On December 9, a new school joined the IGNITE programme: IV Liceum Ogólnokształcące im. Krzysztofa Kamila Baczyńskiego in Olkusz. Twelve students took part in the visit.
The students met with Magdalena Stachnik-Baran, a construction site manager at Budimex S.A. with over 10 years of professional experience. Magdalena has supervised the quality and timeliness of work on a wide range of investments, including residential housing estates, office buildings, industrial halls, and a heritage-protected hospital. She currently serves as the construction manager for the Folwark Kompetencji investment.
Magdalena is a graduate of Civil Engineering at the Cracow University of Technology, a mentor and volunteer with the Mentoring Foundation, and, privately, an enthusiast of running and mountain hiking.
During the meeting, the mentor shared her educational and professional journey, discussed the realities of working in the construction industry, and emphasized the importance of courage, perseverance, and self-belief when pursuing a career in STEM. The meeting aimed to broaden students’ awareness of professional opportunities in technical fields and strengthen their confidence in their own abilities.
“The meeting inspired me to pursue my goals and not give up. It also encouraged me to take advantage of opportunities such as summer internships.”
IGNITE Student
After the meeting, all participating students declared an increase in their knowledge of career opportunities in STEM/STEAM fields.
Students highlighted the importance of perseverance and making use of opportunities such as summer internships.
About IGNITE Worldwide:
IGNITE Worldwide is a 501(c)3 nonprofit STEM education organization that aims to change gender and racial equity in STEM permanently and systematically. We work directly with teachers during the school day to provide programming that promotes gender equity and representation in STEM academics and careers. Through our award-winning program, IGNITE provides engaging, hands-on events that connect students with STEM professionals from industry leaders from around the world. Learn more at igniteworldwide.org.