has played a part in Anna Maria’s career progression.

How did you two connect?

Anna Maria: Rabea and I started working together on recruiting. She was one of the first women in the Female Ambassador Network recruiting women. We built a friendship out of that. Now we meet once a year at our own time.

Rabea: We’ve been working together for a long time. First in recruiting, then Anna Maria was our HR lead and then as fellow Female Ambassadors. And yes, we make sure to take time every year to get away and do a little business but mainly have a lot of fun.

So, Anna Maria, when you decided to change jobs, you went to Rabea for advice?

Anna Maria: It wasn’t quite that direct. I had a nice role in HR, and I also had an inner voice telling me that maybe I should find a way to get closer to clients. I approached Rabea for her ideas, and we talked about my strengths and weaknesses and where I thought my skills might fit best. Sales emerged as a potential good fit. It was great to have someone who knew me so well who could help me map out what could be next.

Rabea: Anna Maria knew the business well from being in HR, but that knowledge doesn’t translate so well to something like delivery, where it helps to know how the technology and processes work. That’s something that you learn best by doing. Sales seemed like a more natural jump.

I was leading a Sales team at the time, so I involved Anna Maria in some RFI/RFP efforts to give her a chance to see what the work was like. I saw how willing she was to jump in and take things on, engage with experts when she needed help and come up with a structured and effective approach. She was also great at navigating the Accenture relationship.

And that experience gave you the confidence to go for the Sales job?

Anna Maria: I wish it was that easy. I did move into a business development job, which was going great. Then, less than a year later, a reorganization created an opening for a role as the industry sales lead for Life Sciences. This was a huge step up for me. I was very excited about the opportunity, passionate about the industry, but doubting myself and my chances of getting the job. I knew some of the hiring managers interviewing for this role weren’t sure if I had the right qualifications, so I even withdrew my application at some point.

Rabea: I knew Anna Maria had everything it would take to succeed in the role—but still, it can be challenging to make that case to a hiring team. I recommended that she strongly considers another role that was on the horizon. She returned after a weekend of thinking full of passion for the Life Sciences role and told me she was going for it because that was what she was most excited about. Her persistence really impressed me.

Anna Maria: When making such a career transition, I believe it's crucial to have not only the professional support of your network and colleagues but also the backing in your personal life, which I was fortunate to receive. I am blessed to have great support from my partner and my friends, which was quite instrumental to me in navigating through this career move.

It’s all working out so far?

Anna Maria: Looking back and reflecting on my career journey now, I am happy to say that the people who were hesitant about my application during the interview process now seem to be convinced 😉

Rabea: Anna Maria reminded me that it’s not always important to have the experience. Sometimes, it is just as important to have the right attitude, mindset and passion to succeed. These things can go a long way to compensate the technical and functional skills, especially if you find the right part of the business to apply them.

What is your advice for women navigating careers at Avanade?

Anna Maria: Don’t be afraid to take risks. Go ahead and try things on. Avanade is a place where you’re safe to put yourself out there. And, if you can, find someone who knows you well enough and cares enough about you to tell you honestly what fits you well and what doesn’t.

Rabea: If you find your passion, take the extra steps to pursue it. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have direct experience or knowledge. Use your interest and enthusiasm and other skills to demonstrate that you are willing to learn what you need to so you can be a contributing team member in this space.