People
From a curious girl with technology in her genes to an engineer: Kateřina Mačišáková inspires future students at BUT
An optimist enthusiastic about technology. That is how Kateřina Mačišáková describes herself – a graduate of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at BUT, and one of the main faces of this year’s admissions campaign. She encourages high school students not to be afraid of university studies, because when she thinks of BUT, what comes to mind above all are friendships, adventure, and some of the best years of her life.
Technology fascinated Kateřina Mačišáková from an early age, and one could say it runs in her family. Her grandmother and grandfather were mechanical engineers, her father an electrical engineer. None of her curious questions ever went unanswered, and her enthusiasm for the world of technology only grew stronger. “My dad completed his university degree later in life, and I sometimes went with him to lectures. At home, I then saw the assignments and preparation he was doing, and I really liked it,” she recalls the time when she first encountered the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication at BUT, where she later studied the same field as her father – Automation and Measurement Technology.
In addition to the interesting field of study, Kateřina was also captivated by Brno itself, and when deciding where to go after graduation, everything came together into one clear choice. “I submitted only one application – to BUT. Already in elementary school, I sensed that this was the direction I would take. That’s also why I continued at a grammar school, to gain a solid foundation in mathematics and physics,” she explains.
University can be demanding and fun
Kateřina Mačišáková experienced her first day at university twice. “When I first went there with my dad, I was really excited. At that time, classes were held in building T8, because the new campus buildings had not yet been completed. I was also looking forward to my official first day – or rather week – but at the same time I had some concerns. It was a big step and a major change,” she describes. “Every new lecture was exciting and full of expectations, but fortunately I wasn’t alone. I had a group of friends with whom we helped each other, and in a way, I studied through almost the entire BUT together with them.”
Although Kateřina saw great potential in the field of automation and enjoyed the coursework, after completing her bachelor’s degree she decided to change her study programme and obtain her master’s degree in electrical manufacturing and materials engineering, in order to broaden her horizons. “It was a challenge. The studies were quite demanding, both academically and time-wise, but I’m satisfied and I would choose it again,” she reflects on her university experience.
During her university studies, Kateřina also joined the faculty Academic Senate, where she advocated for the introduction of a retake option for course credits, as well as the student association Students for Students, which opened up a wide range of opportunities for her. One of these was the chance to help create one of the most popular spaces at the faculty – the Studentarium. “Before that, there weren’t many places to spend free time at the faculty,” the graduate recalls. “I’ve always been very active and enjoyed organizing various events, so I knew I would join some initiative. The Students for Students association appealed to me the most because of its mission,” she adds, noting that it was a great choice.
While still studying, Kateřina also became part of the newly established marketing department at FEEC, allowing her to try working in a completely different field. “I’m a creative person and I like challenges, so it was really great. I’m glad I could bring a student perspective into many things and at least partially give something back to the faculty for what it gave me,” she smiles, adding that she continues to nurture her creativity in her personal life as well. Together with her husband, she creates custom embroidery in her free time.
An engineer who isn’t afraid to admit she doesn’t know something
After successfully completing her university studies, Kateřina Mačišáková’s steps ultimately led her into the technical sector. She joined the international company ThermoFisher Scientific, where she worked in the area of introducing new products into production. After two years, however, she opted for an interesting internal transfer and now focuses on production support. “Whenever there’s a problem in production – and there always is – I deal with it. Whether it’s a component, the supply chain, or finding a replacement part. It’s like detective work, because you never know what will come up, and I absolutely love that,” she says enthusiastically.
In addition to professional knowledge, the university primarily gave her analytical thinking skills and the ability to collect data, evaluate it, and look for connections, which she uses constantly in her work. It was only in the workplace, however, that she learned it is normal to admit you don’t know something and to ask for help. “When I give tours to schools, I always say that no question is a bad question, but that I can’t answer everything. That’s exactly why companies are made up of different experts – each understands their own piece, and together we form a whole,” she explains.
The future belongs to those who are not afraid
As a successful graduate of Brno University of Technology, Kateřina Mačišáková became one of the three faces of this year’s admissions campaign. “I see it as one of the last things I can give back to the faculty and the university as a whole. A kind of thank-you for everything I experienced there,” she says with a smile.
When she looks back on her time at BUT today, she recalls not only the approachable lecturers and the quality of teaching, but above all the friendships. “I dare say we created a friendly atmosphere at the faculty,” the graduate explains, adding that she experienced a friendly approach from the other side as well – from the management and staff. “I felt that we were heard, and most importantly, that we were listened to,” she emphasizes.
Kateřina encourages future applicants not to be afraid and not to let themselves be discouraged. “What matters is determination and perseverance. I lost motivation several times, and that’s completely normal. Studying doesn’t come easily, and sometimes you really have to push yourself to keep going. But the easy path rarely leads to treasure,” the graduate concludes, adding that quality education will bring applicants freedom in deciding what they want to pursue in the future – and that a little effort is definitely worth it.
Whether you’re drawn to modern technologies, cutting-edge science, or creative work, don’t hesitate and apply to BUT!
You can find details about studying on the website Here You Can, and applications can be submitted in the E-application section. #HereYouCan
Author: Lenka Hubáčková
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