From not knowing which path to choose to delivering some of the largest real estate development projects in Lithuania, the professional journey of Rasa Jakutavičiūtė-Pečiulaitė demonstrates how the right study programme can open the door to a successful career. After graduating from the Building Energy Systems Engineering programme at VILNIUS TECH, she has built a successful career at some of Lithuania’s leading real estate companies, managing complex and high-profile projects. According to Rasa, engineering graduates are becoming increasingly valued in today’s labour market.
Like many high school graduates, Rasa Jakutavičiūtė-Pečiulaitė spent her final year at school wondering what to study. She considered pursuing medicine or pharmacy but did not want to move to Kaunas.
Rasa Jakutavičiūtė-Pečiulaitė
“At school, I was very active in organising events, including school celebrations and graduation ceremonies. At one point, I even considered studying event management. But then I realised I already had strong organisational and management skills, so I wanted to gain solid professional expertise and a qualification that would provide long-term career opportunities. That was when engineering caught my attention—it offered a strong foundation and a wide range of future possibilities.
I chose to study Building Energy Systems Engineering at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at what was then Vilnius Gediminas Technical University. Although my exam results would have allowed me to choose almost any programme, I enrolled in a state-funded place and successfully completed my studies. Many people warned me that engineering would be extremely difficult, but I actually did very well,” Rasa recalls.
The Most Valuable Lesson University Taught Her
During her studies, Rasa gained a comprehensive understanding of the energy sector, including renewable and non-renewable energy sources, energy supply networks, and building climate control systems.
“The most important thing university taught me was how to learn. It is impossible to know everything, but it is essential to know how to find information, evaluate it critically, and apply it in practice,” she says.
As part of an international student exchange programme, Rasa spent a semester studying in Italy, where she became familiar with advanced energy and sustainability solutions, renewable energy technologies, and energy-efficient systems. The experience inspired her to continue with a Master’s degree in Building Energy Engineering at VILNIUS TECH.
An Engineering Degree Opened the Door to Business
While still completing her Master’s studies, Rasa began working at the real estate company Eika.
“I was hired because I had an engineering background. Employers were looking for people who could understand the bigger picture, grasp technical processes, and make well-founded decisions. In Lithuania, the demand for engineering professionals significantly exceeds supply, so engineers rarely struggle to find meaningful and well-paid jobs,” she explains.
Starting as a Development Project Coordinator, Rasa spent eleven years within the Eika group of companies, steadily progressing through the organisation. During this time, she contributed to numerous residential and commercial real estate developments, taking projects from land acquisition and design through construction, sales, and final completion.
Rasa Jakutavičiūtė-Pečiulaitė
She later joined the development team at SBA Urban, where she worked on two of Lithuania’s largest business campus projects—Urban Hub Kaunas and Urban Hub Vilnius. She subsequently expanded her expertise by working on building conversion projects, transforming older properties for new purposes. Today, Rasa continues her career within the Infes Group, where she holds a senior management position at one of the group’s real estate development companies.
Why Engineering Education Is Increasingly Important for Executives
According to Rasa, engineering qualifications have become highly valued in today’s business environment.
“In the past, executive job advertisements typically required candidates to have a background in law, economics, or management. Today, I increasingly see companies specifically looking for professionals with engineering education. This reflects the growing appreciation for strategic thinking, systems understanding, and the ability to manage complex projects,” says Rasa.
She notes that many leadership positions in the real estate and construction sectors are now held by professionals with engineering backgrounds.
Demand for Engineers in Lithuania Continues to Grow
According to Rasa, the labour market has changed dramatically since she chose her studies. Today, women hold an increasing number of leadership positions in the real estate sector. They lead teams, manage complex developments, and drive company growth.
“When I entered university nearly 20 years ago, engineering was not among the most popular study choices, especially for women. Based on my own experience, I would encourage young people not to choose a programme simply because it is fashionable or attracts hundreds of applicants. Instead, choose one that may be less popular but offers broad knowledge and opens many career opportunities. In the long run, graduating from a less crowded field can actually make it easier to find employment because there is less competition.
Rasa Jakutavičiūtė-Pečiulaitė
A career lasts for decades, so it is important to choose a field that you genuinely enjoy. A strong professional foundation allows you to explore different roles and specialisations throughout your career.”
Engineering Is About Much More Than Formulas and Technical Drawings
Asked what she enjoys most about engineering, Rasa says the profession offers tremendous opportunities for creativity and personal fulfilment.
“I enjoy creating something from nothing—from an initial idea, an empty plot of land, or even a swamp to a modern building or an entire complex where people live and work. When you see the finished result, you realise you have created something meaningful.
Engineering is not just about formulas or technical drawings. It is about solving problems creatively, seeing opportunities that others may not notice, and creating lasting value. Those are exactly the qualities that today’s professionals and leaders need most.”
