Engineering precision and a female perspective: Lilla’s journey at Parkl

Engineering is still often seen as a male-dominated profession, yet an increasing number of women are choosing it as their vocation and successfully building their careers in the field. We spoke with Lilla, one of our electrical engineer colleagues, whose story is both inspiring and thought-provoking. Her interest in the profession began with childhood curiosity, and today she works as a precise, creative and dedicated professional, enriching the Parkl team not only with her work but also with her positive personality.

credit: Lilla Takács

What sparked your interest in becoming an electrical engineer? What drew you to this stereotypically masculine profession? 

TL: As a child, I always loved tinkering, taking things apart and figuring out how they worked. People considered me a bit of a tomboy, and at school I had a special affinity for maths and physics. I briefly considered a career in pre-kindergarten education but soon realised that analytical thinking and the world of engineering were where I truly felt at home. My father graduated from the Kandó Kálmán Faculty of Electrical Engineering at Óbuda University and later worked as both an electrical engineer and an electrician. I followed in his footsteps and also began my studies at Kandó.

What challenges did you face as a woman in engineering, and how has your career unfolded despite – or perhaps because of – them? 

TL: Of course, there were difficulties. As a woman, the professional expectations are noticeably higher, which made me more diligent and persistent, but I also had many positive experiences. At university, although there were very few female students, the men were always helpful, and working together and being part of the student communities did a lot to reinforce my belief that this was where I belonged.

Many people think engineering work only takes place on paper. What do you actually do on a daily basis, and what are the aspects outsiders rarely see, even though they are crucial? 

TL: Engineering work is much more than what textbooks show. It requires a lot of research, browsing product data sheets, and constantly keeping our knowledge up to date. A diploma alone is no longer enough in this field. Engineering evolves rapidly, alongside technological innovation, which means we must continuously acquire fresh knowledge. I previously worked with solar systems, and it was striking how many new developments appeared in that sector within a very short time.

What do you enjoy most about your work, and what do you find the most challenging? 

TL: What I enjoy most is the diversity. At Parkl, I don’t just work in the office but also spend time in the field, where active problem-solving is required, which makes every day different. Alongside my daily tasks, I get the chance to explore new devices, technologies and their software backgrounds, and even perform practical tasks such as precision soldering in a barrier control system, which something I had only done as a hobby before. So overall, I would say my profession requires constant up-to-date knowledge, openness and a willingness to learn, because new technologies and previously unknown faults are always emerging.

Do you have a funny or memorable story to share? 

TL: It often happens that when I walk into a place, people assume I’m a secretary. I always smile at this, because it’s a positive surprise for them when they find out I’m actually the engineer.

Was there a project or a moment when you felt truly proud of what you and your team achieved together? 

TL: Of course, fortunately there are plenty of those! There was one project where everything went so smoothly that just a day and a half after finishing the planning phase, the site was already up and running. I am proud of every project where we received positive feedback from the client because of our professional approach. These moments always reinforce my belief that I am part of a great team. 

What message would you give to girls and young women who are interested in engineering but still hesitant? 

TL: Don’t be afraid to go for it. Engineering today offers a wide range of opportunities, and the female perspective is increasingly valued. It’s important to gain varied experiences, build a supportive community and never be afraid to ask questions. My university community was very welcoming, and we learned a lot from each other. 

How do you see the role of women engineers in the future of technology? 

TL: I believe women engineers approach problems from a different perspective and bring new solutions to the table. One of our main strengths is communication, which leads to smoother teamwork. I think the more women choose this career, the more fresh, innovative ideas and creative approaches will enrich the profession.

Whether it’s precision soldering or installing the latest chargers, Lilla’s story shows that every challenge has a solution. Engineering not only requires professional expertise but also persistence, creativity and openness, and that’s what makes it truly exciting. We are glad to work alongside people like Lilla here at Parkl, who contribute to our everyday life at the company not only through their professional skills but also with their personalities.