People who don't truly belong rarely last long in the engineering profession. Behind every successful career lies a deliberate choice made in one's youth and a solid academic foundation. Alina Koltovich—a 2015 graduate of the Automotive and Tractor Faculty at the Belarusian National Technical University (specializing in Tractor Engineering) and a Master of Technical Sciences—is a perfect illustration of this.
Her passion for machinery and the exact sciences emerged long before she enrolled at the university. This was largely shaped by her family and the environment in which she grew up.
"Playing with dolls wasn't for me. I always wanted to assemble or disassemble things. Plus, my parents worked at the Minsk Tractor Works; thanks to exhibitions and tours of that massive plant, I gradually became familiar with heavy machinery. Without even realizing it, I was absorbing a love for serious, world-class machines. Exact sciences were my favorite subjects in school, so when the time came for entrance exams, the choice was obvious. Of course, I was a bit worried that a girl studying Tractor Engineering might stick out like a sore thumb. But I enrolled in the full-time program at the Automotive and Tractor Faculty, where I became a 'flower in a male kingdom.' That kingdom protected and supported me—even choosing me as its leader, the group monitor. Five years of study—and not a single day of doubt or regret."
Alina Koltovich’s immersion in the profession began while she was still a student. During her fourth year of university, she took a job as a design technician at the MTZ Head Specialized Design Bureau, where she was subsequently assigned to work after graduation. This early start allowed her to avoid the classic "graduate syndrome," where university theory clashes with the harsh reality of the factory floor.
"Each stage of education is often associated with the mantra: 'forget what you were taught before.' Of course, in the early years, it seemed difficult to apply the knowledge I’d gained in practice, but the later years provided a solid technical foundation. Working at a company closely aligned with my specialization allowed me to fully integrate theory and practice. My interest in research prompted me to pursue a master's degree, continuing my studies while working as a full-fledged engineer."
Her subsequent career path was highly dynamic, requiring her to master entirely new skill sets.
"Over eight and a half years of technically engaging work at the Minsk Tractor Works, I advanced to the position of First-Category Design Engineer. My work in the hydraulics design bureau involved close collaboration with testing and the handling of product claims. Close interaction with component suppliers led to an offer to head the Quality Assurance Department at SALEO-Kobrin OJSC. That marked the beginning of my journey in a new and demanding field. It was still a technical role, and my design experience proved invaluable. While the management position provided immense experience, I later returned to Minsk to continue my career in quality assurance—first at Termoplast OJSC and then at MITRA LLC," the graduate shared.
Until recently, Alina Igorevna’s workday was scheduled down to the minute, demanding maximum concentration and attention to detail.
"My typical workday lasted 12 hours and centered on rigorous product quality control." "Throughout the shift, we repeatedly check the appearance, dimensions, and key specifications against technical drawings, as well as the airtightness of products made on extrusion-blow molding and injection molding machines," Alina Koltovich explained regarding the specifics of her role.
Speaking about her profession in general, she noted that engineering demands total dedication:
"It is a kind of symbiosis between scientific work—leading to the creation of prototypes—and practical activity, ranging from drafting a small component to the complete layout of a large machine. Quality assurance work is even more painstaking, as the professional standing of the entire enterprise depends on it. To date, I have managed to combine the roles of a qualified mechanical engineer, a design engineer, and a quality engineer. I believe BNTU deserves a great deal of credit for this."
At the end of August, a significant new chapter began in Alina Koltovich’s eventful career: a break for motherhood—a role she describes as "the most feminine, yet no less demanding, job of all." Reflecting on her university years, the graduate speaks warmly of her alma mater:
"After six years of working alongside my professors, I emerged as a true 'woman in tech' who looks back on her student days with joy. Now, with a decade of experience in the technical sector under my belt, I am not resting on my laurels; I am sincerely proud to be part of the extended BNTU family and my home department—the Automotive and Tractor Faculty. I want to extend a huge thank you to the entire faculty for that!"
A solid university foundation, the courage to try new things, and a genuine passion for one’s work—that is the secret to a successful career that defies stereotypes. We wish Alina Koltovich a happy motherhood and boundless energy for future achievements!
