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Women in engineering break stereotypes: “This field has no limits for improvement”
2024-10-16
Women in engineering break stereotypes: “This field has no limits for improvement”
Although women working in various engineering positions in Lithuania is no longer a surprise, experts say that their numbers in the field are still insufficient. For several years, AB “Keliu prieziura” (Road Maintenance) has been actively initiating various programs aimed at promoting engineering professions, motivating students, supporting them, and enhancing the skills of existing employees. Additionally, the company contributes to increasing the attractiveness of professions in the transportation sector by offering additional benefits.
According to Lina Stasiuleviciene, director of the Human resources and administration department at AB “Keliu prieziura,” the company currently offers benefits for both current and future road maintenance specialists. The benefits include study funding opportunities, scholarships during their studies, and more. These contribute to strengthening the skills and knowledge of specialists and also attracts future employees.
In recent years, women have also shown interest in engineering jobs. One such individual is Dovile Pupeikyte, who is studying in the Road Engineering Master's program at VILNIUS TECH. She has been working as an engineer in the Jonavos road maintenance department for two years, contributing to the improvement of Lithuania’s road conditions.
D. Pupeikyte states that she knew what career path she wanted to take since the 8th year in school. “I never adhered to societal standards. When my teachers heard that I wanted to be a construction engineer, they urged me to reconsider because it’s not a ‘feminine’ profession. With the encouragement of my family and information available in the public domain I overcame my doubts. My relatives always supported me and my decisions, and I also started seeing more and more women achieving high goals in engineering. So I asked myself – why can’t I be one of them?” says the engineer from “Keliu prieziura.”
Changing the nature of a job can be a challenge
Engineering is a very broad field that provides opportunities to study and explore many different areas. This can make it difficult to choose the most suitable path, or to change it after choosing. For instance, despite initially studying construction engineering, Dovile later became interested in road engineering. Completing her bachelor's degree in construction engineering presented a significant challenge.
“Currently, I’m not only working at AB “Keliu prieziura,” but I am also studying in the Road EngiWithneering Master's program at VILNIUS TECH, and I am glad that the company supports my learning by allowing me to combine both activities and providing an additional scholarship as an encouragement to achieve my goals,” she said.
L. Stasiuleviciene emphasizes that a key aspect is the student’s desire to improve and pursue their career goals. “In light of this, the company develops student support programs by funding the studies of existing and potential employees,” she explained regarding the benefits offered at “Keliu prieziura.”
The most important thing is not to be afraid to make mistakes
Choosing a career path is not enough; studying, and often working at the same time, can require a lot of effort. Nevertheless, ultimately, the results achieved and the knowledge gained compensate for any mistakes made. According to Dovile, working in a job that she truly loves was one of her most important goals. “Now my job involves ensuring constant road maintenance, coordinating defect reports, managing insurance incidents, and calculating estimates. I also conduct patrol inspections, monitor standards, and oversee asphalt repair work. Sometimes, while substituting for the project manager, I prepare tasks for defect repair teams. I find this meaningful because we work every day to ensure safe travel for all road users,” Dovile reveals about her work at “Keliu prieziura.”
Her advice to all women considering a career in engineering is to not be afraid to make mistakes, as mistakes come with diverse experiences. “Also, don’t be afraid to be the only woman on the team or in your study group. Engineering is not just calculations or ‘dry’ science; it requires using various programs, innovations, and communication skills, so there are no limits for improvement,” she stated.
AB “Keliu prieziura” is a company employing over 2,200 various specialists. Its divisions are located in various regions of Lithuania, allowing employees to choose from nearly fifty locations. Additionally, the company offers a wide range of positions, which enables continuous improvement and engagement with actively implemented innovations and the latest road maintenance technologies.
Experts note that the job market has been highly competitive for a long time, and “Keliu prieziura” continually creates attractive opportunities and additional benefits for current and future employees. In this job, on top of financial incentives and other career opportunities, employees work daily with the country’s strategic asset – state roads of national significance – making a career in this field particularly meaningful.
According to Lina Stasiuleviciene, director of the Human resources and administration department at AB “Keliu prieziura,” the company currently offers benefits for both current and future road maintenance specialists. The benefits include study funding opportunities, scholarships during their studies, and more. These contribute to strengthening the skills and knowledge of specialists and also attracts future employees.
In recent years, women have also shown interest in engineering jobs. One such individual is Dovile Pupeikyte, who is studying in the Road Engineering Master's program at VILNIUS TECH. She has been working as an engineer in the Jonavos road maintenance department for two years, contributing to the improvement of Lithuania’s road conditions.
D. Pupeikyte states that she knew what career path she wanted to take since the 8th year in school. “I never adhered to societal standards. When my teachers heard that I wanted to be a construction engineer, they urged me to reconsider because it’s not a ‘feminine’ profession. With the encouragement of my family and information available in the public domain I overcame my doubts. My relatives always supported me and my decisions, and I also started seeing more and more women achieving high goals in engineering. So I asked myself – why can’t I be one of them?” says the engineer from “Keliu prieziura.”
Changing the nature of a job can be a challenge
Engineering is a very broad field that provides opportunities to study and explore many different areas. This can make it difficult to choose the most suitable path, or to change it after choosing. For instance, despite initially studying construction engineering, Dovile later became interested in road engineering. Completing her bachelor's degree in construction engineering presented a significant challenge.
“Currently, I’m not only working at AB “Keliu prieziura,” but I am also studying in the Road EngiWithneering Master's program at VILNIUS TECH, and I am glad that the company supports my learning by allowing me to combine both activities and providing an additional scholarship as an encouragement to achieve my goals,” she said.
L. Stasiuleviciene emphasizes that a key aspect is the student’s desire to improve and pursue their career goals. “In light of this, the company develops student support programs by funding the studies of existing and potential employees,” she explained regarding the benefits offered at “Keliu prieziura.”
The most important thing is not to be afraid to make mistakes
Choosing a career path is not enough; studying, and often working at the same time, can require a lot of effort. Nevertheless, ultimately, the results achieved and the knowledge gained compensate for any mistakes made. According to Dovile, working in a job that she truly loves was one of her most important goals. “Now my job involves ensuring constant road maintenance, coordinating defect reports, managing insurance incidents, and calculating estimates. I also conduct patrol inspections, monitor standards, and oversee asphalt repair work. Sometimes, while substituting for the project manager, I prepare tasks for defect repair teams. I find this meaningful because we work every day to ensure safe travel for all road users,” Dovile reveals about her work at “Keliu prieziura.”
Her advice to all women considering a career in engineering is to not be afraid to make mistakes, as mistakes come with diverse experiences. “Also, don’t be afraid to be the only woman on the team or in your study group. Engineering is not just calculations or ‘dry’ science; it requires using various programs, innovations, and communication skills, so there are no limits for improvement,” she stated.
AB “Keliu prieziura” is a company employing over 2,200 various specialists. Its divisions are located in various regions of Lithuania, allowing employees to choose from nearly fifty locations. Additionally, the company offers a wide range of positions, which enables continuous improvement and engagement with actively implemented innovations and the latest road maintenance technologies.
Experts note that the job market has been highly competitive for a long time, and “Keliu prieziura” continually creates attractive opportunities and additional benefits for current and future employees. In this job, on top of financial incentives and other career opportunities, employees work daily with the country’s strategic asset – state roads of national significance – making a career in this field particularly meaningful.
