Engineering has long been perceived as a male-dominated field. However, in recent years, more and more women are choosing to challenge this stereotype by pursuing what was once considered an unconventional career path. The experience of the new energy group EPSO-G shows that an increasing number of women are entering engineering and successfully establishing themselves in the field.
The stories of electrical engineers Džiugilė Bukelytė and Selvina Denisova, who work at Tetas – a company within the group – illustrate bold decisions and unexpected career discoveries. For them, June 23 – International Women in Engineering Day – is a true professional celebration.
There could certainly be more women like them in Lithuania. Their professional experience demonstrates that women’s contributions are important not only for achieving the organization’s goals but also for changing the prevailing perceptions of what they are capable of.
From English Philology to Engineering: A Strong Pull Toward Energy
Džiugilė Bukelytė, an electrician at Tetas, says that her decision to pursue engineering studies was influenced by her family and excellent results in science subjects at school.
“My grandparents worked with electricity. At school, I studied physics and enjoyed doing all kinds of calculations – and I was pretty good at it. Even though it wasn’t always easy, I felt drawn to the sciences, and that’s how I ended up in engineering,” Bukelytė shares.
She started working in the energy sector while still studying at Panevėžys College, and today she successfully balances her lectures with work. She admits it’s not easy – but it’s worth it.
Meanwhile, Selvina Denisova, an engineer in the substation maintenance department at “Tetas,” confesses that she had never planned on working in the energy sector. Initially aiming for a future in English and business management, her interest in electrical engineering was sparked when she started working at an electricity network call center during her studies. Her decision to pivot to a tech-focused field was even met with some resistance from her family at first.
“I was studying business English philology and business management, while also working at LESTO (now ESO) contact center. I became interested in technological processes. One of my colleagues was studying engineering, so I started asking him about his studies and what career opportunities there were. I realized that I was genuinely interested in the field. That fall, I decided to return to studies – but not in business English, instead in electrical engineering,” Denisova recalls.
She says that initially, she faced skepticism from some family members, who believed engineering was a “man’s profession.” But determination and confidence eventually helped her overcome these attitudes and secure her place in the energy sector.
What Do Women in Engineering Actually Do? No, They Don’t Come Home Covered in Grease
Denisova emphasizes that women bring valuable changes to the energy sector – from structuring work more effectively and carefully following instructions to introducing fresh perspectives to the traditionally male-dominated engineering culture.
“Male engineers often rely on experience and don’t always pay attention to documentation. Women, on the other hand, bring more structure and planning, which improves work processes in the long run,” she says.
She adds that one of the most persistent stereotypes is the belief that engineering is purely physical labor in the field. “Some people think an electrical engineer’s job is just connecting cables or installing power lines. But in reality, there are many branches of engineering – from design to technical supervision – requiring a broad set of skills,” she notes.
Bukelytė agrees, saying that the job rarely requires significant physical strength or endurance. She points out that many specialists work primarily at a computer, and she herself doesn’t come home covered in grease.
“Girls often hesitate to choose engineering because they think it’ll be too hard or they’ll lack the knowledge. But everything can be learned – nobody becomes an engineer in a day. You can gain the necessary knowledge through studies and learn from your colleagues,” the electrical engineer highlights.
Engineering: A Field of Constant Growth
Denisova says that what motivates her in the energy sector is not only her interest in the technical aspects but also the opportunity to contribute to projects important to the entire country.
“When you see the significance and scale of the projects you’re involved in – and realize that the stability of the energy system depends on your work – you feel a deep sense of pride in what you do,” she shares.
Bukelytė emphasizes the friendliness of the engineering community. “Engineering is a very welcoming field. There’s a shortage of specialists, so colleagues are happy to support newcomers, help them learn and grow, and are glad to pass on their knowledge,” she says.
During her career in the energy sector, Denisova has worked in many roles – from investment planning to substation operations. In the future, she’s open to taking on leadership roles but currently wants to gain more diverse experience across engineering fields.
“Right now, I want to learn as much as possible. I am considering a leadership role down the line, but it’s important for me to have a broad knowledge base and a strong team to work with,” Denisova emphasizes.
Shocked and Liked It? Consider Engineering!
Bukelytė hopes more women will choose this profession in the future. “I think women should be more motivated to consider engineering – it’s both fun and interesting. If you have the desire and an interest in technology and sciences, it’s definitely worth it. Right now, there aren’t many women in this field, but I believe more will join over time,” she says.
She jokes that if you’ve ever been “shocked” at home and liked it, it might be a sign to become an engineer. “More seriously, engineering is not only an adventure full of challenges and creativity but also a promising job that brings great satisfaction by solving real-world problems,” she notes.
Denisova also encourages girls not to be afraid of choosing engineering. To make this path smoother, she recommends building a solid foundation in physics and math while still in school. “This will not only make your studies easier but also help later in your career. And the more girls who choose engineering, the faster we’ll shake the stereotype that engineering is for men. It’s truly for everyone,” she adds.
She stresses that engineering is a dynamic field with no routine: every day involves solving technical problems, coordinating tasks, and actively communicating with teams and clients.
