In honor of Women In Construction Week, Arden Building Companies of Pawtucket, RI, an MCAA member, asked eleven women in our industry what advice they would give to a young woman starting her career in the industry. Find out what they had to say.
Amber-Rose Sousa
Sr. Project Manager, Unique Metal Works
Be confident, ask questions, don’t hesitate, be assertive, but don’t be rude. Learn and grow. Don’t be afraid to get out in the field. It is not glamorous, but it is the best way to learn all aspects of your project. To the best of their abilities, women who work will be respected by their peers and in the field. Work hard and show passion. Actions speak louder than words.
Natalie Mansson
Project Engineer, Arden Engineering Constructors
I would say that the industry is not as intimidating as it may seem at first. There is always someone willing to help you be successful.
Cindy Sheehan
Project Manager / Electrical Estimator, Arden Engineering Constructors
Try not to be intimated by this industry. More women are working in construction, not just within a trade, but as engineers, architects, designers, project managers, project coordinators, project engineers, estimators, safety specialists, and even accounting.
Ashley Lepore
Project Manager, Unique Metal Works
Develop confidence! Never underestimate your abilities and what value you bring to the table. Be open to opportunities. You can only grow in your position if you are challenged.
Jenna DeCosta
Pipefitter Apprentice, Arden Engineering Constructors
Just be yourself—no need to act like something you’re not. Have a strong positive attitude and strive for greatness. You can do anything you set your mind to. Stand up for yourself always, and just be cool. But be prepared to put the work in, it’s hard both mentally and physically. Thick skin is a must.
Deb Mullen
Pipefitter, Journeyperson, Corporate Mechanical of New England
Ninety percent is showing up on time and paying attention! Don’t be afraid to ask questions. No question is a dumb question when it comes to learning!
Kerry Lynne Sampson
Sheet Metal Apprentice, 4th Year, Unique Metal Works
Come in with your head held high and keep it there. Confidence is key. Maintain healthy boundaries with your coworkers from the start; don’t allow anyone to push you around. Be yourself and respect yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most of the time, what you are learning is just the beginning of something much bigger. If you don’t understand the first task, it could throw you off for the rest. You won’t learn if you don’t ask. Last but not least, empower your sisters; stick together and build each other up.
Chloe Jackson
Pipefitter Apprentice, MJ Daly
Showing up is 88% of life. A suggestion for the other 12%? Be on time. Always make the best of it. A smile and a “can-do” attitude are all you need to get you through any challenges. There are no problems, only solutions.
Rose Veilleux
Pipefitter Foreman, MJ Daly
Be sure to explore all your options. We are currently working at a high school, and it seems like most junior and senior students are not aware of all of the different trades involved in construction.
Nora Benson
Sales Account Manager
Develop confidence! Never underestimate your abilities and what value you bring to the table. Be strong and confident in your choice of entering the field of construction. There are many talented women around the country and the world already in the construction field and they are very successful. This is no longer just a man’s job. Live your dream. Be open to opportunities. You can only grow in your position if you are challenged.
Rochelle Sabatos
Safety Support Specialist
Ask a lot of questions. Learn the job better than anyone else, this will help in developing your confidence. Find a mentor with whom you can discuss your career trajectory, work, and communication. Break free from stereotypes by being open to let opportunity in. Build trust with co-workers, set boundaries, be yourself and empower each other.
MCAA thanks Arden for sharing these words of wisdom. We encourage you to take advantage of MCAA’s programs and services for women in our industry through our Women in the Mechanical Industry (WiMI) initiative.