Studies at Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering is a "starter package" to work in the best companies in Poland. Kinga Wojciechowska, a graduate of the Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering , knows it best. While still a student, she joined Anwil SA - one of the largest companies of the PKN Orlen Group - and now enjoys working for one of the best employers in Poland (Top Employers Polska 2020). Today, she talks about taking advantage of opportunities, recalls her studies with a smile and argues that it is worth being open to great life changes.
You are an engineer of production processes. What exactly do you do?
I could tell a lot! (laugh). In fact, the work of an engineer is multidimensional and this makes it unique. I work in the Fertilizer Production Area, and currently I deal with the technology of nitro-chalk production.
So - let's add for the non-professionals - one of the nitrogen fertilizers.
Yes, calcium ammonium nitrate is a nitrogen fertilizer, it is sold under the trade names CANWIL with magnesium, CANWIL S with sulfur and CANWIL Mg-S. My role is to analyze production in terms of quality, optimize the production process and forecast production indicators, consumption of raw materials, etc.
In short, a lot of work that brings tangible results, visible in every product. The technology of such a process is complicated. What brings you the most satisfaction?
Gaining new experiences related to production processes, learning about the rules of conducting the process, the opportunity to learn about the construction and operation of devices on the installation, participation in modernization projects related to the introduction of modern industrial solutions - all this gives me a lot of pleasure. However, I would not have had a chance to experience it if it had not been for my studies in process engineering at Lodz University of Technology.
For many secondary school students who are used to subjects such as biology, physics and chemistry, the term "process engineering" sounds rather puzzling. What are these studies about and what did you learn as a student?
Process engineering is a multidimensional field, followed by work in many areas of industry - from design, through laboratories, to engineering work in production plants. At the beginning, students learn the basics of chemistry, physics, mechanics and automation, and then thermal processes, diffusion and thermodynamics. Anyway, dear high school graduates, in these studies it is not only important what knowledge the doctors and professors will pass on to you. The most important thing is to look for, inspire, strive to understand and make science our passion. If you can additionally share this with others, broadening your horizons, then you truly develop. The Faculty of Process and Environmental Engineering is constantly developing and focuses on modern technologies used in industry! Thanks to this, studies in process engineering are an excellent base, a kind of "starter package", opening the way to the best companies in the industry.
You are the best example of this. Anwil SA is one of the largest companies producing fertilizers in Europe. Are you bursting with pride or rather stressed by great responsibility?
Working in such a company is an honor and a commitment, but also a priceless opportunity to gain professional experience in the field of engineering from the best specialists. In addition, my example shows that a woman in the engineering community is perfectly at home!
There are more and more women in engineering, but not all of them manage to find a job in such a reputable company, right after graduation.
Nothing in life comes right away, you also get a good job in stages. For me, the first step was to apply for the internship "Z ANWILEM NA START", which I learned about on the website. I started the internship when I was in the last year of my master's studies. After three months, I was accepted as a technical specialist and this is how my adventure at Anwil SA began.
Many companies acquire new employees in this way, so I recommend all students to apply for internships. New opportunities and career prospects will open up for you, I am the best example of this!
The internship was undoubtedly a great opportunity, but it was not without sacrifices. First, you traveled every week from Łódź to Włocławek for an internship, and after graduation you had to move to a smaller town. Was it an easy decision?
Changes are necessary, it develops us! In my opinion, distance does not play a significant role, the most important thing is to come true, make your dreams come true and improve professionally. Was it easy? Certainly it was different. Łódź is definitely a larger city than Włocławek and in this respect it has much more to offer. The prospects for taking up a job in the industry of your choice, opportunities for development and professional improvement - the range of choices is definitely wider. Moreover, there is a much richer cultural offer in Łódź than in Włocławek, there are theaters, cinemas, cafes, festivals, and recreational activities. However, I chose Włocławek, which may be incomprehensible to many people. At the beginning, I wasn't convinced of this choice (laughs). However, I was quickly enchanted by the Vistula River and the forests and lakes in the vicinity of Włocławek. The Vistula River flows parallel to the street where I live, and the landscape from the window ... beautiful! I have literally 5 minutes on foot to the nearest forest, I love walking there.
When your thoughts go back to the period of study, what do you feel? Do you miss it?
Well, studying is one of the best times in life, you don't have to get up at 5:30 every day (laughs)! You get to know the world, people, life, and additionally study what you are passionate about! It is something to miss! But seriously - I have very good memories of studying at Lodz University of Technology. University employees have great contact with students, they can transfer specialist knowledge, arouse interest and help develop their passions. The university offers a lot of practical classes, exercises and laboratories, and what is important - it focuses on development all the time, new laboratories are created, rooms are equipped with the best equipment. In addition, Lodz University of Technology organizes many additional classes, research groups and foreign trips. This is what makes Lodz University of Technology not only one of the best technical universities in the country, but most of all MY Alma Mater.
Interviewer: Dr. Aleksandra Pawlik
Pictures: ANWIL SA and the private archive of Kinga Wojciechowska