A Woman Technician on the Field: Leyla Usta

I was thinking about how to introduce myself. Just saying, “I’m Leyla Babayeva, 22 years old, and currently working as a mechanical technician at Borusan Cat Azerbaijan” wouldn’t really let you get to know me.

I’m a young mechanical technician, and my journey here wasn’t exactly ordinary. While many women hesitate to take this path, I took the leap and found an opportunity to achieve my goals at Borusan Cat Azerbaijan.

I studied mechanical engineering at the Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University. But my student years weren’t just about lectures and exams—I was always looking for ways to challenge myself and gain experience beyond the classroom. In 2022, a few friends and I formed a team to participate in Azerbaijan’s first-ever TEKNOFEST competition. We poured our hearts into building robots for the Robotics and Baku Skills categories, and our efforts paid off. We proudly represented our country, bringing home first- and second-place awards on an international stage.

Stepping into My Career

After graduation, I started my career at Borusan Cat Azerbaijan as an intern in the Operations Department. Those six months were invaluable—I gained hands-on experience in the field, learning directly from machines rather than just reading about them. I knew this was where I wanted to be, so when I was offered a position as a mechanical technician, I didn’t hesitate. I wanted to be part of the technical team, working in the field, getting my hands dirty, and learning everything I could.

Being a Female Technician in the Field

My job takes me both to the workshop and out into the field. Every time I step onto a site, I can feel the curiosity in people’s eyes. Customers often ask me—with genuine surprise—why I chose such a physically demanding profession. Over time, I’ve gotten used to their questions, just as they’ve gotten used to seeing me as a technician. And knowing that one day, they’ll call me “Leyla Usta” with full confidence in my skills makes me even more determined to excel in my craft.

I’ve received offers to move into engineering positions in the office, but that’s not where my heart is. I love the field. I love working with machines, problem-solving on-site, and constantly challenging myself to learn more. I want to master my craft, refine my technical skills, and provide the best possible service to my customers.

That doesn’t mean it’s always been easy. I still remember the first time I walked into the workshop, staring up at a machine with wheels taller than me, watching a master technician assemble a transmission with practiced ease, and thinking, How am I ever going to learn all of this? But I realized something important: you don’t have to know everything right away. You just have to stay curious, keep asking questions, and never stop learning. Thanks to the guidance of my mentors and the support of my colleagues, I’ve grown so much. Every day, I pick up new skills, push my limits, and take another step forward.

One thing my mentor told me has stuck with me:

“A true master is someone who never stops searching for new ways forward, someone who keeps moving and evolving.”

That’s the mindset I carry with me every day.

At Borusan Cat, I’ve never once felt that being a woman put me at a disadvantage. The support from my colleagues and the company has been incredible. The culture here is built on equality—everyone has the same opportunities to grow and develop. From day one, I’ve felt like I truly belong.

A New Chapter: The Overhaul Department

When Borusan Cat Azerbaijan—after 27 years of operations—decided to establish its overhaul department, I was invited to join the team. It was an incredible opportunity to deepen my expertise in engines, transmissions, hydraulic pumps, differentials, and all aspects of major technical repairs. I knew this experience would help me grow, so I accepted the offer without hesitation.

Being part of a newly established department, contributing to its development, and knowing that my work is helping shape something from the ground up has been a huge motivation for me. It’s a special feeling to know that the work we’re doing today will set the foundation for future technicians who come after us.

To enhance my technical skills, I also spent a month and a half training at Borusan Cat Turkey’s Gebze office. There, I had the chance to work alongside experienced master technicians, learning from their years of expertise and refining my skills. Bringing that knowledge back to Azerbaijan and applying it in my own work has been incredibly rewarding. It’s now been eleven months since I joined the overhaul department, and every single day, I continue to learn, improve, and push myself further.

WOMEN CAN ACHIEVE ANYTHING!

The reason I wanted to share my story is simple: I want to inspire other women who dream of working in technical fields but hesitate to take that first step. If you believe in yourself and are open to learning, there is absolutely nothing stopping you from succeeding—whether in a workshop, on a job site, or in any other field you choose.

So, if you’re wondering, Can I really do this?—the answer is yes, you can! Because a woman can achieve anything she sets her mind to.

We are the architects of our own future. If we truly want something, if we put in the effort and refuse to give up, we can succeed in any industry, in any role, and in any dream we dare to chase.

Translator’s Note: In Turkish, “Usta” means “Master” and is commonly used as a respectful title in workplaces, especially in technical and craftsmanship fields.

Leyla Babayeva

For the past two years, Leyla Babayeva has been contributing to Borusan Cat Azerbaijan as a skilled mechanical technician. With a strong passion for technology and mechanics, she is committed to continuous learning and professional development. Leyla takes great interest in deepening her technical expertise, staying up to date with industry advancements, and exploring new knowledge across various disciplines. Her dedication to enhancing her skills not only strengthens her professional growth but also reinforces her ability to deliver high-quality work in her field.