Rapid career growth today requires curiosity, perseverance, and a drive for continuous development. ABB service engineer Edvīns Vilde is a prime example of how, with the right qualities and workplace support, one can quickly progress from trainee to service engineer, working with cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.
— Edvīns Vilde
Field Service Engineer Riga, Latvia
“The most important thing is to learn from colleagues, gain experience, ask for advice, and stay open to new opportunities. Don’t limit yourself – sometimes the path you take can lead to even more exciting directions than you originally planned.”
From Physics and Math to ABB
Edvīns Vilde always had a passion for tech, sparked in elementary school and deepened in high school with his love for physics and math. This led him to study at RTU and land an internship at a manufacturing company, where he first encountered ABB robots. Having dreamed of working at ABB, Edvīns made his move when an ABB service engineer visited his internship. He reached out after returning to Riga, and soon, he was an intern in ABB’s robotics department, proving that dreams do come true.
Rapid Growth and Recognition at ABB
In his first year as a full-time employee at ABB, Edvīns was named “Problem Solver of the Year.” While proud of the recognition, he credits his success to teamwork. “Collaboration is key,” he says, highlighting the support of his colleagues. His persistence and curiosity led to a full-time position, and now he helps support Latvia’s largest production plants. “I believe my rapid career growth is thanks to these qualities and ABB’s supportive culture,” he reflects. “The environment here is collaborative, which makes all the difference compared to toxic workplaces I’ve experienced before.” This positive culture is why many stay with ABB for 10-15 years.
The Job Perks – Access to Unique Places
At ABB’s small Latvian service department, Edvīns does more than technical work—he also participates in sales, consulting, diagnostics, and maintenance, mostly for ABB equipment like variable frequency converters. This gives him access to places most people never see. “Our clients include Latvia’s biggest power plants, water supply companies, and factories,” he says. “It’s a privilege to see processes few others do. One of my proudest moments was helping a Norwegian ship in the Port of Riga. We were the only ones who could fix its engine with ABB equipment. After two days of work, we got it running, and the ship could head home. It was a unique experience, especially working in the engine room on a non-standard solution,” Edvīns reflects.
An Appeal to Young Professionals – Don’t Be Afraid, Dare to Take the Leap
At ABB, initiative and a willingness to learn are highly valued. Edvīns encourages young professionals considering a career at ABB to embrace challenges and reach out to the company. “Call, don’t just write,” he advises, stressing that courage and initiative are key. He assures that even if you don’t have all the knowledge at first, it will come with time. “The most important thing is to learn from colleagues, gain experience, ask for advice, and stay open to new opportunities. Don’t limit yourself—sometimes the path you take can lead to even more exciting directions than you originally planned,” Edvīns says.
At ABB, you're not just starting a job; you're beginning a journey of personal and professional development and growth. Our culture is founded on strong values, where every person is appreciated and empowered to reach their full potential. We believe continuous development empowers people to make a difference. Our Learn, Connect, Grow framework and supportive culture enables everyone at ABB to pursue their personal goals and aspirations.
At ABB, we are committed to solving some of the biggest global challenges of our time. This is only possible through our exceptional people who work every day, towards this endeavor. A culture of diversity, inclusion and equal opportunity is critical to our business success and makes us stronger. At ABB we strive for a culture where individual differences are not only welcomed but celebrated.
