Born and raised in a small town outside of Cincinnati, Ohio where my family is currently in its fourth generation of cattle farming, I was taught the value of hard work and grit from an early age. I loved getting my hands dirty and watching my dad work as a master electrician. Watching and learning from my family, it never occurred to me that working with my hands and solving problems wasn’t “women’s work.” 

In high school, I was introduced to Chemistry and Physics by two dynamic teachers that would launch exciting experiments with mentos or explain the physics behind why buildings fall due to earthquakes. This new knowledge brought a new way to look at our stunning world. These teachers whose knowledge of engineering gave me insight into the possibilities available to me in the S.T.E.M fields of work. With passion and determination, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the University of Toledo and was one of seven females in my graduating Civil Engineering class. 

Engineering has opened doors to a broad range of opportunities for work and growth. It has taken me across multiple states and a variety of initiative and fulfilling projects in construction roles that has deepened my skill base and expanded my confidence. Each new responsibility has been a learning experience and has led to leadership opportunities and access to skillful and caring mentors. Over my nine years in construction, I have learned many lessons, including two key takeaways: 

• Every day in construction is different – Though every project team begins with a plan—including detailed architectural plans—conditions on the ground present surprises and challenges which require real-time problem solving. Every day brings chances to exercise your creativity and make a real difference.  

• Construction is not for the faint of heart – The realities of working with an array of subcontractors and meeting construction deadlines does not lend itself to a typical 9-5 work schedule. I typically arrive on a jobsite early and stay late in the day. While the days are long and often challenging, I have the satisfaction of watching the team come together for a common goal and seeing a project bloom from the first feet on the ground to completion when end users’ lives are improved because of something we have built. 

As women become more aware of the wide array of roles in the construction industry and explore the possibility of seeking a career in building, I’ve identified three tangible benefits to consider: 

• Leadership Opportunities – Construction provides opportunities for women to improve team performance and contribute fresh perspectives. 

• The Labor Shortage – The construction industry is facing an unprecedented labor shortage and the need for construction workers is only expected to grow and infrastructure projects and new developments take form, opening up even more opportunities for high-paying, stable jobs. 

• Practical Skills – Construction work fosters skills in team building, managing complex projects, and working with technology and tools. Mastering these can be hugely empowering

As the construction industry continues to grapple with challenges like supply chain delays and labor shortages, there is a growing space for women to enter the field. Many available jobs in construction are stable, fulfilling, creative, and well-compensated. So, sign up and take on an adventure into a growing field that is always on the lookout for creative, curious, and collaborated people.