Natalia Bushui proves that women can be successful in modern metallurgy. Combining work, study and activity in the student council, she gains real knowledge, introduces new approaches in production and shows that metallurgy today is intelligence, technologies and opportunities for everyone who is ready to learn and change the industry.
She works as a moulder and makes a molding mixture for foundry production at Metinvest Machinery in Zaporizhzhia. Thanks to a convenient schedule, she combines work with studies at Metinvest Polytechnic, where she chose Management of Metallurgy Modernization area.
The educational program prepares masters-engineers of the new generation - those who combine knowledge of modern science, production experience and change management skills to solve real problems at modern metallurgical enterprises. Alongside the fee-paying study, the university offers company-sponsored programmes at the request of Metinvest Group in priority areas of the mining and metallurgical industry. In this format, the education is fully funded by the company, free of charge for the student, and is combined with the prospect of the first job. Natalia is just such an example: she is studying with the support of the company and is already gaining real professional skills in production.
"Today, metallurgy for me is not about outdated workshops and manual work, as many people think. It's about intelligence. It's about how to manage complex processes, how to change old approaches to new technologies. I chose the management of metallurgy modernization because I want to be the person who not only observes changes, but implements them," says Natalia.
The choice of Metinvest Polytechnic was not accidental:
"When I found out that we have a university that is as close as possible to the real practice of my native enterprise, the choice became obvious. It is important for me that the studying is not for the sake of appearances. I came here for real skills and abilities that will make me a highly qualified specialist. This is my chance to reach a new professional level."
"What do you like most about studying?"
"Firstly, it is a real balance. I have a job at the plant, a schedule – and the fact that lectures are online is just a lifeline. I calmly plan my day, there is no need to run headlong, everything is at hand. Comfortable, modern, without unnecessary fuss.
Secondly, our teachers. There are no formal lectures "from a piece of paper" here. They speak to us in our language, the language of production. We take any topic, and they immediately show: "Look, this is how it works in your enterprise." You learned something in the evening, and in the morning, you come to the workshop and already understand how to apply it.
And the most important thing is the feeling that you are not alone. We have a special atmosphere of support at the Polytechnic. If you don't understand something, you write to the chat even during the day or in the evening. You will be helped and supported 24/7. Honestly, I haven't heard anyone ask a question and be left alone, they really worry for your result."
Studying at Metinvest Polytechnic is related to real business tasks:
"We solve real cases that are used in the industry right now. This is a modern approach using modern applications."
Natalia's master thesis is dedicated to the modernization of the foundry site:
"We will introduce new technologies that will radically improve the quality of castings. But more importantly, it improves working conditions for people and significantly reduces the environmental burden. The project fully meets the needs of production. Modernization is our step towards the modern European level. This is what makes us competitive and successful in the market."
Natalia emphasizes that modern production is, first of all, intelligence, strategy and knowledge of technology.
"It is not physical strength that is important here, but your professionalism. When you work on modernization, the main thing is your mind and ability to see the future." Her story proves that women can be successful in metallurgy, combine work, study and an active position at the university.
The studying opened new horizons for the student:
"I didn't even think that the history of metallurgy would grow on as much as all that! Previously, they were just huge units, but now the picture has formed: I understand the physics of the process and see the full scale from the inside."
Having experience of studying at Metinvest Polytechnic, Natalia advises eleventh graders:
"Don't be afraid to choose the real thing! The metallurgy today is innovations, cool management and the real foundation of the country, where you are not just a "cog", but the creator of the result. I am sincerely in love with Metinvest Polytechnic and can talk about it for hours, because it is the best place to implement the most challenging ideas and build a career of the future."
