Aleksandra Savić, Project Team Leader for Bid Preparation, Siemens Energy Belgrade
Aleksandra Savić is an engineer and leader in the energy sector, who has stood out as one of the key members of the team at Siemens Energy Belgrade over the past few years. Holding a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science with a focus on radio communications, Aleksandra has been part of Siemens Energy Belgrade since 2020. Thanks to her contributions to major projects, she became the project team leader for bid preparation in 2022. Her work focuses on innovative solutions in electrification, automation, and digitalization, and her expertise spans various sectors of energy infrastructure. Aleksandra is someone who always strives for improvement, not only in engineering, but also through additional interests and social engagements, and Siemens Energy Belgrade is a company that provides her with the opportunity to make a difference.
When did you become interested in technical sciences, and did you have support for your interests?
– Physics has always been my favorite subject, ever since elementary school. I grew up in a family where technical and natural sciences were part of everyday life. My father is a civil engineer, and my mother is a geological technician, so subjects related to this field were a natural choice for me. They always provided me with selfless support, and I never felt that circumstances limited my desire to pursue engineering; on the contrary, their support was a constant motivation to continue on that path and achieve my ambitions. Support, in my opinion, is crucial – both from family and from the professional environment. When I started working at Siemens Energy Belgrade, I experienced that sense of support again. Here, a culture is nurtured where you are not defined solely by your experience and current role, but by your motivation, curiosity, and ability to develop. It is precisely this environment that has allowed me to continue growing and achieving my professional goals.
You graduated from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Belgrade, where you obtained a master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science. How many female students were in your program, and did you ever feel differently treated by colleagues or professors because you are a woman?
– At the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, I completed my undergraduate studies in the telecommunications and information technology department, which had a considerable number of female colleagues. At that time, the ratio in the department was about 40 percent in favor of female students, while in the first year before specialization, it was 30-70. I never felt that I was treated differently, either by professors or by colleagues. Professors valued that all students demonstrated their knowledge, and colleagues made sure that we always had a place in the amphitheater. That positive atmosphere meant a lot to me during my studies.
You joined Siemens Energy Belgrade in 2020 as a bid manager. Which project would you highlight as the most significant yet challenging at that time?
– One of the most significant projects was the Compressor Station project, which contributed to the diversification of energy sources in our country and enabled more stable energy supply from various gas network systems. For one of the most complex facilities in the region, we have delivered a complete solution for the electrical equipment of the transformer station to power the facility itself and the supervisory control system. It was an exceptional honor for me, as the bid manager at that time, to play a key role in preparing the bid for this project, which lasted for almost a year. The biggest challenge was coordinating multiple domestic and international stakeholders, which required clear communication channels and processing a large amount of information in a short time. Thanks to the flexible working atmosphere and team support, this project allowed me to gain valuable experience and develop key competencies needed for working on large international projects that I am currently involved in.
Which project would you highlight as the most significant for your professional growth and development?
– As the project team leader for bid preparation, I am involved in various innovative projects in the fields of electrification, automation, and digitalization in the country and the region. Perhaps the most significant for my career development in the era of global energy transition was a project in the field of electrification. Siemens Energy Belgrade was the main contractor that designed a “turnkey” solution according to the client’s requirements for increasing efficiency, and I was given the opportunity to lead the entire project, which involved replacing the drives on two compressors at a processing facility in Serbia. This project increased production process efficiency while reducing carbon footprint, in line with the initiative to reduce carbon emissions by 2040, and also served as a model project for international markets. Working on this project provided me with a unique opportunity to gain international experience in the global market, in accordance with the highest engineering standards that shape the future of energy. The recognition of by the local team further strengthened our position, ensuring our team global visibility within the company.
Why did you choose energy over the IT sector?
– During my studies, I had the opportunity to focus on the IT sector; however, I was always more drawn to the field of energy efficiency and its impact on living. In energy, I saw an opportunity to work on projects that have concrete, tangible results. Working on initiatives that can directly influence the improvement of systems, whether it is about more efficient energy use or reducing harmful gas emissions, was much more appealing to me. Additionally, working in energy and my career development at Siemens Energy Belgrade give me the opportunity to contribute to the global energy transition, which is of great importance in today’s world.
You are a long-time activist of the Red Cross and a competitor in first aid, and in your free time, you keep informed about innovations in world medicine and enjoy hiking. How important is it for an engineer to have broad interests?
– Considering that we live in an information age where revolutionary technical discoveries are happening, it is extremely important for an engineer to stay updated with technological developments, as this progress impacts what we do. I always like to say that the title of engineer is obtained by completing studies, but becoming or upgrading as an engineer is a lifelong process. Working in technology teaches you to develop logical thinking, and daily tasks prompt you to grow in the field of science. I believe it is important to develop interests in other areas such as art, medicine, and sports to expand perspective with diverse content. Hiking helps me maintain physical health, but also develop inner strength and endurance, while my activism in the Red Cross during my upbringing gave me the opportunity to care for the health and safety of people. I believe that these broad interests make me a better engineer because they enhance my ability to think outside the box and see the bigger picture.
What would you say to girls who are currently considering their choice of college and profession – why should they study technical and natural sciences and build a career in the energy sector?
– My first piece of advice would be that the main criterion should be an affinity for technical and natural sciences, rather than, for example, the current number of girls in this field, which is often unjustifiably viewed as a certain norm. Technical sciences provide a foundation and breadth to engage in various professions, especially today when the digital age is our everyday reality. Additionally, the field of energy is very broad but also important because it is directly related to environmental conservation, energy efficiency, and the global energy transition. Technical sciences offer the chance to work on interesting and challenging projects that can have a long-term impact on the world, and I think it is important for all of us to engage more equally, as those working on energy projects will shape our future. Personally, working at Siemens Energy Belgrade has also given me the privilege of working on pioneering projects in multinational teams from Serbia and collaborating with experts who are always willing to share their knowledge, and whom I would not have had the opportunity to meet under other circumstances.