Am I Remarkable Enough?
After switching from engineering to IT, Jacqueline Berger found herself questioning, Am I remarkable enough to land a good job? Embracing the challenge, she joined Raiffeisen Bank International as a Cyber Defense Center Analyst and now dedicates herself to helping others uncover their own remarkable qualities.
When I decided to start over
When my son was a toddler, I realized my engineering career just wasn’t the right fit anymore. I was responsible for drilling operations and on call 24/7—hybrid or remote work simply wasn’t an option, making it incredibly challenging to balance work and family.
Sure, changing jobs seemed like the easiest solution, but the options for potential employers in my field were limited. I began to dream about a fresh start - studying Informatics felt like an exciting possibility. After all, I had always been a “tech girl.” But starting over right after becoming a mom? That felt like a bold move—many women my age seemed to settle into their roles without questioning them. Yet, I decided to take that leap and pursued a Bachelor’s in Informatics.
As graduation approached and I prepared to apply for jobs, a wave of insecurity washed over me. Have you ever been in a situation—like a job interview, a meeting, or even a casual gathering—where you had to talk about your accomplishments? It’s not easy, is it? I kept thinking, “I need to sell myself as amazing to land a new job… but I don’t feel amazing.” The tasks in my previous job had come easily to me, and while my colleagues praised my work, I still took my achievements as given and felt let I was “just doing my job”. I couldn’t see what they saw.
But I didn't feel amazing
Just then, I discovered the I Am Remarkable initiative through the #newITgirls on Meetup. Something about the topic caught my curiosity. The movement began in the U.S. and was initially designed for women in tech at Google, aiming to help them feel more comfortable with self-promotion.
At the time, my son needed a lot of attention, so I decided to head to a nearby Starbucks for some focused time. It was there, during an online workshop, that something shifted within me. I remember sharing two things I felt remarkable about: I am self-motivated and I inspire people. It wasn’t an instant life-changing moment, but it planted a seed of confidence. I began to reflect on my achievements – maybe certain things were worth mentioning at the end, that I had pushed aside as “no big deal”.
The Power of Transformation
And you know what? It worked. I successfully transitioned in my career, and I felt a sense of pride in what I had accomplished. I was grateful for the community that had empowered me along the way. A desire to support and inspire others emerged within myself. Becoming an I Am Remarkable facilitator felt like a natural step. I was incredibly nervous before I hold my first big in-person workshop with 18 participants. It wasn’t because I was uncomfortable speaking in front of people; rather, I wanted to create a safe space where others could open up and share their stories—a challenge I knew wasn’t easy.
Women Empowerment at RBI
When I joined RBI, I quickly realized this company already has a strong focus on empowering employees and supporting diversity. So, when I proposed the idea of hosting I Am Remarkable workshops for our team, it was met with enthusiasm. So far, I’ve hosted three workshops here: one for the women in Group Security, and two as part of the Women Empowernment Journey in IT.
Creating Connections Through Vulnerability
Every single workshop is unique. It’s shaped by the participants’ experiences and what they’re willing to share. Sometimes people open up about deeply personal struggles—sometimes there are moments with tears. But what always happens is this moment of connection. You realize that, even though our paths are different, the struggles are so similar. It creates this bond and reminds everyone: you’re not alone.
Facilitating I Am Remarkable is one way I put my ‘why’ into action. By helping people recognize their value, feel empowered, and maybe even take the next step towards what they truly want, I align with my values and that simply feel the right thing to do.
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