5 Essential Tips for Starting Out in Construction Management as a Woman

This post is all about essential tips for starting out in construction management as a woman.

Are you just starting out in construction management? Whether you’ve just graduated from college, are transitioning into the field, or are taking a leap into a new career path—congratulations!

Not long ago, I was in your shoes. As I write this, I’m about six months into my role as a Project Engineer after earning my degree in Construction Science. While I still have a lot to learn about construction and my role, I feel like I have learned some vital tips for someone who is just starting out.

In this post, I’m sharing five essential tips every woman in construction management should know—especially those just starting out. These tips have helped me navigate this fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding field, and I hope they’ll help you, too.

Let’s dive in!

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1. Learn the Basics of Construction

To succeed in construction management, you need to understand the basics of construction. This might feel overwhelming at first, but that’s normal, and I will not lie; I still feel overwhelmed some days. The good news? While construction involves many materials and methods, the core principles are straightforward—you just need to take the time to familiarize yourself with them.

If you’re working for a subcontractor, focus on mastering your specific trade. If you’re with a general contractor like me, aim to become a “jack of all trades.” You won’t know everything, and that’s okay. The goal is to build a strong foundation of knowledge that you can grow over time.

In my first six months, I often felt like I was “drinking from a firehose” of information, and sometimes I still do. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, especially if they seem or are more experienced. But remember, everyone learns at their own pace. What helped me was realizing that nobody starts off knowing everything—construction is always changing, and learning is a lifelong process.

So, how and what do you start learning?

• Materials and Methods: These are the backbone of construction. Materials refer to what’s being used, like steel, wood, or concrete, while methods describe how they’re applied. Understanding these is critical. A book like Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods can be a great resource for beginners.
• Drawings: Think of construction drawings as your roadmap. They show what needs to be built and how. At first, reading them can feel like trying to decode a foreign language, especially when they’re incomplete or unclear (which happens often in the real world). Spend time studying these drawings—practice finding key details, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Another good book to have is Blueprint Reading: Construction Drawings for the Building Trade.
• Safety: Safety is non-negotiable in construction and should be the most important thing for everyone. Therefore, Learn OSHA guidelines and your company’s safety protocols. Make safety a priority in everything you do; it’s the foundation for successful projects. Here is a card that has the OSHA Essentials on it that would be good to have in your pocket, especially just starting out.

Finally, lean on your team for support. Shadow experienced coworkers, ask questions, and take notes. The more you engage, the faster you’ll grow. Construction is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and building a strong knowledge base early on will set you up for long-term success.

2. Develop Great Communication Skills

Communication is one of the most important skills in construction management. While it is not as technical as reading drawings or understanding materials, effective communication can make or break a lot of things. In a field where so many people—owners, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and laborers—need to work together, being able to clearly convey information is critical.

In layman’s terms, communication in construction is about ensuring everyone understands their responsibilities and expectations. In construction, you’ll often serve as a bridge between different teams or stakeholders. This means asking questions, clarifying instructions, and relaying information effectively. Your ability to communicate well can help prevent mistakes, resolve conflicts, and keep projects moving forward.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is learning to adapt my communication style depending on the audience. For example:

• With field crews: Be direct and specific. Explain things in simple terms without too much technical jargon, but most importantly, talk to them as a normal human.
• With architects or engineers: Focus on technical accuracy and ask clarifying questions to avoid misunderstandings.
• With clients: Practice active listening. They want to feel heard, so acknowledge their concerns and respond professionally.

Good communication isn’t just about speaking—it’s also about listening. When you take the time to listen to experienced coworkers or field personnel, you gain insights that textbooks and project manuals can’t teach. For instance, I’ve learned a great deal by asking questions of the MEP Superintendent on my project. His many years of experience are invaluable, and he’s become my go-to resource for MEP-related learning. Showing an interest in others’ expertise not only helps you grow but also builds strong relationships within your team.

