Women in Mechanical Engineering

Encouraging girls to choose studies and careers in the field of STEM education is widespread. However, when-after choosing such a field of study-they go on to become process engineers, that is still not something very common.

At Kolektor CCL, we decided to give an opportunity to a young, communicative, and determined student of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Banja Luka, who is only one step away from graduation-the defense of her final thesis.

We asked our colleague Andrijana Zavišić, employed as a process engineer in Prijedor, whether women in this role face prejudice, whether male colleagues accept them as equal professionals-equally knowledgeable in so-called “male” jobs-and whether she would recommend this career to other girls.

Answer:

ANDRIJANA ZAVIŠIĆ:

It is very important that girls do not have the prejudice that these are “male” jobs when they choose to enter this profession. In doing so, they already gain an advantage over colleagues who may still hold such views. What matters most is having the right attitude and a clear goal-knowing what you truly want and whether you see yourself in it.

In our company, I encountered a great deal of acceptance, and I must admit I was somewhat surprised. I have no difficulties communicating with my male colleagues, and we equally engage in solving all kinds of problems. I am accepted as an equal member of the team, and my opinion is valued just as much.

My recommendation to all young girls who have the desire and can see themselves in mechanical engineering is not to hesitate, but to take that step. A career in mechanical engineering offers a great deal-you can express all your competencies and creativity, as tasks and problems can be solved in multiple ways, which is certainly what the position of a process engineer provides.