Rail Baltica is a railway infrastructure megaproject that spans across several countries. The depth of skills and expertise required to successfully execute a greenfield project of this caliber is extensive and would not be possible without our diverse team of professionals.
Welcome back to our series, “Rail Baltica: The People Behind the Vision,” where we introduce you to the members of the Rail Baltica global project team. These individuals are the driving force advancing the Rail Baltica project with their professionalism, dedication, and passion for this project.
Jovita Starynina, Head of Virtual Design and Construction Department, RB Rail
This week, we are excited to introduce our colleague Jovita Starynina from RB Rail AS, where she serves as the Head of the Virtual Design and Construction Department. Jovita joined the Rail Baltica project in 2018, driven by a passion to be part of a company and a team working on something truly groundbreaking. Over the years, her role has evolved from BIM & AIM Coordinator to BIM Team Leader, and now to her current position as the Head of the Virtual Design and Construction Department.
In this interview, Jovita shares insights into her journey at RB Rail AS, the evolution of her responsibilities, and the invaluable lessons she has learned along the way. She also discusses the importance of maintaining a work-life balance and reflects on the role of women in engineering, highlighting how we can encourage more women to join the industry.
When did you join the Rail Baltica project and what inspired you to become a part of the team?
I joined RB Rail AS in July 2018. I was incredibly excited to be part of a company and a team working on something truly groundbreaking. I was fascinated by the ideas and vast opportunities that BIM could offer – though little did I know just how transformative it would be.
How has your role evolved since you first joined the Rail Baltica project, and what have you learned along the way?
Having been part of the company for quite some time, some might jokingly call me a dinosaur (though I am certainly not the only one!). Over the years, my role has evolved significantly – from BIM & AIM Coordinator to BIM Team Leader, and most recently to Head of Virtual Design and Construction. One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that while having big dreams and ambitious plans is essential, they do not always align with reality. The key to success lies in the drive to create change and the ability to adapt – embracing challenges, navigating evolving circumstances, and leveraging digital tools to push progress forward.
Who has inspired you during your career, and why?
I have been inspired by people who demonstrate a high level of professionalism, constructive communication, and unwavering support when needed. My heroes are those who remain calm and act with expertise in every situation. I admire their strength, optimism, and energy, and I constantly strive to reach that level myself.
How do you balance home and work life, and what advice would you give to other women?
There are moments when work feels overwhelming, and it can be incredibly stressful to stop working exactly at 17:00 with unresolved issues still on the table. However, I constantly remind myself that every challenge is manageable – I just need time to think, strategize, and find solutions. My best advice: problems will not solve themselves, but with time and support from colleagues, everything can be tackled effectively.
Maintaining balance means allowing yourself time to recharge, step away, and return the next day with fresh energy and a clear mind to continue problem-solving. And do not forget to plan your vacations! Having something to look forward to, whether it’s quality time with loved ones or engaging in your favorite activities, is a great motivator to stay focused and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
What do you see as the challenges in attracting more women to the rail industry, and what can be done to make a difference?
When I joined RB Rail AS, I was the only woman in the entire Technical Department for the first few months. It was surprising to see so few women in the company. From my experience, engineering was not a popular career choice for women five years ago, but things are changing, and I am thrilled to see more women entering the field. I believe that public representation of women in rail is inspiring for the younger generation, encouraging them to consider engineering as a career. Sharing knowledge, experiences, and success stories can have a significant impact in attracting more women to this industry.