You probably have to be born with a knack for mathematics and the world of numbers. Many people will agree, and Peter Semanco, General Manager Analyses & Statistics, nodded to this statement with a smile.
Peter Semanco is one of nine steelworkers who were awarded the distinction – the honorary badge of the Minister of Economy for Loyal Service – at a ceremony in Banská Štiavnica, which took place last Friday, September 12, 2025.
What is the major task of the Analysis & Statistics Department? Not everyone can imagine what exactly your department does...
Everyone at U. S. Steel Košice knows the department I manage as Controlling. Our work is not about controlling or auditing, but in the sense of the English word control – that is, to manage, forecast, lead, navigate. The main scope of our work is forecasting, planning, analyzing future trends, but also real data. It is a look both back and forward and helps us make better decisions. Compared to accounting - accountants record facts, do accounting, give and take, but the story behind what happened in the company, why it happens and what can happen - that's our job.
Have you always wanted to do this kind of work?
I've always had an analytical and mathematical mindset. My character traits are closely connected to what I do. After graduating from high school, I didn't know exactly what I wanted to do, but I knew that I enjoyed logic and mathematics, so I started studying economics at the Faculty of Business Administration. There I found out about controlling, which I immediately liked. I also enjoyed trading securities, and a year after graduating from school I worked in such a company. Then the law changed, defining that a broker could only be someone who had a degree in this field or at least 5 years of experience, which I did not meet at the time. I received an offer from U. S. Steel Košice, it was in the early days of the company, and I was immediately included in a group of young, open-minded people whom the company sent for training to operations in the USA. I later worked in the USA for over two years.
Are you familiar with metallurgical operation well?
I am not a trained metallurgist, but I consider myself a person who understands what is happening in a metallurgical company. I can grasp it and translate it into financial plans and forecasts. I "traveled" through various departments at USSK. My heart remained in primary production, where I started and where I like that the processes are dynamic, hot, there is energy, power, which has always fascinated me. Within controlling, I have also held positions in rolling mills, coated products section, energy and production support... So yes, I know the processes of metallurgical operation well. Controlling is literally connected to operations. My colleagues, who work in our plants, are in daily contact with people from production and understand their language and processes. Many people may think that controlling employees just sit somewhere in administrative buildings, detached from reality and production. That's not true. Many people from my department work directly in the division plants and help the "manufacturers" with analyses, but also, for example, with establishing a business plan and forecasts.
Do you use the methods that you apply at work also at home?
The principles are the same. The basis is to have an overview of what I spend on, what my income is. It's part of my personality. I know the situation. Many people have no idea what they are spending their money on; they only see that their money is slipping away. This is also lacking in the education of young people. I also see it in the neighborhood with the children of my acquaintances, that although they learn about financial literacy in school, it somehow doesn't stick with them. For me at work, it is important to know what the company is spending on, how to optimize these costs and avoid financial issues in the future. The same principles must apply at home. I can't spend more than I have. I teach my two daughters to do the same. The older one is studying psychology, but the younger one is very similar to me in character and thinking, so maybe I'll have a successor. I share my life credo with both daughters. I was raised to live honestly, fairly, to honor people and respect them. That's the main thing. It makes me very angry when I see disrespect or injustice.
People who work with numbers are often said to be boring... Do you encounter that too?
Yes . I also give a serious impression. People who don't know me think I'm strict and austere, but I'm an optimistic and cheerful person. I like to joke around. The photo on my company profile used to be serious, with me wearing a suit, but I've replaced it with one where I'm in my element, in nature, on a hike.
So, nature is the best way for you to clear your head?
Yes, I'm a passionate hiker. Every weekend I try to get away and go somewhere in nature, cycling or hiking. Whether it's the High Tatras, Low Tatras, or anywhere else in nature. Nature is a great relax for me. My partner loves the High Tatras, and I prefer the Low Tatras, Slovak Paradise, or Belianske Tatras—places where there isn't mass tourism. I prefer it to be calm and quiet. We also do outdoor activities in winter. When I arrive at work on Monday morning, I sometimes forget where I left off on Friday. That's how it should be, because this job is very hectic, demanding, and stressful... I'm at work every day until six, sometimes until eight in the evening. It's a lot to take, so you need to relax well.
Were you and your loved ones pleased with the award you received?
I was pleasantly surprised. Even though I'm not a trained metallurgist, I am one at heart. I try to understand and learn about metallurgical production logistics and processes, and I am closely involved with operations. My partner knew about the award in advance, but my girls didn't. I kept it to myself until the last moment. It was a surprise for them.
Photo: Ján Kisucký
