Career

Opposites Attract and Diversity Helps Us Grow

Vojo Krkobabić 14 March 2019 • 6 min

What is it that makes more and more young women go for expert positions in industrial companies, which have, until recently, been male-dominated? In NIS; in the Refinery, there is a growing number of women holding engineering, specialist, and responsible managing positions, with men being on lower positions. Their work, devotion, initiative are their major assets.

What do two young female engineers working in the Refinery, at the onset of their careers, have to say about this?

Nataša Kojić, Engineer Specialist in Operational Reliability Analysis in the Technical Directorate, Refining Block:

Being part of a work team dominated by men does not sound tempting at first and, in the beginning, raises many concerns: how to fit in, how to break down prejudice and stereotypes, how to prove that this is where you are supposed to be and where you belong. My initial concerns and my experience so far, after a year spent in such team, are quite opposite. I have not experienced any discrimination or related implications whatsoever.

I got an equal opportunity to make progress and have a voice. The only difference in this regard is reflected in etiquette and treatment of women as a fairer sex, but this is what we need. This gives us more room to, without hesitation, show our worth and how completely on a par and worthy of any job we can be. The workplace environment in the Refinery, open communication with both male and female co-workers keep us all equally motivated to prove ourselves and demonstrate are qualities.

I got an equal opportunity to make progress and have a voice. The only difference in this regard is reflected in etiquette and treatment of women as a fairer sex, but this is what we need.

NIS Nataša Kojić
Nataša Kojić
Engineer Specialist in Operational Reliability Analysis in the Technical Directorate, Refining Block

Zagorka Brat, Lead RBI Engineer in the Technical Directorate, Refining Block:

I have always wanted to do a challenging job, which creates new opportunities, and to work in a company such as NIS, which fosters such values. On the other hand, since the occupation and job of a mechanical engineer are traditionally perceived as male, my dear female co-workers and I find every new task as an opportunity to prove that this is not really the case. We believe that our wish and struggle to find a place in a male-dominated world make us perform our tasks even better.

My professional growth began in the primary school, when my Technical Education teacher told me I would become a mechanical engineer one day. I must admit that I was rather surprised, but I remember his words to this day. I am grateful that he recognised my abilities and showed me the right way. I later took my parents’ advice as well and opted for this “male” calling. I continued with my education at the Pančevo Secondary School of Mechanical Engineering, and then at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Belgrade. When I look back, I would say that I have made the right choice and defied traditional boundaries that are sometimes restrictive.

The position of the Lead RBI Engineer, which I currently hold, has opened up new opportunities for development and acquiring new knowledge. I am particularly proud of being part of an efficient, friendly, and professional team, whose devoted work and commitment make NIS the first company in Serbia where such a system will take off.

NIS Zagorka Brat
Zagorka Brat
Lead RBI Engineer in the Technical Directorate, Refining Block

I have spent my education and working life in environments where men make up the majority, which I consider an advantage, rather than a shortcoming. Ever since I was a little girl, I had to fight for my place in society and learn how to do so, and such a path is not easy for a young girl. Many beautiful and difficult moments have brought me here and I would share the credits for each step on the way with my teachers and more experienced colleagues, who were all, without exception, selfless and glad to share they knowledge with me, as their young colleague who has yet to learn. I always stress that the support in professional environment is the most important factor for development of every future expert in their job, and that I, personally, have never felt short of managers’ and co-workers’ support.

After I have completed my studies, I got a job in a design firm, and after a while, I decided to pursue my career in inspection. Working as an inspector and a pressure equipment evaluator, I had the opportunity to familiarise myself with different technologies, production processes, and quality systems, in addition to design, which enriched my experience. The position of the Lead RBI Engineer, which I currently hold, has opened up new opportunities for development and acquiring new knowledge. I am particularly proud of being part of an efficient, friendly, and professional team, whose devoted work and commitment make NIS the first company in Serbia where such a system will take off.

Finally, I would like to thank our dear male co-workers, who have, despite our efforts to have equality, always been protective and made sure we never forget that we are not just engineers, but also women. Diversity helps us grow.