Breaking into the construction industry as a woman takes grit, determination, and resilience. When I first entered the workforce at 22, women weren’t exactly welcomed with open arms. I had to prove myself repeatedly to show that I belonged, demonstrate my value, and ensure my voice was heard.
Despite the challenges, finding my footing in this rewarding industry has been more than worth it. Whether you’re a woman looking to enter the construction workforce or a seasoned professional seeking growth and advancement, these six strategies will help you showcase your value, build confidence, and thrive in a traditionally male-dominated field.
1. Be Prepared
In the construction industry, preparation is your ticket to earning respect and proving your worth. Construction is mostly a meritocracy, where your success hinges on the skills and contributions you bring to the table. Being prepared signals to others that you value their time, take your work seriously, and are invested in getting the job done right.
In the early days of running my company, most meetings felt like a test. People doubted my expertise and grilled me on my technical knowledge of drywall. Fortunately, I had taken the time to learn how to hang and finish drywall. This hands-on experience allowed me to answer their questions and, over time, silence the skeptics. That preparation didn’t just give me credibility— it gave me the confidence to hold my own in a male-dominated space.
Your level of preparation will depend on your role, but the principle stays the same: the more you know, the more capable and self-assured you’ll be.
Practical Tips:
- Master the Technical Side: If leadership is your goal, invest time in learning the hands-on skills your team relies on. Technical knowledge in leadership roles like project managers has become increasingly rare, which makes it even more valuable.
- Research Trends and Tech: Stay informed about new tools, materials, and processes to bring fresh insights to discussions.
2. Develop confidence
Confidence matters, especially in the construction industry. According to the Atlantic, “Evidence shows that women are less self-assured than men— and that to succeed, confidence matters as much as competence.”
When I was starting out, I didn’t have much experience, but I had confidence. I trusted my instinct that the construction industry needed a fresh perspective— especially from women. When people doubted me or questioned my place in the field, my mindset was simple: Why not me? That belief drove me to push through the challenges of proving myself in a male-dominated space.
The truth is, construction needs women now more than ever. With a severe labor shortage, the industry needs skilled individuals who are willing to step up— and that includes you. If someone acts like you don’t belong, just think: Why not me? Reframe challenges as opportunities to prove your value and break down stereotypes.
Practical Tips:
- Fake It Till You Make It: Confidence doesn’t always come naturally. Act like you belong, and soon enough, you’ll feel it for real. Others will respond to your self-assured attitude.
- Learn the Lingo: Familiarize yourself with construction terminology and technical terms so you can speak confidently.
3. Anticipate Challenging Questions and Assumptions
As the president and CEO of my company, I’ve been asked countless times if PDI is my father’s or husband’s business. Questions like this can be frustrating, but I’ve learned that they stem from a lack of exposure. Many of these men have rarely worked alongside women in construction, let alone encountered a female business owner in the industry. Their outdated views are typically rooted in ignorance, not malice. Recognizing this perspective helps me respond thoughtfully while staying focused on my work.
It’s not your job to educate others, but keeping a level head can help you navigate these situations. Sometimes, it’s best to brush off the comments and move on. Other times, it might be worth addressing their misconceptions to set the record straight.
The truth is, simply being a woman in the industry is a powerful statement on its own. By shifting your perspective, you can navigate awkward questions and comments without letting them derail your day.
Practical Tips:
- Pick Your Battles: When faced with outdated assumptions or inappropriate comments, use your judgment— if you feel up to it, calmly correcting someone can teach them a valuable lesson. If not, know that you don’t owe anyone an explanation.
- Focus on the Bigger Picture: Every stereotype you challenge makes it easier for the next generation of women to step into the industry. Your success is proof that women belong here just as much as men.
4. Don’t Overapologize
Overapologizing is a habit many women unconsciously adopt. It’s often used as a way to avoid conflict or appear more likable. Society has conditioned women to be agreeable peacekeepers, but in the construction industry— and any professional setting— this habit can undermine your authority and confidence. Worse, it can affect your mindset and feed imposter syndrome, convincing you that you don’t belong, even when you do.
Learning to stop overapologizing doesn’t mean becoming rude or dismissive— it’s about valuing your presence and contributions without framing them as a disruption.
Practical Tips:
- Notice Your Patterns: Spend a day tracking how often you say “sorry” and in what situations. Awareness is the first step to kicking the bad habit.
- Reframe Your Words: Replace apologies with neutral or assertive phrases. For example:
- Replace “Sorry to interrupt” with “I’d like to expand on that.”
- Replace “Sorry for bothering you” with “Do you have a moment to discuss this?”
5. Find the right PPE
Finding women-specific PPE (personal protective equipment) is about more than just comfort— it’s about safety, confidence, and showing up ready to perform your best. PPE is typically designed for men, leaving you with ill-fitting gear that can hinder your movements and compromise your safety. Thankfully, as more women step into construction roles, the market is responding with more PPE tailored to women’s needs.
With the right PPE, you’re not just protecting yourself— you’re making a statement that you belong on the job site.
Practical Tips:
- Invest in High-Quality Gear: Check out brands like Juno Jones Shoes, Dovetail Workwear, and Covergalls for workboots, clothing, and other PPE for women.
6. Prioritize Networking and Mentorship
For a long time, I believed success meant doing everything on my own. It took me a while to realize that opening myself up to mentorship and networking could accelerate my growth and make the journey easier.
Once I embraced this, I founded Chicks in Construction, a networking group where women come together to share advice, overcome challenges, and support one another. I also discovered the NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), an incredible resource for connecting with other women in the industry.
Building a community is essential for developing a sense of belonging and learning from women who have more experience in the field. Women in construction face unique challenges— navigating biases, managing work-life balance, and handling issues like maternity leave. A strong network can mean the difference between building a sustainable, fulfilling career and burning out prematurely.
Practical Tips:
- Nurture Relationships: Look for opportunities to connect with other women in your workplace or in similar industries. Invite them for coffee or lunch. Networking and mentorships don’t have to be formal— sharing stories and advice can benefit everyone involved.
- Explore NAWIC: Check out your local NAWIC branch and see what events, mentorship programs, or resources they offer. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women.
- Join or Start a Group: If you don’t have a local network, create your own!
The construction industry is evolving, and women have the opportunity to play a crucial role in shaping its future. By embracing your skills, staying prepared, and stepping forward with confidence and competence, you can make a lasting impact in this industry while building a fulfilling career.
Photos:
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/three-women-working-as-architectors-constraction-mak- ing-decision-about-plan-building_15321883.htm
- https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/medium-shot-smiley-woman-wear- ing-helmet_25186468.htm
- https://junojonesshoes.com/collections/women-safety-footwear/products/hadaway-steel-toe-cocoa-power
Write a Comment