What is your current job?

Senior Proposals Co-ordinator

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

A lawyer

Describe a typical day in your current job

I co-ordinate bids (tenders and prequalification questionnaires) to win business. This entails having meetings to decide what we want to say, co-ordinating information from different people across the business and writing answers to quality questions to ensure we give the client confidence that we can do the job successfully.

Most of my day comprises writing and compiling answers, however there is also a lot of organisation and planning required, as all bids are submitted to a tight a deadline and I can be doing quite a few at one time which can make it hard to keep track.

Why did you choose construction as a career?

It’s not a sector I set out to work in, but once I started working in construction, I realised how interesting it was. There is always something to learn which makes it a challenge, it’s never boring.

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

Yes, I knew next to nothing about construction when I started out, and I was worried everyone would think I was a ‘stupid wee girl’. This has changed - the more I learned I gained more confidence, and as I got older, I realised you get where you want to be quicker if you ask more questions.

I was also worried that I wouldn’t be taken seriously or treated as an equal to my male counterparts. I have definitely experienced this from time to time, but I would say at Morris & Spottiswood everyone is treated equally regardless of their gender. I feel comfortable to ‘be myself’ without fear of being judged.

I have always been shy by nature so it can take me a while to adapt in a new company. My current manager was instrumental in building my confidence as she believed in my ability, I have a lot to thank her for. I think it is important to have good female role models in the industry.

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

I think a lot of men within the industry have an advantage if they have come from a trade background, which the majority of women in construction do not. When coming up from the tools you obviously have the benefit of wider, and more experience that is so valuable. I always say I wish I had done an apprenticeship instead of going to University, but it wasn’t an option for girls when I was in school and was almost seen as a negative option. Hopefully that is changing now.

What is the favourite part of your job?

It’s hard to pick one aspect. I like working with people and hearing how they work out particular challenges of their jobs – this helps me answer questions that the client might have about how we will carry out a project. I like organising the bid library and writing (nerd alert), and I also really enjoy going to site to see works in progress or completed. It’s good to get out of the office and get a fresh perspective rather than being on the computer all day, and you get a better feel for the bigger picture which helps with writing content.

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

I suppose I was surprised at how interesting I found it, I thought it might be quite boring and dry, but it’s actually really interesting.

How does the business make your workplace diverse?

The business has a diversity working group to whose aim is to increase diversity across the business from improving family friendly policies to flexibility in working hours and working from home. This encourages more women to join the business and makes it easier for everyone to achieve a work/life balance. I would say I work with quite a diverse group of people but there are still ways to go in creating a more diverse workforce.

How does the business make your workplace inclusive?

I think the business works quite hard to make sure everyone feels respected and included. There are policies in place of course, but I think the example set for an inclusive culture has to come from the top. Generally, all I have experienced is a respectful ethos and everyone’s opinion is valued, as I said, I feel comfortable to ‘be myself’.

How does the business support your training and development to achieve your goals?

We are actively encouraged to look out for relevant courses for self development but are also offered training through the company. For example, I was sent on a management training course which helped my confidence and people skills, as well as an InDesign courses to learn how to use this for creating case studies and for making our PQQs / tenders look better.

How does the business support your work life balance?

When returning to work after having my first son, the business was very understanding. I struggled with childcare and was given the flexibility on how I completed my work from home giving me a good work/life balance.

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

Yes, it’s an interesting sector, there are so many different job options available within construction whatever your skills may be, and it can be a rewarding sector to work in too.

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

Do it, and if you can start out with an apprenticeship definitely go for it, you’ll have skills for life and a wide range of experience if you start out on-site. Don’t be put off that the trade sector is male dominated and don’t worry that asking questions makes you look stupid – everyone has to start out somewhere and you will learn more along the way.