Proactively keeping everyone updated is another way to demonstrate strong communication. Share important project details, provide regular updates, and don’t hesitate to follow up on unanswered emails or questions. Construction projects move quickly, and without clear, consistent communication, things can easily slip through the cracks.

Finally, if you’re ever unsure how to approach a conversation, start with honesty. It’s okay to admit you don’t know something. A couple of my favorite phrases for starting questions are, “Help me understand,” or, “I’m still learning, but I want to understand this better.” These approaches show humility and initiative, both of which will earn you respect.

Building good communication skills takes time, but the effort is well worth it. As you develop these skills, you’ll not only become a more effective team member but also position yourself as a leader within your team

3. Focus on Organization and Time Management

Being organized and managing your time well in construction is crucial. Even if you’re not managing the entire project, staying on top of tasks and deadlines is essential. Construction projects move fast, and it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks without strong organizational skills.

In construction, your email becomes one of your most important tools—it’s like your bible. All critical information is stored there, so keeping it organized is non-negotiable. My strategy for email organization involves creating folders—lots of them. For example, since I’m currently on one project, I have an overarching folder for that project, with subfolders for meetings, the architect, the owner, and each subcontractor. While your system might differ, having folders ensures I can quickly find any email I need.

I also use email rules to filter unnecessary emails that would otherwise clutter my inbox. For instance, at my company, we use Procore, and every action in Procore generates an email. Rather than letting these fill my inbox, I’ve set up a filter to move all Procore emails to a designated folder. While this means I periodically check the folder for updates, it keeps my inbox manageable. For me, the inbox is essentially a to-do list—if an email is there, it means I need to read, reply, or follow up on it.

Beyond email, I also rely on physical to-do lists. I usually jot these down on sticky notes, which helps me track tasks that aren’t email-related. I prioritize tasks on my to-do lists, updating them once or twice a week depending on how the week unfolds. While things often come up unexpectedly, these lists keep me focused and accountable. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about checking off completed tasks.

Meeting notes are another key area in which organization is vital. In construction, you’ll spend a lot of time in meetings, and each one often generates action items or critical information. I use different methods to keep track of meeting notes depending on the context. For meetings where I’m responsible for sending minutes, I take notes on my computer using OneNote. For more technical meetings, I sometimes use a notebook instead. Having a flexible system helps me stay on top of the various types of information that meetings generate.

Ultimately, being organized isn’t just about having neat folders or detailed lists—it’s about creating systems that work for you. By staying organized, you can focus on what really matters: contributing to your project’s success and tackling challenges with confidence.

4. Build Relationships and Network

Construction is all about relationships, and the people around you can be invaluable resources for learning and career growth. Whether you’re just starting out or are further along in your career, building meaningful relationships with your colleagues is key to success.

Get to Know Your Team Members and Learn from Their Experiences

Building relationships starts with getting to know your team. You spend a lot of time with them, so take the time to understand who they are professionally and personally. This helps form better working relationships and opens doors for learning. One of my closest colleagues is another young new hire, and we bond over shared experiences. We can relate to one another in ways that make it easier to ask each other questions and get advice.

Getting to know your team fosters collaboration and support. The more comfortable you are with your coworkers, the easier it becomes to communicate, share ideas, and offer help when needed. A cohesive team can overcome challenges more effectively than a group that lacks strong relationships.

Build Rapport with Senior Leaders and Mentors

It’s also essential to build relationships with senior leaders, such as project managers, superintendents, and other experts. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge and can serve as valuable mentors throughout your career. At first, I was intimidated by the main superintendent on my team, who has over 40 years of experience. However, after spending time getting to know him and asking for advice, I built rapport with him and now feel comfortable asking him questions. His expertise is invaluable and has truly helped me learn so much in my first 6 months.

