As more women enter the profession of construction management, they gain new skills and expertise. These improvements have opened up numerous intriguing job opportunities for them. Firms are beginning to adjust their sectors to accommodate more female managers. Continue reading to learn more about Emerging Opportunities for Women in Construction Management.
Women In Construction
Women are underrepresented in all stages of construction management. In reality, women make up roughly 30% of the total workforce in the industry, meaning that 70% of those employed in this area are men. Women are more likely than men to work in occupations other than traditional construction management.
However, women continue to go unnoticed in project management and engineering professions. How do we address this issue, and what are some strategies for encouraging women to pursue these positions?
Why Is This The Case?
There are several reasons for this underrepresentation. Below, Mitchell B. Goldsteen has mentioned four primary reasons for this phenomenon.
- They often choose different career paths than men.
- Women tend to enter the field at lower levels of education.
- They feel uneasy working in surroundings dominated by men.
- Women are more likely than men to have an undergraduate degree. But, they are also less likely to complete college or seek further degrees.
The Skills Required To Succeed As a Construction Manager
As a project manager, you will be in charge of handling many tasks at once. Your capacity to multitask will decide your level of success at work. Furthermore, women interested in working in construction management must have the following general skills: supervision, problem-solving, ambition, service quality, and more. Mr. Goldsteen has listed seven of these talents and prerequisites below.
1. Qualification
A bachelor’s degree is required if you want to work as a construction manager. This degree will teach you about construction management and numerous building materials and procedures. Then you can pursue a master’s degree in construction management. Having a certificate will be advantageous if you already have some expertise in the subject.
Businesses offer training to help female employees improve their skills. They urge them to take on leadership roles. If you want to be a strong woman in construction management, you should start young. You can also study construction management at a university. After you’ve finished your studies, start looking for work in business.
2. Experience
After earning your degree, you can pursue internships and work opportunities. Some businesses provide paid internships in which you can obtain valuable hands-on experience. Others will let you volunteer for free. When applying for positions, be sure they specify whether previous work experience is required.
Women interested in construction professions can also benefit from the numerous training and mentoring programs provided by groups dedicated to increasing gender equality in the industry. If you want to work in this field, ensure your education includes classes on many topics. Mentorship helps women grow in their jobs.
3. Leadership Qualities
As a manager, leading a group of individuals who may not always agree with your decisions will be your responsibility. Leadership entails accepting responsibility and directing others toward a common objective. To be an effective leader, you must first understand your strengths and flaws.
You must understand what motivates you and what does not. A project manager must be able to listen to others and make them feel comfortable interacting with them. They must be firm while remaining flexible, supportive, and motivating.
4. Communication Skills
One of the most crucial abilities that someone can have is communication. If you want to advance in your career, you must learn to communicate successfully. You will frequently find yourself dealing with others. Good communication will help you get along with others and complete tasks more quickly.
You might even discover that you improve your communication skills over time.
5. Organization Skills
If you want to organize things at work, you must have managerial skills. Starting as a construction manager necessitates a significant amount of effort and devotion. To advance in your job, you must do everything to stay focused and manage projects efficiently. Entrust responsibilities to those who can efficiently carry them out. Also, keep track of deadlines and deadlines for yourself.
6. Time Management Skills
Time management abilities are also required. You must be able to manage your time well while still completing all of your tasks. Always prioritize tasks depending on their importance.
7. Ability To Work Well Under Pressure
The construction sector is well-known for its high-pressure atmosphere. It will be very stressful since you are continuously working under tight deadlines and dealing with a wide range of people. But if you know how to manage your emotions, you’ll be able to keep your cool and keep going.
8. Customer Satisfaction
This is a fundamental component of construction management. It is the capacity to give better service to your customers. People want to know that they will get what they want. Construction managers must provide good customer service and foster positive working relationships with investigators, suppliers, contractors, and anybody else engaged with the project.
Conclusion
With more trailblazing women questioning gender norms and rebalancing power, the industry is advancing toward a more open and multicultural environment for future generations.
Mitchell B. Goldsteen believes that to increase women’s participation in construction, they must be guided and supported in making unique decisions from a young age. It’s encouraging to see more women entering the construction management area. They can become successful leaders in this expanding industry.
