Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Peoples’Friendship University of Russia –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Veronika Zolotova graduated from the RUDN University Agrarian and Technological Institute in 2020 in the field of “Land Management and Cadastres”. Now she is a project manager for the department for the construction of educational facilities in the autonomous non-profit organization “Development of Social Infrastructure” (ANO “RSI”). This year, Veronika reached the semi-finals of the All-Russian competition of managers “Leaders of the Construction Industry”, organized with the support of the Ministry of Construction of Russia. Veronika talks about who inspired her to go into construction, what the industry is living today and what it means to be a modern leader in an interview.
When you are a child, the field of “Land Management and Cadastre” cannot be called a dream profession. Everyone wants to become astronauts, doctors, teachers. How did you come to the profession?
Since childhood, I imagined myself in different professions. But one thing has always remained unchanged – the desire to be part of something great, significant, to leave a mark on history. Over time, I realized that the best way to make this dream come true is to work in the construction industry. In the field thanks to which cities are created before our eyes, the space of the future is formed. I was inspired by my godfather, who worked as a surveyor. His stories about the profession were filled with passion and meaning. Then, for the first time, I became truly interested in this field – and that is how I came to choose the direction of “Land Management and Cadastre”.
One of the facets of student life is exams and tests, preparation for which often makes students nervous. What was the most difficult subject during your studies?
It’s been a while since I graduated from university. Each exam was exciting and difficult in its own way, especially at the beginning. But one subject from my first year has remained especially vivid in my memory: soil science. At that time, it seemed incredibly difficult, almost incomprehensible. It’s funny, but many subjects have faded from memory over time, but soil science has not. Apparently, it was precisely because of its complexity and depth that it was so firmly imprinted in my mind.
Which teacher are you most grateful to?
I am sincerely grateful to all the teachers of our university — everyone who generously shared their knowledge, experience and warmth with us. All of them are true masters of their craft, devoted to their profession and their students. I would like to express special gratitude to two teachers who played a key role in my professional path. An amazing teacher and expert in his field — Anton Aleksandrovich Poddubsky. He taught geodesy and a number of other disciplines, thanks to which I discovered this science from a completely new, deep and fascinating side.
Mikhail Vyacheslavovich Aleshin not only taught classes on the theory of errors and mathematical processing of geodetic measurements, methods of decoding and other specialized subjects, but also became my scientific supervisor when writing my diploma thesis. His approach, exactingness and support became a real intellectual challenge for me and an important school of professional growth.
Thanks to such teachers, studying became not just a mandatory stage, but a real inspiration and a confident step into a future profession.
The most vivid memory from my studies at RUDN University…
The defense of my diploma sank deep into my soul. The fear was almost paralyzing, it is impossible to put into words. Tears, sleepless nights, anxiety to the point of trembling… But I coped. I coped largely thanks to the support of the teachers, who believed in us even when we ourselves doubted. And the joy when I heard: “The defense was successful” was truly immeasurable. It was as if I had flown to seventh heaven from happiness. I still keep in my archives videos where my classmates and I are crying from stress, and then, beaming with joy, we leave the defense – winners.
Already in your first year you started working in the construction industry. What projects did you manage to work on?
My career path began as an assistant surveyor in one of the largest construction companies in Moscow. I learned from professionals, gained experience, and gradually moved on to independent work. Over time, I became a full-fledged surveyor, and was involved in both office and field work. At that time, I was lucky enough to be part of large-scale projects, including the Rudnevo electric depot, Zaryadye Park, and the construction of the metro. This experience not only strengthened my professional skills, but also taught me responsibility, discipline, and the ability to work in a team under real production tasks.
When you are an applicant, “Land Management and Cadastres” sounds like something mysterious and enigmatic. In what areas can graduates of this program work today?
This is a multidisciplinary specialty, and you can develop along a variety of tracks.
Firstly, it is geodesy – work on construction sites, support of engineering surveys, creation of digital terrain models. Demand for surveyors is consistently high, especially in large infrastructure projects.
Secondly, cadastral activities – registration of land plots, work in cadastral chambers, preparation of technical documentation. This area requires attention to detail and a good understanding of the legislation.
Thirdly, land and legal relations. Here, specialists who understand the regulatory framework, can support transactions, participate in land use issues and dispute resolution are in demand.
