Alexa Frincu, Engineer, Netherlands
Romanian engineer Alexa Frincu shares her inspiring story of navigating the engineering world as the first female engineer at a heavy lifting company. Was it a challenge or a smooth journey? Let’s discover her experiences and insights in the interview below.
1. Tell me about yourself and how did you end up being the first female engineer in a company which designs and manufactures heavy lifting equipment?
I’ve always been a woman with both strong creative and rational sides. I pursued engineering simply because the Bachelor’s program was offered in English, and I wanted to explore opportunities in the industry abroad.
As for how I became the first female engineer at a heavy lifting company—I sent my resume to every engineering firm near Amsterdam. One took a chance on me. Six years later, even though I left the industry to pursue the food industry—I navigated through the challenges of the offshore industry, grew stronger, and proved to myself that women not only belong in male-dominated spaces—we thrive in them.
2. What was the biggest challenge you faced as a woman during these years?
Understanding how the male brain works in a professional environment.
There are clear biological differences between males and females, and while these differences can sometimes create friction, it’s important to understand where each side draws their boundaries.
Most male engineers tend to be very hands-on and practical, whereas as a female engineer, you bring a detail-oriented perspective to the mix. I’ve learned that combining precision with practicality adds significant value to the design process.
3. I wonder how you managed to keep your femininity because we all know that the work environment has a major impact on our personal life?
It took me quite a while, to be completely transparent, before I finally accepted that the value I bring to the company is truly unique. Women tend to be more methodical and detail-oriented. We often notice issues before they arise simply because we spend more time understanding the status quo and how to reach the desired outcome.
At the time, I had no clear boundary between work and life outside of it. But those were my formative years, and they brought me immense satisfaction in knowing I had put in a great deal of hard work.
This and spending time with my girlfriends after work!
4. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learned?
Women can achieve so much when they’re respected in the workplace. I was lucky to have amazing colleagues who valued my opinions and appreciated how thorough I am in my work. I’ve also realized that I should embrace my rational side more. The toughest industries were built by brilliant minds who poured their effort into making our lives more livable—from transportation to the food we find on shelves. There’s a massive amount of engineering work happening behind the scenes, and people should recognize that the convenience we enjoy often comes at the cost of the stress and dedication of countless hardworking engineers.
5. What do you think it’s your soul-purpose?
I can’t say that I’ve fully discovered my soul’s purpose yet, and that’s a question I know I need to ask myself more often. But one thing I’m passionate about is inspiring women to embrace their rational side and take on challenges, especially in demanding fields. The growth and fulfillment that come from pushing past limitations are truly rewarding.
On the artistic side of me, I dream of creating art installations and performances that bring people together. In a world where connections seem to be fading and friendships are becoming harder to maintain, I want to help bridge that gap and remind us all of the power of us all being in the same boat.
