Interview with M.Sc. Ivana Nedevska Vasilevska on the success in the civil 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 MSc Ivana Nedevska Vasilevska, Civil Engineer – Head of Technical documentation department and project manager in Eskavatori – MK.
Can you tell us more about the company where you are working and its objective?
I work as a civil engineer – head of the technical documentation department and project manager at Eskavatori – MK, which is a modern, technologically advanced construction company that has been offering its services in the domain of construction, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of streets, boulevards, local and regional roads and highways for 17 years in the Macedonian market. Our work as project managers is highly dynamic and requires great dedication to ensure project completion on time with the highest quality. It also involves promptly identifying emerging issues and finding appropriate solutions in terms of time and resources. The technical documentation department, on the other hand, closely follows the project, requiring constant communication with on-site personnel, Engineers, and representatives of the Employer. This ensures a realistic view of the project’s progress and dynamics and involves preparing all necessary documentation, including developing programme and monitoring the same, drafting civil books and payment statements, timely reporting on all changes and actual problems, reports on trial sections of paving, as-built projects, and all the required final documentation to successfully complete a project. In addition to the above, Eskavatori – MK also includes a certified asphalt plant near Shtip, with certificates for about ten types of asphalt mixes made according to the latest EN 1307 standards, and an asphalt laboratory located within the plant. The quality of the plant’s work and its care for the environment are supported by an A-integrated ecological permit.
What challenges have you faced as a millennial woman working in your industry, and how have you overcome them?
Although construction is often considered as an industry where men have traditionally been the majority, I must admit that my experience with colleagues has been quite positive, considering that I have never been deemed incompetent or unsuitable for a specific job. However, there is still the pressure to invest more effort and time to achieve the set goals, given the constant struggle to balance professional and personal life. We live in a society where, as women, we are expected to prioritize family and household responsibilities while simultaneously contributing financially and being independent, which can create additional pressure. Although the experience with my colleagues is positive, there are still employers who are skeptical about hiring young women due to potential maternity leave and sick days. Despite these challenges we face, we must not be discouraged in pursuing our goals.
What competencies or skills do you believe are most valuable for millennial women in the workplace, and why?
My experience so far has taught me that the most important thing is to be flexible and to be a team player, as construction projects are always dynamic and complex, and teamwork is the only way to identify and solve all problems within a reasonable period of time. The technical competencies we possess are the foundation for success, such as designing, planning, and managing projects with great care, taking into account project management in order to respect the considered time and cost. Effective communication and negotiations with representatives of the Employer, Engineers, and other contractors and cooperators is essential for us as engineers, as only in this way can we easily overcome all problems and deliver successful projects.
One of the most important characteristics we, as young engineers, need to possess is the courage to step out of our ‘comfort zone’, to venture into the unknown in order to have a real opportunity to improve and expand our horizons and possibilities. As for myself, I can say that I am a curious person because there are always areas that I have not explored enough and for which I have not yet acquired as much knowledge as I would like. Therefore, I want to invest in my knowledge and attend as many trainings and workshops as possible to strengthen my position and knowledge in the world of construction and civil engineering.
How can millennial women continue to develop and refine their skills in the industry?
If we want to succeed in any field, we must keep up with technological advancements and continuously refine our software skills. As millennials, we have grown up with the rise of technology, so we can easily keep up with these trends. Moreover, we are not afraid to gain field experience, which will fill the gaps in our theoretical knowledge and help us address real-world problems on the ground. We are also aware that investing in education, training, and certifications is essential for acquiring adequate knowledge and achieving our ambitions. As for conferences, webinars, and events related to construction, lately I aim to actively participate with my own papers, addressing current issues in construction. One of the recent significant participations was in Vienna, where I had the honor of attending an international course focused on the latest practices and standard conditions of FIDIC contracts, widely applied in international construction projects. Participation in such events has enabled me to connect with experts from various countries, enhance my skills in solving complex construction challenges, and expand my knowledge while keeping up with new trends. These interactions can open doors for cooperation, mentorship, and new career opportunities, making them essential in the schedule of any engineer.
How do you think millennial women bring a unique perspective to the industry compared to previous generations?
We are aware that technology is advancing rapidly, and as a generation, we skillfully keep up to these changes. One of our generation’s key strengths is that we are not afraid to be creative when it comes to solving a particular problem. Despite all efforts, we still do not live in a world of gender equality, but we continue to fight for awareness of the value of women engineers and support career development in a healthy work environment that protects women’s rights. Although it can sometimes be demanding and exhausting, we still manage to maintain a balance between private and professional life, without giving up the privilege of starting a family or the privilege of building the career we have envisioned.
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?
As a beneficiary of the Engineering Ring – a prestigious award given to the best graduated students from Technical Faculties, I can confidently say that the theoretical knowledge gained at University provides a solid foundation, but it is far from sufficient to build a strong and independent engineer. Construction projects, as I have mentioned before, are often complex and dynamic, which can be quite intimidating for a beginner. That is why mentorship and support from experienced colleagues are essential. Through guidance, sharing experiences and knowledge, mentors play a key role in building confidence, developing problem-solving skills, and preparing engineers to tackle the next complex challenges. I personally had the privilege of receiving support and guidance from some of my more experienced colleagues, and I must admit that their mentorship paved the path I walk now, playing a crucial role in shaping my skills and confidence as an engineer. Inspired by their generosity, I am determined to continue this practice and make sure I offer the same support and guidance to other younger colleagues. In this way, we not only empower the next generation of engineers to advance and reach their full potential, but we also prepare them to achieve outstanding results in the projects they undertake. When, as engineers, we encourage each other in teamwork and learning from one another, I believe that it leads to personal success and successfully completed projects.
MSc Ivana Nedevska Vasilevska
Civil Engineer
Head of Technical documentation department
and project manager in Eskavatori – MK
