We continue the series of materials about girls in engineering. Today, the focus is on Victoria Bespoiako, a student of the Faculty of Transport Communications at the Belarusian National Technical University. She chose geodesy, a field where there is still a perception that women don't belong, but Victoria believes that it's not about stereotypes but about the desire to grow and embrace the unknown.
Even in school, Victoria realized that she found the humanities boring and monotonous, unlike the technical subjects.
— Even in school, I realized that I quickly became bored and felt a sense of monotony with the humanities. I was sure that I wanted to go to a technical university, but I didn't know exactly what field I wanted to pursue, so I chose a faculty without much thought, based on the information on the website. However, I can confidently say that I made the right choice and have no regrets.
Victoria's family is a dynasty of engineers. Her grandfather worked at a factory all his life and retired as the chief engineer for equipment maintenance, while her father has been a civil engineer for many years. Although her field of study is different from theirs, her family is proud of her choice.
— What attracted you to geodesy?
— When I was choosing a specialty, I was attracted by the unknown and the lack of understanding of what it was. Before I enrolled, I had never seen a geodesist or even knew who they were or what they did. I wanted to learn and understand. Now that I'm here, I'm getting used to it and figuring things out.
Victoria didn't hear any direct prohibitions or phrases suggesting that she didn't belong here. However, the stereotype that field work is for men and that girls should stay in the office with the paperwork still exists.
— I have never heard anyone directly say that girls don't belong in geodesy, but there is often a perception that girls are more likely to be involved in desk work rather than fieldwork. I believe this is due to the fact that girls are generally physically weaker and less resilient. During field work, you often have to walk long distances and carry equipment, but in practice, we perform all types of work and handle everything just as well as the guys.
Victoria is confident that technical education is becoming increasingly attractive for girls, as it provides a solid foundation and confidence in the future, and it is always in demand in any field. And girls just as much as young men want to stand on their feet and develop.
During her studies and practice, she has realized that girls bring something to geodesy that is essential for high-quality work.
— Based on my observations, I can confidently say that girls bring patience, accuracy, and calmness to their work. This includes being attentive in calculations, being precise in graphic work, and generally creating a positive environment for all types of work.
— Tell us about the most memorable experience from your student life, whether it was funny or challenging.
— All of my memorable experiences were related to my practical training, which was both fun and challenging. We find time to work productively with the guys, and we all have fun together outside the academic buildings.
Technical disciplines are not easy for the girl, but the result of hard work is visible immediately.
— Technical disciplines are not easy, but they are effective. I try my best to make sure that I don't miss out on these subjects. Yes, there have been some re-exams, but I don't give up and learn from my mistakes.
After graduation, Victoria plans to pursue a career in her field, develop her skills, and build a successful career in geodesy.
— What would you advise an applicant girl who is afraid to go to the specialty “geodesy” because she thinks she will not cope?
— The most banal, but the main thing, you should not be afraid. There is nothing incomprehensible. You should not give up and despair. Until you try, you will not know, and when you know, you will definitely achieve.
Victoria Bespoiasko chose geodesy almost at random, but today she is sure: this is her way. She is not afraid of physical exertion in practice, does not get upset about retakes, and is determined to build a career.
