Oksana Rasskazova is a visionary innovator and co-founder of Women in Big Data Berlin, renowned for her pioneering contributions at the intersection of AI, robotics, and industrial inspections. She is also the founder of German Newcomer, an initiative dedicated to fostering connections and opportunities for new arrivals in Germany. Currently, Oksana leads transformative projects at Gestalt Robotics, where she drives the development of AI solutions tailored to the unique needs of large manufacturers and factories. Her work seamlessly integrates cutting-edge research with practical industry applications, pushing the boundaries of computer vision and robotics. With a strategic vision and a commitment to innovation, Oksana is shaping the future of industries and setting new standards in the fast-paced tech world.

• How did your journey into the tech industry start? Did you always dream of working in technology or science as a child?

When I was a little girl, I didn’t think about working in technology or science at all. My initial passion was actually linguistics, which I studied and enjoyed immensely. I was drawn to the idea of discovery and exploration, which led me to move to Germany, where I continued my studies and started working in an academic environment.

However, I’ve always been fascinated by technology and innovation – anything new and exciting has always caught my attention. My interest in technology began even before my formal studies, as I observed the evolution of early phones, computers, and other devices. I became increasingly interested, reading books, listening to podcasts, and immersing myself in the tech world. I realized that I wanted to be part of this innovative field because, for me, it’s about building the future, which is incredibly exciting.

• How did your background in linguistics influence your transition into the tech industry? What steps did you take to successfully make the switch?

Transitioning from linguistics to tech wasn’t straightforward. If I knew then what I know now, I might have focused on annotating data, especially since I’m now working with machine learning and a lot of data. At the time, as a linguist, I wasn’t sure how to break into the tech industry. Today, language has become a significant part of the tech world, which wasn’t the case before.

My journey into tech truly began during my time at a university laboratory, where we conducted various experiments in speech science. This involved programming, statistical analysis, data recording, and handling large datasets. I enjoyed working in the lab, using technology, and teaching students how to conduct experiments.

Eventually, I moved to a technical university to take on a management position, where I was responsible for building AI labs. We worked extensively with data, which further fueled my interest in the field. After that, I transitioned to the industry, where I began working as a project manager. This marked the beginning of my career in tech.

• Nowadays, many women switch careers and want to work in tech sector. How long did it take you to get there?

It took about two years for me to transition, but that’s partly because I moved between roles. Initially, when I switched to a technical university, I was still in an academic environment, which was familiar. However, I transitioned from a scientific position to a management role, which was my first experience in leadership. This experience paved the way for my move into the industry.

• What advice would you give to someone looking to transition from academia to a role in the tech industry

If I were to give advice to others considering a similar move, I’d suggest first thinking about the role you want—whether it’s in management or as a scientist within the industry. Then, look at the requirements for those roles. Often, we have transferable skills but aren’t sure how to translate them into the language of the industry. For instance, I initially wondered how my experience in experiments and science would apply, but I found that product development processes are quite similar to conducting experiments. You research the market, form hypotheses, and then test those hypotheses to see if an idea works—much like in science.

There are always synergies and transferable knowledge. Another important aspect is networking. Find people in the industry you want to enter, connect with them, and seek advice. Sometimes, jobs come not just from experience but also from personality and motivation. It’s hard to convey that in a job application, but when you meet people and share your enthusiasm, it can open doors. That’s how I found my first industry job – through someone I knew from my academic work who recommended me.

• Women in Big Data Berlin has facilitated networking and mentorship for its members. What personal and professional impacts have you observed from these connections?

Organizations like Women in Big Data can be invaluable for networking and finding mentors. When we started Women in Big Data Berlin, our goal was to connect women at different career stages, help them navigate challenges, and find mentors. I, myself, found a mentor through this network, someone who had a similar career path but was a few years ahead of me. Her guidance has been incredibly helpful because she understands my challenges and has already overcome them.

• Given the recent challenges in the tech industry, including layoffs and uncertainties, how do you think women in tech can navigate these difficulties, and what strategies do you suggest for staying adaptable and seizing new opportunities?

Many women in the tech industry, in particular, feel the impact. I don’t know if there’s a simple solution, but I believe we’ll navigate through this crisis. The tech industry is unpredictable, and while some sectors face difficulties, others are emerging, like the growth of large language models. Staying adaptable and keeping an eye on new opportunities is key.

It’s also crucial to pay attention to your well-being and avoid burnout. We often push ourselves hard, but it’s important to recognize when to slow down and take care of ourselves. Burnout is much harder to recover from than it is to prevent. Trust yourself, don’t blame yourself if things are moving slowly, and remember that sometimes things just take time to fall into place.

Despite the fast-paced nature of technology, not everything that emerges quickly is successful. Some paths require steady and stable progress. My motivation comes from my curiosity and desire to explore new roles and understand how things work. I view each experience as a personal goal, and this drives me to keep going, even when things don’t work out as planned. I believe that failures are just part of life, and it’s normal to encounter challenges.

• How do you relax and have fun?

I’ve recently learned to prioritize relaxation and self-care. After my studies, I was very focused on work and other responsibilities, like starting Women in Big Data. However, I realized I wanted to do something just for myself. I started taking dance classes and learning to swim, both of which I had always wanted to do. I now make sure to block out time for myself, which has become my way of relaxing and having fun.

Oksana is no longer an official member of Women in Big Data Berlin as she focuses on other projects, but she continues to support and advocate for women in tech.