WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION:
PERSPECTIVES FROM THE ARCO TEAM
The number of women in the construction industry continues to climb year after year, clearing a path to build more careers for younger generations of females in the industry. While the percentage of women in construction lags behind other industries, progress has been made and a more diverse workforce is steadily developing. At ARCO, the contributions of our hardworking female employees touch all areas of the business.
JENNA MARTINI
Director of Business Development
Why did you choose a career in construction?
I chose a career in construction (sales) because within my role, I have the rare opportunity to meet owners and provide a partnership that will help grow their business. It is tremendously rewarding to know the tangible effect our efforts make while creating enjoyable experiences throughout the process.
How has being a woman in construction been a challenge in your career, if at all?
Construction has a lot of challenges (weather, site conditions, schedule, quality, etc). In my experience, being a woman isn’t one of those challenges. I have been met with respect and equality from the ARCO team, our trusted partners, customers, and vendors.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I do not have a “typical work day”. My days constantly ebb and flow depending on the client’s need. I welcome non-typical work days to ensure my client’s needs are met regardless of circumstance.
What advice do you have for the next generation of young women interested in careers in the construction industry?
The only way to find out if construction is the right fit for you is to get your hands dirty. Explore intern and co-op options during your college career. Finally, if you are a young woman, or man, who is interested in construction and you are constantly two steps in front of your peers, contact ARCO for an opportunity.
SOPHIE SHIPE
Project Manager
Why did you choose a career in construction?
I am fascinated by the way things are built. It’s a unique skill to know, or to be able to figure out, how to construct something from the ground up, and I am eager to develop that skill.
How has being a woman in construction been a challenge in your career, if at all?
I try to learn as much as a I can at every opportunity so that I am able to sound and be knowledgeable when talking to other members of the construction industry. I want everyone I correspond with to take me just as seriously as they take my peers.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
My work day looks different every day, which is my favorite part of the job. There are numerous tasks we tackle depending on the type and phase of a project.
What advice do you have for the next generation of young women interested in careers in the construction industry?
Be confident and excited about entering the construction industry. It’s a great feeling to be part of a team and after a successful project to be able to say, “we built that!”
LAURA SCHWARZ
Deputy General Counsel
Why did you choose a career in construction?
I’ve been interested in buildings since I was a kid. I love that there’s a tangible product at the end of a job, and it’s neat to be able drive by a completed project and think that I played a small part in creating that building.
How has being a woman in construction been a challenge in your career, if at all?
When you’re the only woman in the room, sometimes you feel like you have to outperform your counterparts to prove that you’re just as good (or better!). The nice part about this is that I’m always challenging myself to learn new things to stay ahead of the curve.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Most days are a combination of reviewing and negotiating contracts, and helping to address issues that come up on site that have legal implications.
What advice do you have for the next generation of young women interested in careers in the construction industry?
If you’re interested, go for it! Even if your background isn’t engineering, construction companies need marketing, accountants, lawyers and all other types of support too. To me, the key is being interested in many different things and enjoying asking questions to figure out why things happen the way that they do.
KATE HELFER
Director of Marketing
Why did you choose a career in construction?
I began my career in marketing for real estate brokerage and development and was drawn to the technical skill and creativity that design and construction require. When I met the team at ARCO, witnessed their expertise, and studied the complex project types we would construct, I was hooked. Now more than ever, I realize the essential nature of our work, and value my teammates endlessly for their contributions through the past year’s challenges.
How has being a woman in construction been a challenge in your career, if at all?
More than 90% of all Fortune 500 CEOs are male. Being a woman in business can be challenging regardless of industry. Construction is uniquely challenging in that the percentages are oftentimes low throughout the leadership teams, well beyond the CEO level, so you may find yourself as the only woman in the room. Thankfully, I see this changing. 2020 felt like a catalyst year in many ways. Thrusting diversity to the forefront of the conversation in all aspects of life coupled with the sheer demand for talented construction professionals has resulted in hard-won progress which is an exciting step forward for our industry.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
I am lucky in that the work I do varies widely, but I consistently partner with teammates who make the experience challenging and rewarding. For the most part, we are pursuing successful projects whether it be prior to award or nearing completion. Taking part in that is a thrilling honor.
What advice do you have for the next generation of young women interested in careers in the construction industry?
Don’t think of yourself as a woman considering a career in construction. Consider yourself a talented professional finding your best path. Construction will be a great fit if you love challenges with tangible solutions that make a difference in people’s day-to-day lives. ARCO will be a great fit if you hold yourself to a high standard in all regards, work harder than your peers, thrive in a team environment as well as with independent responsibility, and love serving customers with high integrity.
BAILEY SPOTANSKI, CPA
Assistant Controller
Why did you choose a career in construction?
ARCO’s values and culture is really what captivated my interest in construction. It is rewarding to know you play a (small) part in constructing a diverse range of projects that will be around for generations to come.
What does a typical work day look like for you?
Depending on the week, I am prepping financial statements, developing budgets, compiling and analyzing data, approving invoices, working on various business licenses/registrations, reviewing subcontracts, and answering various accounting questions. No two days are ever the same!
What advice do you have for the next generation of young women interested in careers in the construction industry?
If you have a strong work ethic and are determined to succeed you will thrive in construction—do not be intimidated because it is a male dominated field.
