A career without limits
A career spanning national borders
Maja is originally from Poland and had already worked in various cities and countries before joining STRABAG. Her first contact with the group took her to Berlin in 2021, where she worked both as a cost estimator and as a site manager. It’s a combination that still gives her a particularly comprehensive view of projects today.
“As a site manager, you often hear people say, ‘It’s the cost estimator’s fault.’ I couldn’t say that anymore,” she says with a laugh. “After all, if something had been overlooked, I was the one responsible.”
In Berlin, she worked as a cost estimator in the concrete construction division of STRABAG AG on a wide variety of building construction projects, including major projects involving several cost estimation teams. Even back then, it was clear what drives her to this day: clear objectives, ambitious deadlines and the joy of solving complex tasks.
In 2023, she moved to Vienna for personal reasons. There, she joined what was then a fledgling organisational unit at STRABAG, which grew enormously within a very short space of time. “When I started, there were only a few of us. We grew rapidly and were able to significantly increase our turnover. Being part of that and helping to shape it was something special.”
Challenges rather than routine
Maja speaks with particular enthusiasm about projects for which there is as yet no standard solution. One example is the cost estimation for a large-scale hydrogen electrolysis plant – a project in which many of those involved were breaking new ground.
“At the start, there was hardly any documentation, no finished concepts and, in some cases, no clear legal framework yet. We had to develop solutions step by step, working together with clients, design consultancies and partner companies.”
It is precisely this kind of challenge that motivates her. She is less interested in repetitive tasks. “If I already know and have mastered something, it eventually becomes boring. I want to keep learning.”
Today, Maja works in tunnel construction. There she finds exactly what she was looking for: international projects, varied requirements and a constant stream of new tasks.
Costing is about much more than just numbers
Anyone who thinks of cost estimation as being all about spreadsheets and figures is seriously underestimating the role, as Maja explains.
“The figures are actually the easiest part. Far more important are the coordination, the discussions, the technical assessment and understanding the bigger picture.”
For her, the role is often similar to that of a project manager. Tenders aren’t drawn up solely on a computer, but in close collaboration with specialist planners, subcontractors and colleagues from a wide variety of fields. She finds the diversity of topics particularly exciting.
Between cultures and projects
Another reason why Maja loves her job is the international environment.
Thanks to her experience in Poland, Germany and Austria, as well as her language skills, she moves effortlessly between different cultures and languages. Every day, she uses German, English, Polish, Croatian and Bosnian in her day-to-day work.
“Language builds trust. When people realise that you speak their language or are familiar with their culture, it immediately creates a different atmosphere.”
This ability helps her not only in international projects, but also in her role as a manager.
Leadership means sharing knowledge
Taking responsibility for other people was never a conscious career choice for Maja, but rather part of her personality. “Even as a child, I was usually the one who took responsibility,” she explains.
Today, she leads a team and mentors young colleagues as they make their way into cost estimation. Passing on knowledge is particularly important to her.
“Many people keep their knowledge to themselves. For me, teaching others has always come naturally. It’s the only way people can develop.”
Regular feedback, open discussions and a genuine interest in the people on the team are, for her, essential to successful leadership.
“Communication is incredibly important. When working together is enjoyable, people are happy to come to work.”
One programme, many perspectives
To further her professional development, Maja completed the group-wide “Versatile Project Management” (VPM) programme.
She found the insights into different areas of the group, the exchanges with colleagues from all over the world and the opportunity to develop her presentation skills particularly valuable.
“It used to be harder for me to speak in front of large groups. Now I feel much more confident doing so.”
Just as important for Maja were the contacts she made during the programme. “You get to know people from across the entire group and gain an even better understanding of just how large and diverse STRABAG actually is.”
Having the courage to go your own way
If you ask Maja about her recipe for success, she answers without a moment’s hesitation: “Just do it.”
This phrase runs through her entire career. Whether moving to another country, taking on new areas of responsibility or tackling challenging projects: Maja has learnt to seize opportunities rather than hesitate for too long.
She also offers precisely this advice to young women aspiring to a career in the construction industry:
And it is precisely this attitude that has taken her to where she is today: at the heart of exciting large-scale projects, working in international teams and always on the lookout for the next challenge.