The girls who visited the TechCsajok career orientation day at Hall on Thursday had the opportunity to learn about careers related to technology, engineering, and information science. The University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Engineering participated as a partner and exhibitor, promoting various programs aimed at girls and welcoming interested participants with interactive, playful demonstrations.
While there is an increasing demand for young people with technical, scientific, IT, and mathematical qualifications in Hungary’s job market, relatively few girls still choose these fields, resulting in a low number of women working in these areas. The TechCsajok program aimed to improve this situation by showcasing the excitement and interest of such training and careers to high school and university girls who are at a crossroads in their career choices. More than 400 interested students from 10 schools were introduced to the latest technologies, machines, instruments, developments, products, and training programs by 18 Hungarian and German companies and institutions operating in this field.
At the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Engineering (DE MK) booth, the faculty presented its educational offerings and prepared interactive programs, allowing young attendees to try out an airplane simulator and a tire-changing station, among other activities. The Dean of DE MK stated that the stereotype that certain professions are for men and others for women has been fading in Hungarian society over the past 10-20 years, and more women are choosing engineering courses.
Géza Husi explained that engineering work has changed significantly recently, with much more time available for problem-solving and future planning. Drawing and calculations have somewhat receded because advanced IT can soon handle routine tasks that can be completed according to standards, allowing engineers to focus on more critical tasks. The industry is increasingly producing products for women, which requires the design skills of female engineers.
Currently, approximately ten percent of the students at the University of Debrecen’s Faculty of Engineering are girls, with the majority studying technical management and architecture. However, among those who drop out, the percentage of female students is much lower than 10 percent. Employers are actively seeking female engineers, and significant opportunities are opening up for mechatronics engineers. The reason few girls apply for this training may be due to a lack of awareness. Events like these can help change that, Husi noted.
The Deputy Mayor responsible for cultural affairs in Debrecen discussed the increasing demand for highly qualified professionals in the city. “We are working to ensure that year after year, more opportunities become available for the people of Debrecen and those studying here to build their futures and establish families. To do this, we need to see the existential background to understand how we will make a living, and it is necessary to learn about career paths. We aim to provide support in this regard,” said István Puskás.
The Vice President and board member of the German-Hungarian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, who is also the financial director of Penny Market Ltd., told the girls that German companies across Hungary are looking for women with technical qualifications. The range of necessary training is broad, including fields such as engineering, architecture, food technology, chemistry, IT, and artificial intelligence.
“I meet many women in my work who are successful in fields such as civil engineering and quality management, achieving outstanding results. However, the number of women in these roles is still too low, with most applicants being male. The world is waiting for you—seize the opportunity and choose technical careers,” encouraged Silke Janz, addressing the interested girls.
In the second half of the TechCsajok program, successful female company leaders, including a quality assurance engineer from BMW Group Factory Debrecen, a project manager from Strabag Construction Ltd., and a lean specialist from Krones Hungary Ltd., shared their experiences and insights.
(unideb.hu)
