International IGNITE Event in Poland

The IGNITE Program Event focused on careers in the construction industry—a sector where women remain underrepresented. 8th-grade students had the opportunity to engage directly with a professional who has successfully built a career in this field.

Participating School
The workshop was attended by 8th-grade students from Szkoła Podstawowa w Zespole Szkół nr 1 im. Władysława Łokietka in Płock. The school is recognized for its strong emphasis on both academic learning and preparation for future career pathways.

About the Mentor
The session was led by Paulina Lewandowska, a Construction Manager at Budimex S.A. and an IGNITE Mentor. She shared insights from her experience managing construction sites and outlined the educational pathways required to enter the engineering profession.

Industry Context
The construction sector in Poland offers relatively high wages and consistent demand for workers. However, it remains highly male-dominated, with women representing only about 10–11% of the workforce.

Key Discussion Topics

• Daily responsibilities and challenges of a Construction Manager
• The experience of being a woman in the construction industry
• The importance of courage and perseverance in pursuing careers in STEM

Evaluation Results (Post-Meeting Questionnaire)

• 94% of students reported that the session significantly changed their perception of technical professions
• Nearly 30% expressed a new interest in exploring engineering as a potential career path

Student Feedback
Students most frequently noted surprise at how dynamic and appealing the construction industry can be for women. Many shared that they had previously held stereotypical views, but found the mentor’s career journey both eye-opening and motivating.