The success story of Tomas Kačinskas: from the first step to the youngest department manager in the company

Tomas Kačinskas, head of Iremas metal testing laboratory, started his career in the company in 2011, when he was still 19 years old, starting from the first step – a locksmith – as a repairman. Three years later, he started working as a flaw specifier (quality specialist), in 2019 he became a quality engineer, and a year later he was appointed head of the metal testing laboratory.

“No matter what position I held, I always wanted to know more and do my job better,” says T. Kačinskas.

Satisfied by this desire, after getting a job as a locksmith-repairman, Tomas entered the Kaunas University of Technology, where he graduated by correspondence in the mechanical engineering specialty, and now, after a 5-year break, he is studying for a master’s degree in production engineering.

“My goal is to deepen my knowledge, to be interested in innovations, after all, nobody stands still, so it is very important not only to keep up, but to try to be ahead.” I noticed that when you study for specific knowledge needed for your work, you study much more purposefully, with a completely different motivation, than those people who study just to have a higher education diploma”, says T. Kačinskas.

Tomas tries to apply the interesting and valuable knowledge he hears while studying or reading scientific literature at work.

Innovations and non-traditional solutions have always been the areas that interest me the most. When I learn something new, I start putting together an action plan in my head to apply it in my work. I am very happy when it works. It is important for me to improve not only myself, but also to inspire my team to do so, so I organize trainings, share my experience and knowledge, encourage and support everyone who wants to learn new things”, says T. Kačinskas, who leads a team of 14 people.

Tomas working day starts at 7 o’clock in the morning, when he discusses the day’s plans with the team, celebrates completed tasks, and distributes the work.

“A manager, among other qualities, needs to be able to find a language with everyone, delegate tasks, support the team, and mobilize it. I try to have a good psychological atmosphere at work, I listen to everyone and I am not a dictating boss, but at the same time a results-seeking leader. Being such a manager helps me with the experience gained in the company from the first steps – I know the processes, I know how long one or another job takes, how many and what tasks can be completed in a day or a week, so I don’t set unrealistic expectations on anyone”, says T. Kačinskas.

Tomas says that when he worked as a locksmith-repairman, he got physically tired, when he works as a manager, he gets psychologically tired, but he likes his work very much, and after that, he relaxes best by swimming in the pool with his children.

Tomas has a piece of advice for all colleagues who want to reach the heights of their career: be brave!

“Courageously ask, be interested, offer your solutions, express your opinion. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. And try not only to do your job well, but also try to understand the people who works together, communication and cooperation can lay the necessary foundations for a successful career”, the head of the “Iremas” metal testing laboratory wished to his colleagues.