Annika Schulz

You have quite a remarkable career behind you already – considering your experiences, which description fits you best at the moment?

‍Annika: have been working in defense for about 10 years, now. Over time, I have seen how important it is to make informed decisions on every level: Operational to strategic, in the military, politics and industry. I believe that we need smart decision-making to ensure readiness and to enable software defined defense. We cannot afford to hesitate, but at the same time, we need to identify the best course of action.

Thats why I am hashtag#AdvisingDefenseActors on how to use technology to tackle challenges and help them to leverage partnerships throughout the defense ecosystem. The goal is to optimize their contributions to national and alliance defense.

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How do you navigate career choices – what is your philosophy of purpose?

‍Annika: I feel a strong sense of purpose to contribute to defense and security. It is what led me to enlist after the war on Ukraine and the annexation of Crimea in 2014, and it still guides me today. While there are lot of opportunities out there, it has always been important to me to stay connected with the military. Now and in the future I will make sure that my work enables soldiers and improves the security apparatus.

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Women in defense tech often seem to miss out on the military service as a way to levagage networks and understanding of the defense sphere – you have served in the military. How did that define your career path?

‍Annika: Enlisting in the military was the best choice I have ever made, personally and professionally. I believe, that the armed forces are the best place to learn about defense, since these organizations were designed for and serve that exact purpose.To me, especially the first two years of voluntary military service taught me a lot about system, as well as the respective mindset. It was then, that I got hooked. Since, I have pursued the reserve officers training and continued to acquire military and technological skills that would help me to further contribute to defense. However, the defense landscape is complex, and one cannot be an expert on every topic. That is why building a network is important, to leverage knowledge.

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Do you consider an „in-between“ military service useful for women who are keen to work in defense? Either for primes or as founding entrepreneurs?

‍Annika: Definitely! There are various types of military duty today, and I believe that it is always valuable. The military does not only teach essentials for national defense, it also helps you grow and push your limits, and you learn about leadership like in no other organization.From the business perspective: It certainly always helps to understand customer realities and needs. And what better way than to walk in their boots?