WOMEN AT WORK

Meet some incredible women powering on in the industry

Name: Corina Wang

Company: Stephen Edwards Constructions

Position: Company Accountant

Phone: (02) 9891 3099

Website: www.stephenedwards.com.au

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I enjoy resolving complicated issues and being able to contribute my knowledge, experience, and expertise to the company. I love being part of the office environment and I feel valued in my role.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?

I’m proud of being able to provide accurate, realtime financial information to management, so that crucial decisions can be made in the challenging and ever-changing construction industry.

I also enjoy the success of leading our accounting team to maintain an error-free system.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE CHALLENGES OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS?

To ensure the company’s financial system remains progressive, we have migrated to a newly developed system which is web based and has automated data extraction and electronic workflow capabilities.

I have been heavily involved in the system implementation process from the beginning, through to the creation of system procedures and providing user training. It’s rewarding to see the time, cost and environmental benefits which have resulted from the successful implementation of the new paperless system.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?

I look forward to continuing my professional development and staying in front of accounting technology advances and best practices, to ensure I can provide efficient and profitable advice to the company.

Name: Peta Dawson

Company: Dawson Constructions

QLD Pty Ltd

Position: Owner/Operations Manager

Phone: 0449560656

Website: www.dawsonconstructions.com

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

My job is varied and interesting. It has allowed me to increase my skillset to include bookkeeping, health and safety, and social media content creation. The world of construction, although it has its challenges, is a diverse and dynamic sector to be a part of.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER? CAREER HIGHLIGHT?

Taking the risk to leave my stable role within the higher education sector in 2019 to assist my husband in managing and operating our residential construction company. Continuing to prioritise process improvement and staying updated with industry trends has been essential for the sustained success of our business.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE CHALLENGES OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS?

These challenges include persistent material and labor shortages, consecutive interest rate increases, escalating inflation rates, and more stringent lending regulations imposed by banks and other financial institutions. These factors have had a direct impact on the feasibility and profitability of our projects. Despite these obstacles, we have remained committed to delivering high-quality results while mitigating the impact of these external factors on our business.

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS?

Over the past seven years, our business has experienced remarkable growth and achieved notable brand recognition. Despite the continuously evolving and demanding business landscape, we have successfully adapted & thrived. I am looking forward to contributing further to the success of our family business and becoming an industry leader in our area.

Name: Megan Mitchell

Company: Alder Constructions

Position: Senior Project Manager

Phone: 07 5514 4900

Website: www.aldercon.com.au

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

I love that every day is different! This industry delivers daily challenges; an ever-evolving industry keeps each day interesting. Project management also provides a great mix of onsite construction involvement (programming, design, methodology), client relations and financial management.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER? CAREER HIGHLIGHT?

I am most proud of my journey and success to where I am today as a senior project manager. I didn’t progress through the typical university or trade career path. I worked my way up from a receptionist for a residential builder to where I am today through hard work, dedication and believing in myself.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHER WOMEN THINKING ABOUT A CAREER IN A MALEDOMINATED INDUSTRY?

Don’t be afraid to be who you are. I grew up being taught everyone is a person, whether it be male or female, and everyone has something different to offer. Be confident in your abilities and don’t be scared to show the feminine side of who you are.

DO YOU THINK THAT THERE HAVE EVER BEEN SPECIFIC CHALLENGES RELATED TO YOUR GENDER IN YOUR JOB?

The main challenge I have faced is respect. As a woman I tend to find you don’t gain initial respect from other male professionals in the industry. Males can tend to walk in a room and no matter what their position is, the respect seems to be mutually there, whereas it is something I have had to continue to earn throughout the years.

Name: Aileen Grant

Company: Blueprint Projects Pty Ltd.

Position: Business & Finance Manager

Phone: 0415 642 984

Website: www.blueprintbuilders.com.au

WHAT’S YOUR PROUDEST CAREER MOMENT OR ACCOMPLISHMENT?

WHAT DOES THE COMPANY SPECIALISE IN?

Blueprint Projects specialises in architectural alterations and additions and new homes. We do most of our work in the lower north shore area of Sydney and wherever our lovely clients and architect referrals take us.

WHAT SETS YOUR WORKPLACE APART FROM OTHERS YOU’VE WORKED FOR?

We have a great team of subcontractors and suppliers, who work together and are all solutionsdriven. Our teams are aware of the trades that are coming behind them and are respectful of each other.

Every site throws up something new, and I am lucky to work with a great group of people we can rely on and trust to ensure the delivery of a great product to our clients and an enjoyable building process.

We won a Master Builders award in 2021. We were unbelievably proud of our hard-working team for winning this award. Personally, I was so happy to hear the judges’ comments and thought, finally some recognition. Or perhaps it gave me some confidence that I needed to keep going and reaffirmed I was on the right path.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT’S THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAIT THAT WILL LEAD TO SUCCESS IN THIS INDUSTRY?

Hard work trumps everything. Success in any industry requires hard work both for men and women.

I believe women bring a different perspective and skill set to the construction industry.

Having good people around you to support you and help you will give you the confidence needed.

Name: Aisling Mulvaney

Company: CIP Constructions

Position: Site Engineer

Phone: 1800 829 877

Website: cipconstruct.com.au about construction in a completely different environment.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?

Recently, I changed roles from being an estimator to site engineer and I am enjoying learning everything about the construction side of the project. I like learning how all the different elements of an industrial facility come together and seeing the progress made each day. Plus, seeing the physical results of my work is incredibly satisfying.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF IN YOUR CAREER?

I’m proud of myself for stepping up and saying I wanted to change roles and experience working on-site. This led me to request a move to another CIP Constructions office in a different state; where I could learn more

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE CHALLENGES OF THE LAST 12 MONTHS?

Moving into a new role with a different team in a different state is naturally going to come with some challenges. Luckily for me these are the best kinds of challenges – ones that encourage me to push myself, grow professionally and face new experiences.

HOW HAVE YOU PERSONALLY FOUND WORKING IN A MALE-DOMINATED INDUSTRY?

It can be a little intimidating to work in a male dominated industry, especially when you are new to an industry and learning to find your voice. I am fortunate to work with a really great team and have always felt supported and encouraged by both my male and female colleagues.