Meet Maja - Technical Sales Engineer

1. What did you do before working here?

I’ve been working in the HVAC industry for around 16 years, mainly specialising in air handling units and working with different manufacturers.

After completing my Master’s degree at Rzeszow University of Technology in Poland, I started my career as a Technical Sales Advisor at Dospel Professional. I soon realised that my strengths and interests were more on the technical side, so when I had the opportunity to join Rosenberg Ventilatoren in Germany and work in their AHU Technical Department, I decided to take it.

Moving to Germany was a real baptism by fire. Technically, I felt confident, but I started the job with only limited German language. It was a big challenge, but I learned quickly and the language stopped being a barrier quite early on. I was soon given responsibility for more complex work, including projects in Germany and international projects.

Later, when my husband had the opportunity to do his PhD in the UK, we moved again. I thought, if I managed Germany, I could probably manage the UK too! Although the language was another challenge at first, I soon became comfortable working in English. I joined Swegon as a Technical Sales Engineer and later worked for Mansfield Pollard as an HVAC Technical Estimator, mainly on projects for hospitals, clean rooms and food production.

2. Why did you choose FläktGroup? Have you been well supported in your career since you started with the company?

I’ve known FläktGroup since the beginning of my career in HVAC, and it has always had a very good reputation in the industry, especially for the quality of its products. So when I had the opportunity to join, it felt like a natural choice for me.

Interestingly, my very first job interview in the UK was actually with FläktGroup, but at the time the commute was simply too long. A few years later, I applied again — and this time it worked out. I was delighted to join FläktGroup in a remote role, so in a way, I’ve come full circle.

I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I’m also keen to keep developing on the technical and project side. There are still plenty of things I’d like to learn and get more involved in.

3. What is critically important in your role and what qualities are needed to do the job well?

I think attention to detail is very important in my role. Small details can sometimes make a big difference, especially when dealing with technical solutions.

I also like looking at a problem from different angles and considering different possible solutions. I think a good technical solution is often about finding the right balance between what is technically required, what is practical and what makes economic sense.

Being curious and keeping up to date is also very important to me. Our industry is constantly changing, with new technologies and solutions coming in all the time.

And probably one of the most important things is being willing to take responsibility. If I don’t know the answer, I’m happy to say so. I don’t like making assumptions or guessing. I prefer to check what is actually possible and make sure I’ve considered all the options before giving an answer.

4. What is the biggest misconception about what you do?

I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that when people think of someone working in a technical role in HVAC, they automatically picture a man. The industry is still very male-dominated, so people can be quite surprised when they find out I’m a woman, even after communicating with me by email for some time.

I find it more amusing than annoying. I think it says more about the stereotypes around engineering than it does about the job itself. Hopefully, those stereotypes are changing.

5. What does your day typically look like? 

I’m definitely not a morning person, so working from home suits me very well. I get up as late as possible, check my emails and set my priorities for the day.

After that, it can go one of two ways. Sometimes I have a calm day and simply work through my list. Other days, something urgent comes up and the whole plan goes out of the window. I actually quite like that balance. The busier days are more challenging but also more satisfying, while the quieter days give me a chance to recharge.

6. Are you in a minority as a woman working in your field? And has this had any effect on your career to date?

Yes, engineering and HVAC remain male-dominated industries, and throughout my career I've often been one of the few women in technical roles. While that has occasionally challenged people's assumptions, I've always focused on demonstrating my knowledge, expertise and ability to deliver results.

It's encouraging to see the industry becoming more inclusive, with greater recognition of the different perspectives and skills that people from diverse backgrounds can bring. I believe the strongest teams are built on a variety of experiences and viewpoints, and I'm proud to be part of an industry that continues to evolve in that direction.

7. How important are sustainability, the environment, and our planet to you?

Sustainability, the environment and our planet are very important to me. I’ve loved nature since I was a child, spending time outdoors, observing it and simply being amazed by it. As I’ve learned more, I’ve also become fascinated by how much technology and engineering is inspired by nature, and how many animals are incredible engineers in their own right.

I have a lot of respect for our planet and the natural world. Nature can survive without us, but we cannot survive without it. Even the small creatures we often ignore or find unpleasant are an important part of the ecosystem. I’ve always wanted to be more practically involved in helping protect the natural world and the animals we share it with.

That’s one of the reasons why, in 2013, together with a few friends, I co-founded an organisation in my hometown supporting animals in need. It’s still running today, even though I moved away, and I’m still involved, mainly by helping with fundraising and social media. I consider it my greatest achievement in life: helping those who cannot ask for help themselves.

8. The thing that motivates me most of all…

I’m motivated by solving problems, learning new things and, most of all, knowing that the work I do has a purpose. I really enjoy seeing the results of my work and knowing that something I worked on has become part of a real project or building. I keep my own little portfolio of projects from throughout my career. On days when I start doubting my own abilities, looking through it reminds me how much I’ve already done and gives me a boost of motivation to keep going.

9. I'd like to tell my younger self…

I’d probably tell myself to stop overthinking and second-guessing myself so much. I’ve spent a lot of my life being thrown into situations where I had to learn, adapt and figure things out as I went along, and it usually worked out better than I expected. So I’d tell myself: if you have the opportunity, give it a try. It doesn’t have to work out perfectly. Even failure is still experience. And maybe trust yourself a little more.