What is your current job?

Project Administrator

What job did you want to do when you were younger?

I wanted to join the WRENS. When I went for an interview / assessment they told me I was too quiet. They did not think I was quite ready to leave home, to go and get some life experience and reapply the following year. Then I went to college to do a Scottish National Certificate in secretarial studies and then got a job.

Describe a typical day in your current job

No two days are ever the same, timesheets, van paperwork, O&M manuals, holidays, dealing with drawings, RFI, CVI & architects instruction logs, issuing information to clients and subcontractors for the projects. Any other ad hoc tasks required as when they arise.

Why did you choose construction as a career?

I did not really choose construction, it was more that the job came up when I was looking for employment and I have enjoyed it since I started.

Did you have any reservations or concerns about joining the industry as a woman? Have these changed?

I did not have any reservations about coming into the industry but did learn very quickly that you had to learn to stand up for yourself and not get too intimidated by the number of men.

What do you feel is the biggest challenge of being a woman working within construction?

As an administrator I have not really faced any major challenges being a woman in construction. I think being an administrator is basically the same, whatever industry you are in.

What is the favourite part of your job?

My favourite part of the job is being able to help people out and working as part of a team.

What’s been the biggest surprise since joining the construction industry?

When I started in the construction industry it was mainly the administration and reception jobs that woman held. Nowadays there are far more women in varied roles, Surveyors, Project Managers, Electricians etc.

Would you recommend a career in construction to women? Why?

I would recommend a career in construction because if you are willing to stand up for yourself and treat people how you would expect to be treated then it is like working as part of a family and is rewarding.

Do you have any advice to any woman who’s currently thinking about coming into the construction industry?

My advice would be to treat everyone with respect and work hard then you will be able to achieve anything you put your mind to.