Attend Industry Events and Join Professional Organizations

Another great way to build relationships is to expand your network by attending industry events and joining professional organizations. Networking can be intimidating, but it’s vital in construction, where “everyone knows everyone.” Attending events such as company functions or industry conferences provides opportunities to meet new people and learn from their experiences. Even casual conversations at a random event or at lunch can lead to valuable connections. Over time, these relationships can open doors for career growth, collaborations, and mentorships that might not be possible otherwise.

Building strong relationships in construction requires time and effort, but it’s crucial to your long-term success. By getting to know your team, seeking mentorship from leaders, and expanding your network, you set yourself up for career growth in the industry.

5. Commit to Continuous Learning

Construction is an ever-evolving field. With advancements in technology, new building practices, and emerging trends, things are always changing. It can sometimes feel like just when you think you have a handle on everything, something new pops up that you need to learn. That’s why continuous learning is so important in this industry—it ensures you’re always adapting and growing in your role. Whether you’re just starting out in construction or have been in the field for years, committing to learning will not only help you become more skilled but will also ensure you’re prepared for whatever the future of construction holds.

One of the best ways to stay on top of your learning is to take advantage of training programs or certifications your employer offers. Many construction companies provide opportunities for employees to continue learning, whether through in-house training, online courses, or certifications. For example, my company offers a lottery for a Babbel subscription to learn Spanish, which is a useful skill both at work and outside of work. You might have similar programs available to you—whether it’s a certification in a specialized field, learning a new software program, or attending industry-specific workshops, make sure to utilize what’s available. Not only do these programs enhance your skills, but they also show your employer that you’re invested in improving and growing in your career.

But don’t rely solely on your employer for learning opportunities—take matters into your own hands. Seek out online courses, videos, or tutorials that allow you to dive deeper into areas you’re interested in or need to learn more about. There are so many resources available to help you further your knowledge, from OSHA safety courses to tutorials on new construction management software. The internet is full of ways to build your expertise, so take advantage of it. Proactively learning new skills and certifications or even expanding your knowledge into related fields like sustainability or energy-efficient building practices can set you apart and help you stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly competitive industry.

Another simple but effective way to stay informed is by subscribing to industry newsletters and blogs. These sources provide valuable insights into trends, innovations, and the latest updates in the construction world. By subscribing to a couple of newsletters, you can get a quick, regular overview of what’s happening in the industry. For example, I subscribe to my local NAWIC chapter’s newsletter, which keeps me updated on events, webinars, and networking opportunities in my area. Whether it’s a general industry newsletter or something more specialized in your area of construction, these resources are a great way to stay connected and in the know. They also help you network and connect with others in the industry, which can open doors for career advancement and opportunities you may not have known about otherwise.

In conclusion, the key to staying successful in construction management is committing to continuous learning. The industry will always evolve, and so should you. By taking advantage of training opportunities, pursuing certifications, and staying updated through newsletters and blogs, you’ll be positioning yourself for long-term growth and success in your career. Keep learning, stay curious, and embrace every chance to expand your knowledge—you never know when a new skill or bit of information might be the one that propels you forward in your career.

Conclusion

Starting your journey in construction management can feel overwhelming, but with the right focus and mindset, it becomes manageable. By honing skills like communication, organization, and relationship-building, you’re laying the foundation for long-term success. These five essential tips are just the beginning, and as you gain more experience, they’ll become second nature.

The construction industry is all about people, and building solid relationships is just as crucial as your technical skills. Lean on your team members, seek out mentors, and don’t shy away from networking opportunities, even if they make you uncomfortable. The connections you make now will not only help you learn faster but will also open doors to future opportunities.

Remember, construction is a fast-paced and ever-evolving field, and no one expects you to know everything right away. Be patient with yourself, stay organized, and keep asking questions. With time and effort, you’ll build the confidence and expertise needed to thrive in this exciting and rewarding career.

Thank you so much for reading! Please comment on any tips you think are essential for a woman who is just starting out in construction!

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