Women in Construction Week is dedicated to recognizing the impact of women in what has historically been one of the most male-dominated fields in the U.S. WIC Week is both a celebration, as the number of women in the field continues to grow, as well as a networking opportunity for those interested in finding a new role within it.
Here’s a look at the career of McHugh Concrete Project Manager Mary Skubisz who has worked in the concrete industry for more than 20 years and currently manages the concrete portion of 1000M in Chicago’s South Loop. Designed by the late architect Helmut Jahn, the 74-story building at 1000 S. Michigan Ave. includes a dramatic cantilever on the south-facing side of the building.
How did you get your start in the construction industry?
Mary Skubisz: I started my career with a general contractor where I was responsible for processing project submittals. After a few years, I felt like I wasn’t reaching my full potential, so I asked what it would take to become a project manager. I was told that a college degree shows that you can learn, and I could learn to become a project manager. I took this advice and continued to push myself. My mentor moved into concrete, and I followed him. My career in concrete took off from there.
Describe a typical day on the job.
Skubisz: No two days are the same. It varies from paperwork to rebar submittals to slab inspections to troubleshooting and project scheduling.
I’m currently at 1000M, and we’re pouring a concrete floor slab every three days, and there are 74 floors to this building. In essence, we’re pouring the same type of floor over and over. It’s repetitious, so I’m making sure that from a safety standpoint we’re not getting complacent and that we’re crossing all the t’s and dotting all the i’s.
What hurdles do you face working in a career still largely dominated by men? How do you overcome these hurdles?
Skubisz: I’ve been in concrete for over 20 years. When I first started, women on jobsites were few and far between. It’s completely different now.
As far as overcoming hurdles, I’m very big on asking questions. It took a while to become comfortable with that, but people respect you for asking questions so don’t be afraid. People in the industry are extremely proud of their work and eager to share their knowledge. Plus, it’s one of the best ways you can learn.
Project management takes following through on things and making the superintendent’s job easier by ensuring materials are procured in timely manner and all submittals are back and approved. Several people on the team assist with getting the superintendent what he needs.
What’s been your favorite project and why?
Skubisz: 1000M is up there because it’s the tallest one I’ve worked on. Architecturally, it’s interesting with the cantilever and the way the tower turns as it goes up. I was also on a project in Charlotte, N.C., that was interesting because we built the foundation on bedrock, and I had to work closely with the structural engineer.
What do you like most about your job?
Skubisz: The personalities on a construction site are so diverse which makes for an interesting day. I’m learning something new on every project. Because 1000M is so tall, I’m seeing the building enclosure system going up behind us. It’s interesting to see more of the finished project once the enclosure gets on the building.
How has the participation of women in construction changed over the years and where do you see it heading?
Skubisz: It’s going to continue to grow. There are more women in management and trade positions. At 1000M, there’s a female ironworker working with post-tensioned cables and placing rebar, and there are female carpenters on the concrete crew.
What advice would you give to other women interested in entering the field?
Skubisz: So many people don’t realize all the career opportunities available in the construction industry. Don’t be afraid to try anything new. I have a liberal arts degree in communications, and the assistant project manager has a degree in finance. Being in communications, I never knew this was out there and that it’s a great industry to get involved in.
I’d encourage college students to proactively look at different internships. There are so many different avenues within the construction industry. Early exposure will assist with narrowing down a career decision.
