Katrin Puth - Project Engineer (HVAC) at HI Bauprojekt GmbH

What do you like most about your job?

My job as a Project Engineer is never boring. There’s no routine - it's always new, exciting, and challenging. I also enjoy working on new projects to develop new and collaborative solutions. In addition, the challenge of each new project is to work with different people to a realize a project successfully.

Why did you choose this career?

For me, my dream job has to be mentally and physically challenging. I would like to enjoy going to work every day with the possibility of variety and not to proceed with your personal development and being trapped in fixed patterns and structures.

My father, who also worked as a project engineer, certainly had a great impact on my career decision. During the holidays I went to work with him a few times and got an idea of what he is doing. It was very interesting to see the realization of the project and that the planning process is not always as straightforward and simple as it seems. In particular, I was fascinated by the fact doing a lot of calculations and tinkering – because mathematics was one of my favorite subjects at school. So I have always enjoyed calculating and planning and as a Project Engineer I am able to use this combination in an appropriate way.

Due to the fact that there is no standardized building, it was exciting for me - like in research and development - from the idea to the implementation, but not that protracted and monotonously as only R&D but with 100% practical relevance. Strong practice orientation was one of the main reasons for my final career decision. For me as an active person, a desk job is something I was not looking for.

Furthermore, I would also like to have the opportunity to see and understand how a task is realized and what happens if something has not been properly planned and then could not be realized in a proper way.

Have you ever been confronted with prejudices in your job? How did you deal with them?

Prejudices are unavoidable. My motto is: „Take a deep breath and get to it!“. I accepted it so far and continued my work in the usual way. For me, people with prejudices often think in a rather one-sided way, but I simply ignore that and just go ahead.

Which skills are required to succeed in a male-dominated business?

From my point of view, it takes a sense of humor to survive in male-dominated industries. But also a "thick skin" and stamina are important qualities.

Which tips would you like to give prospective female engineers?

In my opinion it is important to keep true to yourself and to find your own way that is appropriate for you. Furthermore, you should react spontaneously and with a quick wit and the necessary self-confidence and most important: Do not hide!