Creating vehicles that turn heads on city streets is an ambitious task requiring not only artistic taste but also deep technical knowledge. In this latest installment of our "Women in Engineering" series, we meet Alyona Beryozkina, a third-year student at the Belarusian National Technical University’s Automotive and Tractor Faculty, who is successfully mastering this craft.
Originally from Orsha, she chose the unique specialization of "Industrial Design: Vehicle Design." Today, she is successfully proving that there is room for elegant solutions in engineering, all while leading the faculty’s student representative council.
"Simply put, we ensure that vehicles are not only functional but also aesthetically appealing and ergonomic. In our technical classes, we study vehicle structures and learn to work with blueprints and calculations, while in our creative courses, we dive into design methodology and develop new concepts," the student explained.
Alyona’s career path took shape gradually; as a child, her ambitions ranged from being a solo singer or artist to becoming a teacher or even a military unit commander. However, by the time she reached high school, her interests had crystallized.
"When I started tenth grade, I realized I wanted to study at BNTU. I can’t even recall exactly what sparked it, but the decision was firm and final. Choosing a specific faculty and major proved more difficult. There were several options, but the idea that a vehicle I designed might one day drive on the roads took firm root in my mind. After that, I had no more doubts and became a student at the Automotive and Tractor Faculty." Industrial design is a constant balancing act between the free flight of imagination and the rigid constraints of the exact sciences. While exploring new styles, engineering graphics, and computer-aided design (CAD) systems remain the most engaging parts of her schedule, complex technical subjects can sometimes pose a real challenge.
"When you have to draft iron-carbon alloy phase diagrams, classify steel grades, or perform calculations, your brain sometimes feels like it’s literally boiling over. Nevertheless, the foundation I’ve gained at the university is already being put to practical use. During an internship at the Minsk Tractor Works, we—as third-year students—were able to hone our automotive sketching skills in a real-world manufacturing environment."
In addition to a demanding academic workload, Alyona shoulders significant organizational responsibilities. Effective time management helps her balance studying, her duties as a student representative, and her personal life:
"The secret is simple: plan your workload in advance. If you complete all your lab and practical assignments as they come in, you can consistently find free time. With this approach, there’s no need to cram everything into the final week before exam sessions," the student shared.
Her proactive attitude and leadership role within the student representative council have naturally shaped her perspective on her studies. University life extends far beyond lectures, so when asked about the most valuable aspects of the student experience, the third-year student answered without hesitation:
"For me, the most valuable part of my education—aside from the knowledge I’ve gained—is the university’s student life and the close-knit community I’m part of. Social interaction is a crucial part of the learning process, and it’s likely what I’ll miss the most."
Although graduation is still some time away, she is already seriously considering her future career path:
"There are many options right now, and they vary quite a bit." One of her main goals is to continue her studies at BNTU in a master’s program—possibly becoming a faculty member later on—and eventually pursue postgraduate studies as well.
Through her own example, this third-year student demonstrates that a technical university opens many doors for creative expression. The main advice she offers to prospective female students who might be having doubts is simple yet inspiring:
"Don't be afraid! There are many excellent examples of women in engineering who had doubts at the start but ultimately achieved their goals. Yes, engineering is challenging, but it is incredibly fascinating. Design in this field offers a chance to combine creativity with technology to create something both attractive and practical. You’ll have to study hard and master the principles of how machines work, but that moment when your blueprint takes shape—and eventually hits the city streets—makes it all worthwhile."
The student still has half her academic journey ahead of her, including her thesis defense and numerous projects. Yet, one thing is already clear: Alyona is firmly in the driver's seat of her own future. We wish her smooth exam sessions and the speedy realization of all her design ideas!
