Melissa Szczucka

Precision, adaptability, and leadership – these are qualities that set exceptional professionals apart in an industrial setting, and they perfectly describe Melissa, who is currently leading a group of our technicians on a project in Greenland. Thriving in a demanding industry, she has not only broken stereotypes but has also led complex international projects with confidence and expertise. She brings a mindset that turns challenges into opportunities, proving that success is built on skill, determination, and the ability to adapt.

Read on for the full interview with Melissa, where she shares her career journey, insights, and the value she brings to the projects.

What inspired you to become an electrician? How long have you been working in this profession?

Since childhood, I’ve had “boyish interests” – I didn’t play with dolls but with cars, I would take things apart and, at first less successfully, but later more skillfully, put them back together. Somehow, this carried over into my adult life, including my career choices. I decided to become an electrician when I realised that I find it hard to be tied to one place – I need various challenges, collaboration with different people, constant change, and no stagnation. That’s what I love most about this job – our environment is always changing, and each project brings a completely new challenge, different people, and new locations. In 2024, I started the year by building machines that produce filters in Boston, and I ended it by co-constructing a waste incineration plant in Sisimiut, Greenland. It was an amazing time, full of experiences and challenges. I’m now entering my third year at Eryk, and I can’t wait to see what it brings!

Which project are you particularly proud of?

It’s the project I’m currently working on – the construction of a waste incineration plant in Sisimiut, where the generated energy will be used to heat the city. We started in September, and the completion deadline is in April, making it the longest project I’ve led. Most of the work is already behind us, which is hard to believe when I think back to the bare concrete walls we saw when we first arrived on-site. This project is also significant to me because of its ecological impact and contribution to environmental protection.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I already answered this in the first question! In our profession, there’s no stagnation, and that’s the best part.

You are a Team Leader, how do you feel in this role? Is it difficult to manage a team that consists mainly of men?

First, I am part of the team. Of course, this role comes with greater responsibility, especially for my colleagues, but I see that as an advantage. The more challenges I face, the more lessons I learn and can apply in the future. I’ve always worked with men, so I’m used to some of them doubting my skills or abilities at first. However, they usually quickly reassess the situation. More than once, I’ve had a colleague initially question my competence, only to ask for my help a moment later. For me, that’s just how things are – stereotypes exist and will continue to exist, but it’s not worth worrying about them. Instead, it’s better to keep moving forward on your chosen path.

How do you effectively motivate your team?

I try to encourage my team to focus on the positives rather than on the negatives, even if they’re not immediately obvious. Anger and negative emotions caused by situations beyond our control only work against us – affecting our attitude, health, and overall well-being. Even the hardest and most thankless job can be done in a good atmosphere, so that at the end of the day, everyone leaves with a smile on their face, joking around. If someone makes a mistake, I don’t get angry; we just look for solutions to fix it. I make mistakes too – after all, I’m human. However, there is one thing I absolutely can’t tolerate: the phrase “it can’t be done.”

Do you encounter stereotypical attitudes toward women in the industry? How do you deal with them?

As I mentioned, stereotypes have existed and will continue to exist. The key is to prove your worth. I’m resistant to unconstructive criticism and have a good sense of humor about myself. If someone doubts my abilities just because of my gender, it only shows how closed-minded they are. It’s not worth paying attention to such people, it’s better to channel that energy into achieving your goals or, if you prefer, “proving the doubters wrong!”

We hear that you’re a sports freak. How do you keep a work-life balance? What do you like to do in your free time?

It all came out! I usually wake up around 4 a.m., prepare my meals, and head to the gym for a workout. After work, I spend time cycling or, recently, due to a lack of equipment, running, including mountain runs. Running uphill in a snowstorm was something I hadn’t tried before, but it turned out to be incredibly rewarding and satisfying. Physical activity gives me energy for the whole day, and the motivation and discipline I gain from it are also helpful at work. That’s why I highly recommend it to everyone!