As part of the #BuildingEquality 2018 Campaign, Karen Muldowney, Business Development and Marketing Manager, Manley Construction, shares her story as a woman in construction.

 Why I chose a career in construction

I was always very interested in working in construction, as a young girl I would have gone to work with my father on a Saturday which I always enjoyed. My grandfathers and uncles on both sides worked in Construction, so I think it was in my DNA.

I went to GMIT and completed the BSc Construction Management, I knew at the time there would be very few girls in my class but I also really wanted to do the course.

Role models throughout my career

I have been lucky to work with some excellent role models and leaders within the industry and a lot have been men. There are a few people I can think of who have been excellent role models and massively helped me develop and progress professionally. It is always important to align yourself with people you admire and respect. I am also very lucky to work in a diverse organisation; our Financial Director is a woman and been in that position for the past 15 years.

Attracting more women and girls into the industry

Only by promoting the industry and reaching out to young children and those young adults looking at college courses will we be in a position to influence their decision. The industry is stereotypically male. In order to change this mindset, the CIF #BuildingEquality Group is an excellent way to promote equality within the industry.

We need to promote the role models that we have in the industry and keep this conversation going. Along with this we need to review the literature and the signs we have to ensure we display a fully diverse workplace.

To learn more about the #BuildingEquality campaign and to share your own story, please visit our dedicated #BuildingEquality page here

Construction Industry Federation