In addition, areas related to the digitalization of the cadastre are developing – GIS systems, work with spatial data, automation of accounting processes. This is an excellent option for those who want to keep up with technology. The specialty provides a broad base and flexibility – you can choose both a technical direction and a legal one, or combine both. The main thing is not to be afraid to study further and look for your niche.
Where did you find yourself?
As a project manager. Today, I supervise objects from the conception stage to the moment of their transfer to the balance sheet — I control all stages: from surveys and design to registration of rights and commissioning. This requires a comprehensive approach, knowledge of several areas at once — and it was Land Management and Cadastres that gave me this foundation. So I am sure: this specialty has broad prospects, and success depends on how you yourself reveal its potential.
What principles do you follow in your work?
First of all, responsibility. If I accept a task, I will definitely bring it to a result, while focusing on the level of quality that I would like to receive. There is no place for negligence in the construction industry – even a small mistake can result in serious technical or financial consequences.
The second important principle is respect for people. Regardless of the position and role – be it a contractor, a customer, a colleague or a subordinate – I believe it is important to build communication on mutual respect. This helps to find a common language and quickly resolve even the most difficult issues.
The third principle is a friendly atmosphere in the team. We have warm, almost family-like relationships in our team: we support each other, we can talk not only about work, but also share personal moments. Such an environment increases trust and makes working together easier and more productive.
It is this foundation that gives a sustainable result. This is not about beautiful words – it is about how to work effectively, especially in conditions of limited time, resources and high responsibility. In our field, the winner is not the one who is louder, but the one who knows how to build a process, hears the team and is responsible for the result.
You are a finalist in the “Leaders of the Construction Industry” competition. What does participation in this competition mean to you?
For me, this is a big and very important stage in my professional development. The competition program is aimed at identifying promising managers who have experience in senior positions in the construction or housing and utilities sector. For the final, we are developing our own projects. I will not reveal all the cards yet. But I will say one thing: my project addresses current challenges in the construction industry and offers solutions aimed at achieving sustainable development goals. Now I am focusing on the final!
Daily work often becomes routine. What inspires you and allows you to maintain energy and move forward?
In any job, especially management, there is a place for routine – documents, meetings, process coordination. But I am always inspired by one thought: the result of your work is something tangible and long-lasting. When an object is completed, put into operation and begins to benefit the city and people – this is a real feeling of satisfaction. The pleasure of understanding that you have invested effort, experience, time and done something really useful for this world. The thought charges even in the most difficult moments.
And to replenish my energy, I have my own “recipe for a perfect weekend”: a trip to the countryside with friends in tents. We have an amazing team of 19 people, and we are all from the construction industry: surveyors, designers, architects, estimators, designers, project managers… In general, the list can go on and on. We met at one of the professional events, and then became real friends – our families are friends, we support each other both at work and in life. We even have our own name – “Go? Go!” This is about the fact that we are always “for” any activity: hiking, climbing, running, lectures, master classes, parties. This team is my source of energy and inspiration. With such people around you, you feel that you can move mountains – both literally and professionally.
Is it difficult to be a girl in the construction industry – a stereotype or prejudice that still exists today?
This stereotype, unfortunately, still exists – although not in such an open form as before. Sometimes you have to prove your competence a little more than a man would have to in the same position. But personally, I don’t make a problem out of it – I do my job well, consistently and for the result. And this is what ultimately builds trust and respect.
Construction is not about gender, but about responsibility, knowledge of processes, the ability to build communication and bring a project to completion. And every year there are more and more women like me in the industry – strong, smart, professional.
If I encounter bias, I try not to waste energy on arguments. It is much more effective to show in action that you are competent and reliable. And when you have more than one successfully completed project under your belt, the opinion of skeptics changes on its own.
If you had the opportunity to go back to your first year, what would you tell yourself then?
I would tell myself: don’t be afraid to be active, ask more questions, try yourself and don’t put off important steps “for later”. University is not only about lectures and tests, it is a time when you can form yourself as a professional, build connections, participate in projects, and most importantly – learn to take initiative. I would advise not to be afraid of mistakes. Because it is through them that a real understanding of the profession and self-confidence comes. A mistake is not a failure, but an experience, if you draw conclusions.
And, probably, the main advice: everything will work out if you do your job with interest and are truly involved.
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