What tips/advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry?
JEN FERREIRA NCIDQ, Director of Interiors: My advice to anyone considering entering the construction industry is that it’s okay to not have all the answers. It’s important to be knowledgeable, confident, and prepared when meeting with clients, contractors, or teammates. But even with the most thorough preparation and planning, questions will arise that we simply do not have the answers to. Our natural urge to provide immediate solutions can be stressful but taking a moment to evaluate the issue and giving a simple response such as: “Let me check on that and get back to you” provides the opportunity to assess the situation and confidently craft an appropriate and successful response.
See Jen on NEREJ / Connect with Jen
COLBY CAVANAGH AIA , Architect: Make creating a professional support network a priority. Just like in your personal life, having a number of trusted individuals you can reach out to will not only help your career but also your sanity. Whether it be coworkers or connections you make through various projects, having colleagues you can consult for advice, support, and perspective not only helps you learn and grow, but also makes the job much more enjoyable. I have found the personal relationships and trust I’ve built with engineers, contractors, and clients to be invaluable in my journey as an architect.
