March 3-9 is National Women in Construction Week. It is a significant time to stop and appreciate the growing role of women in the industry and to raise awareness about the abundant opportunities that are available.

“The construction industry is full of excellent career opportunities, and I couldn’t be happier to see more and more women entering the industry and filling positions up and down company organizational charts. The skills and capabilities that women bring to the industry are no different than those of their male counterparts, and we need to continue to promote the abundance of opportunities for exciting and rewarding careers in construction,” said Chris Buckman, BMWC President and COO.

We believe there has never been a better time for women to be part of the industry, so we want to celebrate by featuring some of our own outstanding women. We’ve asked Laura, Megan and Lisa to share some insight on their journey in the construction industry and to offer some wisdom for women interested in this career path.

Megan Rush – Project Engineer III

What attracted you to the construction industry?

My dad is an electrician, and I grew up helping him wire houses and grain systems and going on service calls with him. I really enjoyed working with him and the other people in the construction industry. When I began searching for colleges, I found the construction management program at Purdue and knew that was exactly what I wanted to do.

What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry? How did you overcome the challenge?

It can be very challenging when there doesn’t seem to be enough time to meet all the deadlines. I still struggle with having good time management, but I am learning how to prioritize tasks to use my time more effectively.

What makes construction a great career option for women?

If a woman is a hard worker, has somewhat thick skin, enjoys working with more men compared to more women, enjoys the reward of building a tangible item, likes meeting new people and building relationships, and loves to break glass ceilings, they will love this industry.

What advice would you give a young woman who’s considering or wanting to enter this industry?

Never feel that you are ‘too good’ or ‘too important’ for any task, that is my advice for all people in any industry. That does NOT mean that a female team member must make the coffee every day. I’m talking about tasks that seem to be simple, too secretarial, or below your pay grade. Many times, those tasks teach you foundational knowledge that help you excel in the more complicated and important tasks later on, whether you think they do or not at the time.

Laura Jackson – Project Engineer III

What attracted you to the construction industry?

My Dad was in construction for 40 years.  I was always interested in his stories at the dinner table.  A few times, I was lucky enough to visit his jobsites, but never thought it was a place for girls.  As a senior in high school I took advantage of having some “free” electives and studied CADD and welding.  I found it to be a fun, creative outlet and I wasn’t that bad at it!  Even though I don’t physically build anything, there is something extremely satisfying about seeing the finished product whether that be a chemical plant, refining unit or simple equipment replacement.

What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry? How did you overcome the challenge?

It’s 2019, and it’s disappointing that gender stereotypes remain in our industry.  I have seen men in my position get more hands-on opportunities, not because they are more qualified, but because they are the more comfortable choice.  I tend to be more outgoing and not wait for those openings.  I jump in when I see a chance to learn.  I volunteer for the less glamourous tasks, because as long as I am helping my team meet our goals, I am accomplished.  Assisting team members even when it’s “not my job” is a great way to feel appreciated and respected.

What makes construction a great career option for women?

It’s a growing market.  The trades as well as engineering are experiencing a shortage.  Women have a chance to stand out.  Diversity is a chance to bring fresh prospective.  I have found construction management to be an exciting and challenging career path.  Because our jobs are always changing, it’s not easy to get bored.

What advice would you give a young woman who are considering this industry?

Get thick skin…now.  Unlike some other jobs, construction sites offer a wide variety of demographics.  You have to be able to take criticism from everyone.  Just like any industry, not everyone is willing to be a mentor, and you will cross paths at some point with someone who is threatened by your abilities.  Don’t back down.  Learn to adapt to all the crazy personalities you will encounter and you will be successful.  I haven’t found it difficult to find the “good guys.” There are always people who admire your ambition and are willing to share the knowledge and experiences of their careers to further yours, seek them out.

Lisa Gorence – Training Programs Manager

What attracted you to the construction industry?

I had a feeling it would be a different dynamic and I’d be working with some pretty smart people. I was right. I’m just in “aww” of what we build, the sites we maintain and how we do it working as a team!

What is a challenge you’ve experienced within the construction industry? How did you overcome the challenge?

Being in an industry that is male dominated can be difficult as a woman, and the construction industry is no exception. Being treated as an equal and with respect is sometimes a challenge. Instead of concentrating on the negatives, as a trainer, I encourage people to use their strengths and be a team player. For a woman in our industry, their strength is that they are a woman. For example, our brains work differently, so we may look at a problem from a different angle and find a solution that may be more efficient or safer. This is a great industry and I want to pave the way for more women to join!

What makes construction a great career option for women?

Construction is a different dynamic. It gives us the opportunity to have a sense of ownership while working as a team and utilizing our leadership skills. This industry is good for women who like to solve puzzles, likes a challenge and can adapt their style. For me, it’s a pretty big high!

What advice would you give a young woman who’s considering or wanting to enter this industry?

Follow “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz.

• Be Impeccable with your word
• Don’t take anything personally
• Don’t make assumptions
• Always do your best

Thank you to all of our women who make our company stronger and safer.