Interview with Ida Kastbjerg Steffensen

Ida Kastbjerg Steffensen is a Business Intelligence Developer at Kromann Reumert.

Where did you graduate from and with which degree?
I graduated as Master of Science (MSc) in Earth and Space Physics and Engineering from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU).

Please give a description of the work you do in your current position.

I work as a Business Intelligence Developer at Kromann Reumert, a Danish law firm. My role focuses on making data accessible and user-friendly for the organization. I manage the entire data pipeline, from extracting source data to delivering finalized reports to end users. This involves consolidating data from various source systems, maintaining a data warehouse, and providing actionable insights and visualizations. To excel in this role, I need a comprehensive understanding of the firm’s diverse processes and requirements, including financial, commercial, and other business areas.

What motivated you to study physics or engineering in the first place?

I have always been fascinated by mathematics and physics, drawn to understanding how everything works and interacts. This curiosity extended to the universe, where I found myself captivated by its vastness and the physics of stars. Motivated by this interest, I began studying physics and engineering with a focus on astrophysics. However, I realized that astrophysics wasn’t quite the right fit for me. Instead, I discovered a passion for geophysics, particularly geomagnetism, and fortunately, I was still in the right place to pursue this interest for the remainder of my studies.

What made you decide to pursue a career in the private industry?

While working on my master’s thesis, I realized that academia wasn’t the right path for me at the time. The only certainty I had was that I wanted my career to involve working with data. With this insight, I began applying for jobs and landed my first role as a Data Engineer, where I gained invaluable experience. Today, I am grateful to be working in the private sector, where I particularly enjoy seeing the immediate impact of my work. I also appreciate having colleagues from diverse backgrounds who help, challenge, and inspire me every day.

How do you use the skills you learned as a physicist or engineer in your work?

I believe that the most important skills are the ability to acquire new knowledge and understand complex systems. Coupled with a logical mindset and methodical problem-solving approach, these skills enable me to tackle most challenges I encounter. Additionally, my expertise in handling, processing, and visualizing data is something I apply daily in my work.

What does being a physicist mean to you?

Being a physicist means pursuing the solutions and answers through curiosity, inquiry and analysis to understand and solve problems in the world around us.

What advice would you give to young people (in particular women and minorities) with a background in physics who would like to pursue a career in the private industry?

Go for it! Apply for any position that sparks your interest, even if you don’t meet the listed requirements. Physics equips you with problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to tackle complex challenges—qualities that are highly valued across industries. You may need to advocate for these skills, but rest assured, there is a place for you. The key is to gain experience; you can always pivot to different roles or fields as you discover what truly excites and motivates you. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!