JENNIFER KINZER PROJECT MANAGER

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

As a project manager, I have been working on a renovation and addition project at the University of Alberta, the I. F. Morrison Structural Lab over the past year. I am also working on the preconstruction and job start up for the Yellowhead expansion project. My responsibilities include the preparation of value engineering options, developing preconstruction budgets, assisting with design development, creating the construction schedule, constructability reviews, project execution planning, and tender document development. Depending on the stage of the project, I manage the construction process from start to finish which includes development of quality and safety plans, material and equipment procurements, trade contractor management, scheduling, costing & forecasting, production analysis, shop drawing and submittal control, change management, progress billings, deficiency and warranty completion and turnover and commissioning coordination. Typically, I chair and organize project start-up meetings, trade meetings, owner/consultant meetings and team meetings. As a project manager it is vital to maintain excellent relationships with project stakeholders including owner, consultants, and trade contractors. I am also very involved with supervising, mentoring, coaching, and training project personnel.

Did you always know that working in construction was what you wanted to do? How did you decide to go into your current career?

When I was growing up, I never thought of being in the construction industry. However, looking back, it was always a part of my life. I took a part-time job working as a receptionist and file clerk at a construction company while I was going to school and realized it was something I was interested in. I learned about the Construction Engineering Technology program at NAIT through some of my colleagues and decided it was something I wanted to pursue. From there, I also began working as a labourer in the field to gain some hands-on experience.

NAIT turned out be a great experience for me. As well, in terms of breaking gender barriers, it is interesting to note that I was the only female student out of approximately 60 students in that program at that time. I also had many family members involved in the construction industry and ultimately, I believe that is what lead me down this path.

I don’t think it’s any secret that many women in the construction industry have felt their gender has affected the way that they are perceived or treated. Have you ever been in a situation like that? How did you handle it?

I have been in situations where I have felt that my gender has affected the way I was perceived or treated. Througho ut these situations I have learned that communication is important, and you must address the matter right away. I don’t let things linger or build up. I have also learned that there is a lot of unconscious bias out there and sometimes the other party may not be aware of how they are making the person feel. It is important to bring awareness to your supervisor and others if this behaviour is happening. Shared experiences and talking about these situations openly help bring resolution to these matters.

What do you think is the best part of being a woman in the construction industry?

The industry has finally realized it’s short comings and the opportunities are starting to take off and grow exponentially. There are many opportunities with a variety of career paths for women in the construction industry. Women bring a diversified perspective as well as many other soft and technical skills. The more visible we are in roles of leadership, the stronger we all are. Pavi ng the way for other women and girls who follow my lead is a huge motivator and being someone that others want to emulate in this field is inspiring.

What advice would you give to a woman considering a career in the tech industry? What do you wish you had known?

Continue to work hard, do your homework and show dedication. Hard work, tenacity and the desire to do the right thing will get you far in life. You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you are not willing to apply it, success will be challenging. You always get out what you want to put into it. There are so many opportunities, don’t be afraid to ask for it. The worst thing someone can say is “no”, but they will have a reason. You may have wanted to go one direction but end up taking another and be okay with it. Ask for an opportunity and if it doesn’t happen, use that as your motivation to keep going. There is always something you can learn from an experience. Find out what your next best alternative solution or goal is and continue to work to where you need to be. article continued on next page

Do what you say you are going to do. It may be a cliché, but your word means everything. It gains trust. If you start from a place of trust, you have a better understanding of the other party. This will go a long way when dealing with supervisors, colleagues, clients, consultants and trade partners. Develop an ownership mindset. Take responsibility for your mistakes and fix them. Be accountable to yourself and others. This will go a long way to help build that trust.

Don’t be afraid to fail. Turn failure into a success by learning from it and move on. Ask questions and embrace continuous learning and education. Get exposure and experience in different types of projects such as civil, buildings (of all sizes and complexity) and industrial.

MARGIE SHENDUK DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Can you share a little bit about what it is that you do and what a typical day for you is like?

As the Director of Operations at Casman my day to day responsibilities range from using my technical construction skills on job sites, in consultant meetings, or estimating costs to more business and operations responsibilities with a construction and development company such as working with the Director of Finance overseeing operating budgets and planning and the Chief of Operations on overall strategy as well as HR on recruiting and compensation. As we are also a Developer, I am also overseeing the Realty, Marketing, and Legal teams for our Condo Development Projects.

Did you always know that working in construction was what you wanted to do?

How did you decide to go into your current career?

When I was in High School I actually wanted to be a Lawyer. After two years of University, I realized my interests were much more focused on design and the built environment so I made the switch to NAIT and entered the Construction Industry right out of school in 2001. Interestin gly, my 22 years in Construction and Development have had a large focus on Contracts and Legal documents so I still get to fulfill those original interests.I am lucky that I found an industry I was passionate about since day one of my career.

I don’t think it’s any secret that many women in the construction industry have felt their gender has affected the way that they are perceived or treated. Have you ev er been in a situation like that? How did you handle it?

Internally at CASMAN it has never been a factor. In my earlier years in the industry I was vary aware of being one of the only women in meetings, on job sites, and working in construction in general. I was also very young for the positions that I was in so sometimes I had to battle 2 biases (age and gender) with Customers and Tradespeople. I’ve never m ade an issue of it and find that my abilities and experience will speak for themselves.