FEATURE Different Is Good

by Brenna Alton, Kent Companies

Her story caught me by surprise. I expected this tradeswoman to say that her small stature was a roadblock. Instead, it was her greatest strength. As I listened to her speak, the lesson became crystal clear. She leveraged her petite size to take on construction tasks that her male counterparts couldn’t. Her small hands enabled her to reach tight workspaces and hardto-reach panels. Her team relied on her and valued her for her differences. Different doesn’t have to be a roadblock. Different is good.

As more women enter the construction industry, they are using their unique skills, talents and problem-solving ability to build in new ways. And – they’re proud of their contributions.

A female craftworker on our team was tasked with building a 15-foot wall, which was the tallest she had ever built. She shared her sense of pride and accomplishment in completing the task – and meeting spec.

Women, take note. You don’t have to “fit in” to contribute at a high level. You must find and use your differences to your advantage. Whether size, attention to detail, or specialized experience, your contributions are important on every construction site.

Currently, women make up a mere 10.9% of the construction workforce according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. We are stronger together. Encourage your network to explore a career path that will allow them to use their skills to create a lasting impact on their community.

To those considering a career in construction, and to those who want to advance, here are four strategies to stand out from the crowd.

Use your Strengths

Always find a way to incorporate your strengths. No matter your size, knowledge, or skills, you’ll always have something to bring to the table, even if it’s different from everyone else.

The stories above are great examples of how local tradeswomen used their size and perseverance to get the job done. They were able to tackle the situation at hand by thinking outside the box.

Women aren’t always going to have the same skill set as their male counterparts, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Determine what strengths set you apart from your team and use those talents to your advantage.

Ask Questions

Everyone starts somewhere. Entering a new industry or a new role is intimidating, especially if you have little to no knowledge. Ask questions. When you demonstrate the desire to learn and understand, you stand out from the crowd. When you ask a question in front of a group, the odds are many people had the same question. Seek to understand – and you’ll be confident as you take your next steps.

Build your Network

Building your network means intentionally developing new relationships within your organization and in the community.

Start building your internal network by identifying individuals who are taking on challenging assignments and building their own paths. Take time to understand their projects and priorities, and then ask about them. How can you learn more? How can you offer a new insight? Provide value to those connections, and in turn, they’ll do the same for you.

Outside of your company, research construction industry organizations (like the ASA) and local groups that attract your industry peers. Remember to find organizations where your customers are as well. Be intentional in building relationships with individuals who are in similar roles or career stages. Learn from each other. Then, target relationships with those who are in the role you’re working towards.

Be Confident

Being the only woman in the room or on the jobsite can be intimidating. Always remember that you are where you are because of your skills and abilities. Preparation is the foundation of confidence. Know the job plans. Know the players. Understand the critical numbers and how they will be measured. When you prepare, you have an advantage and can confidently take on the challenges of the day.

About the Author:

Brenna Alton is the Corporate Marketing Manager for Kent Companies, a top-10 concrete place and finish contractor. She is charged with managing the company’s brand and message. Brenna has previous marketing experience in professional services and specialty trade contracting.