"I've actually always been interested in technology and I quickly realised that I wanted to do something with technology," she explains. Immediately after graduating from HTL Pinkafeld with a specialisation in civil engineering, she joined her employer Woschitz Engineering ZT GmbH in Oberwart, where she still works today.

After around three years of professional experience, Michaela decided to complete a part-time degree programme. It is easy to explain why she was drawn to energy and environmental management:

She really enjoys her job as a technician. Especially being able to apply the theoretical knowledge she has learnt on the construction site. She started her Master's degree with the motto "There's no such thing as giving up". "There are lots of ups and downs in the part-time degree programme. We always supported each other a lot in the group. It was precisely this team spirit that motivated me to keep going. She wrote her final thesis on the topic of near-natural rainwater management. "This is also important professionally. There are more sustainable options for the rainwater that accumulates on bridges, roads and car parks than the standard sewer system."

She found the topics of environmental technology and thermodynamics, as well as measurement and control technology, particularly exciting during her bachelor's degree. In future, she would like to continue to contribute her knowledge to the construction industry, as there is still a lot of catching up to do in terms of sustainability.