Stefanie Dechant - Engineer and Influencer

Stefanie Dechant, a rising star in the world of automotive engineering, is passionate about challenging stereotypes and empowering women in the traditionally male-dominated fields of engineering and automotive design. With a double master's degree in mechanical and industrial engineering, and currently a PhD candidate specialising in electrical vehicle assembly, Stefanie is not just shaping her own future but also paving the way for others in the industry.

Stefanie’s path to automotive engineering wasn’t a straight line. "To be honest, there wasn’t one single thing that inspired me" she admits. "I wanted to study design when I was younger, but my parents weren’t so enthusiastic about that idea." With her parents encouraging a more practical path, Stefanie turned to industrial engineering as a backup. "I was good in mathematics, and I thought I could always drop out if I didn’t like it."

However, once she began her studies, she quickly realized that engineering, especially the technical side, was where her true passion lay. "I had no idea about cars or the technical background at first, but the more I learned, the more it sparked my curiosity”. This new interest only deepened over time, driving Stefanie to pursue more specialized knowledge in the automotive industry.

In her current work at Mercedes-Benz as a PhD candidate, Stefanie has been at the forefront of one of the biggest shifts the automotive industry has seen: the transition from combustion engines to electric vehicles. "The transformation is quite challenging, but it’s also the biggest change for the automotive industry so far" she explains. "Doing this in an efficient way, with as few resources as possible, is what led me to focus my research on electric vehicle assembly."

Her PhD research focuses on making this transition as resource efficient as possible. For Stefanie, this work isn't just about developing new technology; it's about driving systemic change to ensure the future of the industry is both sustainable and innovative.

Stefanie’s academic journey is nothing short of impressive.

Alongside her PhD, she completed a double master's degree in mechanical and industrial engineering. "It was quite difficult" she confesses. "The topics were so quite challenging —industrial engineering had a lot of economics, while mechanical engineering was all about math and physics." Despite the challenges, Stefanie managed to complete both degrees in just two years, thanks to careful time management and determination.

"It was a lot of work, but I didn’t want to extend my study time. So I took on extra courses during my bachelor’s degree to prepare myself". Balancing these intense academic demands with her personal life required discipline and focus, but Stefanie’s passion for learning and her desire to challenge herself kept her going.

In addition to her academic achievements, Stefanie has built a significant social media presence, sharing her experiences and challenges in the automotive industry. "When I moved to Stuttgart for my PhD, I felt quite lonely," she admits. "There weren’t many women in the field, and that’s when I decided to start sharing my story on social media."

What began as a small, impersonal car spotting account soon grew into a platform where Stefanie connected with others, particularly young women, who were inspired by her journey. "At first, there was no pressure from the outside. I just shared what I loved doing, and when I started storytelling in 2023, people really connected with it" she explains. "They were asking questions and sharing their own struggles, which motivated me to keep going."

Her content is now more than just about cars—it’s a space where Stefanie talks openly about her challenges and strives to break down the stereotypes that still persist in the automotive world. "People want to connect with my journey and my mission to break down stereotypes," she says. "That’s what keeps me going." Make sure to show your support @stefanie.dechant on Instagram!

Throughout her career, Stefanie has had to confront the gender stereotypes that still shape society’s view of women in technical fields. Growing up in Germany, she was steered toward more traditionally "feminine" activities, like drawing and design, but never had exposure to hands-on building or engineering. "As a girl, you’re encouraged to develop talents like design, fashion, and aesthetics, but not to build things" she explains. "I had no touchpoint with technical fields like engineering."

For Stefanie, entering mechanical engineering felt like a leap. "It was such a big step for me because none of my friends were studying it, and there was no one to show me how to make that jump from creative interests to technical fields" she says. "I wish someone had shown me how I could combine my creativity with engineering."

Now, she’s passionate about breaking down those barriers for future generations of women. "We need to make career paths in technical fields more transparent for young girls. They should be able to explore whatever interests them—whether it’s drawing, building, or designing."

When asked what advice she’d give to women looking to follow in her footsteps, Stefanie is clear: "Follow your interests and don’t be afraid to try things out, even if they feel odd or unfamiliar" she says. "Internships, even the ones that seem difficult, can help you figure out what you’re good at and what you don’t want to do."

Stefanie also encourages young women to explore a variety of opportunities and to never stop asking questions. "Ask your parents, research online, attend summer courses or volunteering jobs—there are so many ways to get involved, even if they’re not obvious at first. Don’t give up just because something doesn’t seem immediately available."

For Stefanie, the key to success isn’t about chasing money or prestige—it’s about finding what you love. "The true happiness in life comes from doing what you love," she says. "And the more you try, the more you’ll discover what your true purpose is."

With so many accomplishments already under her belt, Stefanie is focused on the future. "My biggest goal right now is my PhD" she admits, noting that balancing it with her social media work and personal life has been a mental challenge. "But I’m also focused on my mental health—finding stability, listening to my body, and not stressing too much about everything."

Stefanie Dechant’s journey is just beginning, but her influence in the automotive industry is already profound. By breaking barriers, sharing her story, and advocating for greater representation of women in technical fields, she is helping to create a more inclusive and diverse future for automotive engineering. Her academic determination and focus on her mental health represents a beautiful balance and we wish her nothing but the best in her PhD journey and wherever she finds herself next.