Interview with Elisaveta Doncheva: Building careers and impact for millennial women in mechanical engineering
We have created a platform for millennial women working in the industry who are ready to share their success stories. We launched a series of interviews to highlight their inspiring experiences and achievements, focusing on women who are transforming the world around them. In this edition, we spoke with Prof. Dr. Elisaveta Doncheva, Full Professor at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje.
Can you tell us more about the company where you are working and its objective?
The Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Skopje, part of the University “Sts. Cyril and Methodius” (UKIM) and is a leading technical institution founded in 1965, specializing in areas of mechanical engineering such as materials, production, thermoenergetics, hydraulics, transport, automation and mechatronics. It advances research in the areas through continuous cooperation with industry and faculties in the country and abroad. It offers undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs aligned with the needs of industry and Bologna standards.
What challenges have you faced as a millennial woman working in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
Like any woman in a male-dominated industry, I faced challenges related to gender stereotypes that limited my progress. The standard syndrome imposed by the environment is questioning one’s expertise and knowledge despite the acquired qualifications, which results in a constant need to prove oneself and others, energy that could have been used to improve the work in the institution or for additional training that would have contributed to greater success in science. Overcoming this challenge came when I received external recognition from colleagues, institutions, organizations, and even students who constantly expressed their satisfaction and inspiration for working together.
What competencies or skills do you believe are most valuable for millennial women in the workplace, and why?
Resilience, perseverance, adaptability and emotional intelligence would be my most valuable competencies. This is what helped me overcome gender stereotypes and the imposed feeling of inadequacy and incompetence. With discipline, self-belief and perseverance, I managed to acquire leadership skills that now not only help me, but I use them to help everyone who needs it, regardless of gender or age.
How can millennial women continue to develop and refine their skills in the industry?
Millennial women in engineering can hone their skills through continuous learning, participation in mentoring networks, and industry-specific projects tailored to their needs.
How do you think millennial women bring a unique perspective to the industry compared to previous generations?
Millennials bring a unique perspective to engineering through adaptability and use of digital tools, a focus on sustainability and efficiency, an emphasis on inclusive leadership based on empathy, diversity, and mental health, stimulating collaboration and mentorship versus the rigid hierarchies of previous generations for greater creativity.
How do you see the role of mentorship and support networks playing a part in the advancement and success of millennial women in the workplace?
Mentoring and support networks foster the success of millennial women by offering guidance, building skills, networking, and resilience, creating a virtuous and continuous cycle of empowerment. They can provide helpful advice on addressing biases and leadership challenges, hold peers accountable for certain actions or unconscious opinions, share materials and resources, and most importantly, provide visibility into progress. At the same time, they can strengthen mentoring confidence and alignment with inclusive goals.
Prof. Dr. Elisaveta Doncheva
Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje.
