In a world where the sound of machines blends seamlessly with the ambitions of those who operate them, one woman’s story stands out at KLINGER Brazil. Viviani Araujo is one of the remarkable female engineers who has navigated the challenges she faced within the industry, transforming them into stepping stones toward success.
Contacts mentioned in the article:
Viviani Araujo, Senior Internal Sales Representative at KLINGER Brazil
Engineering a career shift
Beginning her journey in 2014 as a young apprentice in the quality department, she quickly demonstrated a unique blend of passion and precision that would define her career. “At that time, I was already in the second year of my Production Engineering studies,” says Viviani. With a fascination for mathematics and engineering sparked in childhood, her role at KLINGER became the canvas on which she realized her professional aspirations. “I developed a desire to improve my skills in solving practical problems,” she says. By 2017, she had secured a role as a Production Planning and Control Assistant and crowned her early career with a degree in engineering.
Her transition into sales in 2019 marked a pivotal shift in her career trajectory. Realizing the importance of aligning market demands with internal processes, she specialized in Sales Management – a move that strengthened her influence within the company and highlighted her versatility. This role expanded her skillset as well as placing her at the forefront of client interactions, where her engineering background proved a unique advantage.
Overcoming obstacles
Despite her achievements, the journey was far from plain sailing. Her main challenge? Credibility. In an industry where being a woman can skew perceptions before your performance is ever evaluated, she had to consistently prove her abilities.
“It’s not enough to be competent; we must constantly demonstrate our value and skills,”
she says, reflecting on the struggle for recognition in her field.
Her thoughts on gender diversity reveal a deep understanding of its benefits. “Diversity stimulates the exchange of ideas and leads to more innovative and comprehensive solutions,” she says, affirming that problem-solving processes benefit from the differing perspectives of men and women. As well as informing Viviani’s professional ethos, this conviction influences her approach to team dynamics and project management.
Learning fuels growth
The importance of continuous learning is a theme that features substantially throughout her career. With technology and markets in a state of perpetual evolution, keeping up to date through ongoing education has been crucial. By investing in her professional development, Viviani also gains valuable experiences in maintaining confident, assertive communication. “Acquiring additional qualifications keeps me up to date with new technologies and best practice, helping me ensure quality, innovation, and growth,” she says.
Looking ahead, she is optimistic about the expanding role of women in engineering and hopes for greater representation and equality in leadership roles. Her own rise within KLINGER Brazil is a testament to the changing landscape, but she concedes that there remains much work to be done, particularly in addressing wage inequality and corporate responsibilities – despite the fact that an increasing number of women in Brazil are taking up engineering professions.
And that’s true in other areas of life, too. When she is not at work, Viviani can be found next to the soccer field. “I am passionate about soccer, an activity that is still often seen as a predominantly male sport. My favorite hobby is cheering for ‘Sociedade Esportiva Palmeiras’. I come from a family of Palmeiras supporters, and I even married a Palmeiras fan,” she says, clearly proud of the fact. Nowadays, Viviani usually goes to watch games in her local stadium, but this year she took the opportunity to watch the finals outside her state.
A message to aspiring female engineers
Her final thoughts are a message to young women contemplating a future in engineering:
“Don’t let challenges put you off; each obstacle is a chance to learn and grow. Celebrate every achievement along the way.”
With effective time management, clear communication and by adjusting her goals, this female engineer has succeeded in balancing expectations as well as pressures. Her career is clear evidence that with determination, skill, and a willingness to learn, the engineering field offers vast opportunities to make a significant impact. And, by doing so, Viviani is setting an example and paving the way for many women to come.
