It’s no secret that construction is a male-dominated field. Currently, women only make up 10.9% of the construction workforce in the United States. However, more and more women are breaking into the industry and finding success in positions ranging from project management to engineering to skilled trades.

Read on for five ways women in construction can break barriers and succeed in a male-dominated industry.

Never Stop Learning

You’ve already made the first step by deciding to go to college, but your education shouldn’t stop at just required coursework. It’s important to continue to learn and develop your skills in different ways throughout your time at university and in your career.

You can use online courses and certifications to dive deeper into topics or to learn completely new skills that will give you a leg up in the professional world. Be sure to also attend conferences, learn about new methods and theories from experts and other women in construction, and partake in innovative construction and engineering internships.

Seek Out a Mentor

Seeking out a mentor can give you great insight into how the world of construction runs. Whether they’re a professor or a career professional, mentors work with mentees as a form of support and guidance as they complete schooling and enter the workforce.

Mentors can offer valuable advice that stems from their personal experiences as women working in the construction industry. Organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) have mentorship programs that connect students or young professionals to more experienced professionals./p>

Create a Community

Having a community or support team is crucial for any careerーbut it’s especially important for women in construction. Building a community of like-minded peers and allies provides a sense of belonging, support, and encouragement. They can validate your work and your place in the construction industry.

A great way to start developing this network is to join student organizations like Women in Construction (WinC) or professional organizations like the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC). You can also connect with others through conferences, career fairs, and professional social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

Take on Leadership Roles

Once you start creating your community, don’t be afraid to place yourself as a leader within those groups. Volunteer for leadership positions in established organizations on campus─or create your own program or initiative to head.

In addition to growing your leadership capabilities, taking on these roles can demonstrate and expand your skills and knowledge in construction and situate you as a prominent person in your field.

Have Confidence in Yourself

As a woman in construction, you may feel the need to prove or compare yourself to your peers. However, it’s important to be confident in your abilities and to recognize your own worth. You chose this program for a reason, and you deserve to have a place at the table. Speak up in meetings or classes and offer your opinions and ideas. Respect and recognition start with you.

It can be difficult for women in construction to navigate the workforce. However, by actively creating networks and continuously learning, you can find success in this male-dominated industry.

Purdue Construction Engineering Management (CEM) strives to give all of its students the skills and knowledge necessary to break into the industryーregardless of your gender. If you’re ready to turn your passion for construction into a career, connect with Purdue CEM today.

The world is demanding innovative engineers who have the ability to design and manage projects as well as the skills to manage people.

The Purdue University Construction Engineering and Management program develops versatile engineers by merging high-value education with direct access to industry leaders and successful alumni. The curriculum is 80% construction engineering and 20% management courses, and classes are taught by industry experts who bring their own real-world experiences. Through small class sizes, innovative internships, 100% job placement, and the use of cutting-edge technology, we help turn a passion for engineering and architecture into a career where leadership, design, and oversight influence every aspect of a construction project.

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