Nell Mitka : Project Engineer
28-year-old Nell Mitka works as a Project Engineer at Cegelec. She immerses herself in new projects at the office, follows up on orders, receives materials and regularly visits construction sites to check technical details. In her role, she combines analysis and practical experience with close collaboration with the Project Manager, colleagues, customers and suppliers.
“Being part of the minority can also present the opportunity to stand out
and have your voice heard more strongly.”
- Name: Nell Mitka
- Age: 28
- Studies: Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, with options in Civil Engineering and Special Techniques
- Function: Project Engineer
- Hobbies: Sports
What did your decision to pursue a career in the technical sector mean for your family?
Nell: Just like my older brother, I studied industrial engineering. And while his choice was immediately accepted, mine felt like a different story. My grandparents in particular did not understand why a girl would choose such a technical field. They even tried to discourage me. I put this down to a generational difference: in their day, such choices were certainly less common. But nevertheless, I simply followed my own interests. This not only made me stronger, but also taught me that you gain recognition by following your own path. Pursuing a career at Cegelec was also a conscious decision. I was looking for an environment where I could work on complex, large-scale projects and learn as much as possible from the outset thanks to an excellent training programme.
How does your role as the only woman in the team contribute to the dynamics and collaboration?
Nell: Ever since my studies, working with men has been the norm for me. Sometimes I notice differences, such as the fact that men tend to use humor more quickly in their daily communication. But overall I am able to handle it pretty well. As I sense that my opinion is valued, the collaboration is always smooth and respectful. My presence also has a positive effect on customers: meetings often run more calmly and amicably, and we focus more on finding joint solutions rather than on who can assert themselves the most. The fact that I am different from the majority actually leads to better results.
Do you consider your position as a woman in a technical role as an advantage?
Nell: Precisely because there are still few women in our industry and you are part of the minority, you stand out more easily: people listen more attentively to what you say and appreciate your contributions. Rather than a disadvantage, being automatically in the spotlight presents an opportunity to make your voice heard more strongly. If you are curious and you enjoy challenging yourself, a technical role might just be cut out for you. Instead of being static, it constantly offers the chance to seek out innovation and make progress: you keep learning and discovering, and I find that very motivating.
