Q. How long have you worked for Summers-Inman?
It will be a year in April since I joined Summers-Inman.
Q. You are responsible for bid and marketing coordination at the Newcastle office, can you tell us a bit more about your role?
My role involves looking out for opportunities across various portals, preparing marketing-related documents and assisting with bid submissions.
Q. Why the construction industry?
I suppose it’s somewhat of a calling for me. My dad worked in the construction field for a long time. Looking back, I realised I always had a bit of curiosity and interest in the construction industry. I’ve always admired my dad’s work ethic and professionalism, which likely influenced my decision to explore the construction field myself. Another motivating factor was witnessing my parents meticulously plan the design of our house in Kyrgyzstan, down to every single detail, including the layout of our garden. Based on those factors, I came to the conclusion that having experience or skills in construction proves to be quite advantageous in our daily lives.
Q. Do you think it is a good time to be a woman in construction?
Certainly, we’re now living in a world where career paths know no bounds or restrictions. Being involved in the construction industry myself and witnessing the presence of other women within it is incredibly inspiring. I often reflect on how fortunate I am to have commenced my career with Summers-Inman. The company actively strives to cultivate inclusive environments for women, providing support networks, mentorship programs and initiatives aimed at addressing gender bias.
Q. Do you think there are enough women in the construction industry currently?
I believe there could be more progress but I think we’re heading in that direction. Every year, I feel there is an increase in the number of women entering the construction industry.
Q. What advice would you give to any young woman who is about to start a career in construction?
Simply take the leap. Leave fear behind and cease doubting yourself. There are countless companies out there eager to support and mentor you, guiding you from square one to wherever you aspire to reach. Above all, cultivate a strong work ethic and remain open to continual learning and skill enhancement. These attributes are key not only to succeeding in the construction industry but also to thriving in any career path you choose.
Q. Are there any women who have inspired you to join the industry?
While I wouldn’t say definitively, there’s a woman I’ve met who’s been working in construction for over 10 years and she’s been my inspiration since day one. She knows a lot and has tons of experience. Her expertise sets a really high standard for how professional and excellent someone can be in this field. Seeing how hard she works and all she’s accomplished has really shaped what I hope to achieve in the industry.
Q. What could be done to make working in the built environment more inspiring to women?
To enhance the appeal of working in the built environment for women, I believe it’s crucial to take a tailored approach by actively championing diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every woman has an equal chance to thrive and succeed. Personally, I’ve found mentorship and support networks invaluable for navigating challenges and fostering continuous growth. Additionally, a flexible work arrangement has been instrumental in allowing me to balance work commitments with other aspects of my life.
Besides those, I also think it is important to foster a workplace environment that prioritises respect and inclusivity, as I believe this greatly impacts morale, creating a sense of belonging and empowerment. Every organisation should practice these principles and celebrate the accomplishments of every individual within the industry. This not only inspires others but also validates everyone’s contributions within the organisation.
Q. Why do you think Summers-Inman is a good company for women to progress their career?
From my point of view, I believe that Summers-Inman is a great company for women to progress in their careers for several reasons. Firstly, they prioritise diversity and inclusion, creating an environment where women feel valued and supported.
Secondly, Summers-Inman offers mentorship programs and professional development opportunities that empower women to advance in their careers. Additionally, the company promotes a healthy work-life balance, with flexible arrangements that accommodate the diverse needs of women and everyone in the company.
I have also observed that Summers-Inman fosters a culture of respect and collaboration, where women can thrive and contribute their unique perspectives. I appreciate that Summers-Inman is actively working towards gender equality and creating opportunities for women to stand out, supporting them along the way to grow and succeed in the built environment industry.
Learn more about career opportunities at Summers-Inman > https://www.summers-inman.co.uk/careers/
