Why I chose a career in construction:
I chose a carrier in the construction industry because I have a passion for design/build. As a child, I loved playing with blocks and building forts, but it was not until high school that my 9th grade math teacher persuaded me to try architectural drafting. From there my interest only grew and eventually led me to a career in the world of construction.
What training or education did you need for your current role?
The biggest prerequisite is a general understanding of construction and the ability to read construction documents. That said, training and/or education for this can come in many forms. In my case I took architectural drafting courses in high school then went on to study Architecture in college earning a Masters degree. My position doesn’t require this level of education, but it has certainly helped me be successful.
What is a typical day like in your position?
Most of my time is split between managing current projects and estimating/bidding potential projects. There are some days spent almost entirely in the field visiting active job sites to make sure things are running smoothly and answering any questions regarding the scope of work. Other days are spent in the office managing the administrative aspects of projects while also trying to bring in more work for my team and company.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I definitely appreciate the variety in my job, it keeps me on my toes and makes each day interesting. I also really enjoy that rewarding feeling when a project is complete and the owner and/or client are happy with the final product.
What’s the most interesting project you’ve worked on?
There are actually two projects that come to mind but for different reasons, both are still on-going. The first is a project we are doing at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Just the sheer size and level of complexity is a challenge, but I am learning something new every day. The second is a project located at 60 Penhallow Street in Portsmouth. The overall design and level of detail in this project are amazing and I cannot wait to see the end result.
What advice do you have for women who want to work in the construction industry?
There are endless opportunities in the construction industry for women, you just have to be willing to put in the time and effort, think quickly on your feet, and sometimes get your hands a little dirty.