To celebrate Women in Construction Week, we asked some of BMWC’s hardworking women what attracted them to the construction industry and what advice they would give other women thinking about a career in construction.
Nicole Bishop
Regional Human Resources Manager – Gulf Coast
What attracted you to the construction industry?
I like the challenge of making a name for myself and bringing a new perspective to a traditionally male dominated industry. I have worked in many different industries, landing my first job with a construction company about 10 years ago and knew that’s where I wanted to stay. I enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the problem-solving/collaboration aspect, and caliber of my coworkers. It’s truly different than any other industry I have worked in.
What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry?
The “old school” nature of the industry. Having your voice and ideas heard as a woman in this industry can be a hurdle you have to overcome.
How did you overcome the challenge?
Realizing that being out of your comfort zone is your chance to excel. Be an advocate for yourself, have thick skin, persistence, and the confidence to prove your abilities.
What advice would you give another woman who’s considering or wanting to enter this industry?
Don’t let the stereotypes of the industry intimidate you. It’s a rewarding, constantly changing, and enjoyable industry to be part of.
Sherry Clark
BMWC Apprentice (Steamfitter, Local 290)
What attracted you to the construction industry?
A career in the construction industry was a path I hadn’t considered. Then one day by chance, I found out about careers that are available in the trades and I’ve never looked back. Being a steamfitter has given me an opportunity to look at the world differently. I’m always learning, experiencing a wide variety of knowledge, skills and work habits working alongside our very knowledgeable brothers and sisters.
What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry? And how did you overcome it?
Personally my biggest challenge with my construction career was learning to think mechanically. Everything has always been straight forward, but when working in the field I’ve come to learn that thinking outside the box pays off. No idea is a bad one, some just work better than others. Ask as many questions you need to make sure you’ve got the grasp of the whole scope.
What advice would you give another woman who’s considering or wanting to enter this industry?
Prepare to work hard. Show up everyday and do your best.
Stacy Cline
General Foreman
What attracted you to the construction industry?
What I loved most about our industry when I started was the option of learning as many different aspects of the trade, or just focusing on a couple if that is what you wanted. Hands on learning experiences throughout the apprenticeship and even as a journeyman are key. I love knowing I could go back to the hall and learn about something that maybe I wasn’t Interested in when I was an apprentice.
What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry? And how did you overcome it?
I was very shy when I first started, which made it difficult to relate with the more experienced people I worked with. To advance in my career, I kind of had to figure out how to take the bull by the horns, and that gave me a lot more confidence in myself. Once I figured that out, I never looked back.
What advice would you give another woman who’s considering or wanting to enter this industry?
There is a lot more I wished I would’ve taken in as an apprentice. So, I would tell them to learn everything they can about the parts of industry they are interested in. If they’re not sure, then explore and find your passion. Keep up with the evolving industry and take any and every opportunity that is available to you!
Ariel Townsend
Safety Coordinator
What attracted you to the construction industry?
I enjoy working with the men and women who keeping this country running, who are the backbone of our nation. The construction industry is comprised of some of the hardest working and down to earth people I have ever met in my life. It may sound cliché, but it is truly about the people for me. Additionally, I love the mix of office work and being in the field, no two days are ever the same and that keeps me on my toes.
What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry? And how did you overcome it?
Learning how to balance providing excellent support for the folks I support in both the office and the field, but at the same time knowing when not to create additional work for them. It is a constant juggle, a constant work-in-progress but I try each day to provide the best support with the least amount of disruption to the work that keeps us in business.
What advice would you give another woman who’s considering or wanting to enter this industry?
Go for it, I absolutely love this industry!! …But you must have a thick skin and know to not take things personally (another constant work-in-progress). And lastly, the one constant in Construction is, everything changes so flexibility is a must.
