From Automotive Technician to Project Manager at PALFINGER

Alexander Winkler, Head of the Project Management Office, PALFINGER

My studies didn’t just give me technical knowledge. I learned to take on responsibility, make good decisions under pressure, and successfully carry out complex projects.

Today, Alexander Winkler heads the Project Management Office in the Sales Global division at PALFINGER and is responsible for international projects. He laid the foundation for his career with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in mechanical engineering from CU Carinthia University of Applied Sciences.

It all actually began with an apprenticeship as a truck mechanic. Even back then, he was fascinated by the technology behind machines and vehicles. At the same time, he realized that he wanted to further his professional development and take on more responsibility. After completing evening classes at the HTL, he therefore decided to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and subsequently went on to earn a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on lightweight construction.

Looking back, this decision was a turning point for him. In addition to a solid foundation of technical knowledge, he gained skills that continue to guide him in his daily professional life: structured work methods, teamwork, presentation techniques, and the ability to confidently handle challenging projects.

His professional career first took him to Bosch in Hallein, where he gained valuable experience in project management. He then moved to PALFINGER, where he took on leadership of one of the largest projects to date in the Special Solutions division. To further his professional development, he earned the internationally recognized PMP (Project Management Professional) certification while working full-time. Today, he heads the Project Management Office in the Sales Global division and plays a key role in shaping international projects.

Alexander has particularly fond memories of his time as a student. “We were a close-knit community–not just among the students, but also with our professors. That sense of camaraderie made my time at university truly special.”

His advice to prospective students is clear: “Mechanical engineering opens up an incredible number of opportunities. The program provides a broad technical foundation and gives you the freedom to later develop in exactly the direction that suits your interests and strengths.”