Heliis-Alexandra Kägo and Anna-Maria Kolljakova, students at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), have turned an early fascination with technology into promising engineering careers, landing internships at ABB's factory in Estonia. They both agree that success in the field isn’t about superhuman talent, but rather persistence, curiosity, and a drive to learn.
Interest in engineering often starts early
Heliis-Alexandra's interest in technology began in early childhood. A few years ago, she also discovered motorsports, sparking a desire to understand the mechanics of racing cars. Although she considered other fields for a long time, her growing interest in technology eventually led her to study Integrated Engineering. “I started wondering what goes on inside a machine. At school, I was lucky to have an excellent math teacher, and being in a science-focused class also meant additional physics courses, which gave me a strong foundation,” she explains.
Anna-Maria also showed an early technical interest – during school, she built Mindstorms robots and attended programming courses. Her decision to study integrated engineering at TalTech stemmed from a desire to combine her passion for technology with a program taught in English. “Maybe it's in my genes – my mother, father, and grandmother have all been involved in engineering. But no one pushed me into it. The interest came on its own,” Anna-Maria says.
Internship at ABB broadens horizons and develops skills
Both students connected with the company through the active collaboration between the company and TalTech. Heliis-Alexandra met an ABB representative at the “Key to the Future” career fair, where they immediately clicked. Anna-Maria participated in the ABB Masterclass program, which made applying for an internship feel like a natural and motivating next step.
The start of the internship quickly brought new knowledge and discoveries. For Heliis-Alexandra, it was particularly exciting to write a user manual for a machine for the first time and take part in weekly intern meetings, where employees shared insights into their work.
Initially, Anna-Maria was slightly disappointed to learn that ABB in Estonia doesn’t build robots. However, her perspective quickly shifted when she delved into the world of motors and variable frequency drives (VFDs). She recognized the global impact of these products on energy consumption and how VFDs significantly help reduce it. Today, she works in the quality lab, where analyzing electronics and solving problems provides both intellectual and technical growth – and most importantly, the chance to contribute to something that has a tangible positive impact on the world.
The myth that engineering requires a love of math isn’t always true
According to Anna-Maria, engineering is often feared unnecessarily because people assume you need to be great at math. “In reality, many engineering students don’t love math – what matters more is the desire to solve problems,” she says. Heliis-Alexandra adds that her internship has been eye-opening. “Here, they make sure you truly understand what you’re doing. I’ve had the chance to do things I never imagined – like earn certifications and write manuals.”
Clear goals, supportive environment
Heliis-Alexandra has a clear dream: to work in Formula 1, either in aerodynamics or in a strategy team. She has already been part of the Formula Student Team Tallinn, and the experience gained gained during her internship helps her develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in such a competitive field. Anna-Maria sees herself as a future senior engineer, with a focus on quality and electronics. “I enjoy hands-on work and understanding how things really function – management doesn’t interest me as much,” she admits honestly.
Both interns highlight the supportive and growth-oriented work culture. Heliis-Alexandra emphasizes the sense of community and professional relationships: “If I had to describe my ABB internship in three words, they would be: eye-opening, professional relationships, and community.”
Anna-Maria especially values the environmental impact of ABB’s work: “The fact that the company develops solutions to make energy systems more efficient is a meaningful value for me.”
While there are less women in engineering, the landscape is shifting. Anna-Maria notes that there are 8 women among the 20–30 students in their course – more than she initially expected. Heliis-Alexandra adds that she has never felt treated differently because she’s a woman. “At ABB, everyone is equal and supportive. Not once have I felt like someone thinks I don’t belong here.”
The article was published in the ABB portal on 18.08.2025.
