Women in Construction week wraps up today. To continue our week-long celebration of this event, we looked at the construction-industry success enjoyed by Beth Bleser, senior project manager for project services at Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois-based Hiffman National.
What led you to pursue a career in construction?
Beth Bleser: I have had an affinity for design for a long time, beginning with an early love for LEGO and puzzles. Those formative experiences influence the way I approach my work to this day. If you go anywhere with me you will notice my habit of touching all the textures and sitting in every chair I see. When I found a major that combined interior architecture, furniture design and product design, I really felt that it opened the world to all the design options I could imagine. A couple jobs into my career, I landed at an architecture firm on a team that focused on Landlord Tenant Improvements, and I fell in love. The fast pace of getting plans done to fit the timeline of the deal, getting to work with a wide variety of business types and working with the same client team made this the right business for me.
What challenges have you faced in building a career in a male-dominated industry like construction?
Bleser: There was a learning curve to navigating company cultures and interactions at times. It was important to figure out how to “be heard in the room” – to make sure that my voice is a part of the discussion. There are elements of communication tone, politics and diplomacy that felt like a tricky balance. It was important for me to be resilient when I knew I had a good idea or approach, then to ensure people were aware of my role in the success of the projects I was involved in. I had to be assertive in my efforts to take on more work and be given more responsibility.
Have you noticed an increase in the number of women entering the construction industry? If so, why do you think that is?
Bleser: Yes, there is a noticeable increase in recent years. It’s important for young women to see role models across a full spectrum of careers. The exposure to seeing women in design and construction roles has the impact of expanding horizons and sparking inspiration.
What do you find most fulfilling about working in the construction industry?
Bleser: There’s an innate satisfaction in watching ideas grow from the conceptual stage to becoming reality. It’s extremely gratifying to be part of that process from beginning to end. I get to work with clients every step of the way – from dreaming about what they need and want it to be, to planning it, building it and seeing them in it.
What advice do you have for other women interested in pursuing a career in construction?
Bleser: When I graduated, jobs in the fields of architecture, design and construction were hard to find. I put in a lot of time interviewing and sending my resume, then following up and staying on the radar of the companies that interested me. Persistence is important. Also, there are a lot of different avenues available in a design and/or construction career. Try everything and figure out your passion. I’ve always learned something from every job, and each experience helped me move forward in my career.
