Women in construction
Name: Amy Bowyer
Grade: Member
Location: Scotland
Job title: Technical Sales Consultant
Company: Survey Solutions Group
Can you share your journey and experiences as a woman in the construction industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
I studied for a BSc (Hons) in marine biology and oceanography and then undertook a career in office administration for about five years. Following redundancy due to budget cuts I went back to university to study for a MSc in geospatial and mapping sciences as it had good links to industry and would allow a possible move into hydrographic surveying. The course included a module on land surveying, after a few different interviews I decided to pursue a career in land surveying, as it suited my long term career plan. I later specialised in utility mapping. Partly because I liked the problem-solving aspect and partly because this was the specialism I gained most experience of in my earlier career.
What significant achievements or milestones have you reached in your construction career that you are particularly proud of?
This is an aspect I struggle with, I get up go to work, have a rough idea where I want to head for career wise. But I’m not good at seeing elements of that journey as achievements. I have a ‘if I can do it surely everyone can’ outlook. However, I am particularly proud of achieving membership status of CICES and looking back to when I first started in the industry the difference in the complexity of survey and quality of product I can now achieve shows how far I have come and maybe how much I take experience for granted.
Construction can be a challenging industry. Could you share a specific challenge you faced and how you overcame it, serving as an inspiration to others?
I think being in the industry nearly 10 years after a rocky start is an achievement. As an assistant I broke my ankle out on site after being in the company for four weeks then within a month of being back out in the field I lost a controller with a day’s worth of data on the way back to the van. I think most sane people would have taken that as a sign it wasn’t the career for them. But my inability to quit kept me turning up for work. My career has given me experiences I would never get in an office and some great colleagues over the years.
How important is mentorship in the construction sector, and have you had mentors who played a pivotal role in your professional development?
I’m aware that mentorship can be a powerful tool to career development. However, it’s not something I’ve used myself. Partly because it’s not a tool I see used in companies I’ve been part of and I didn’t want to be the first to ask! Hopefully the formation of a women’s network will make accessing these opportunities a little less daunting.
What advice would you give to other women considering a career in construction? Are there specific skills or qualities you believe contribute to success in this field?
Working in land surveying does require a certain amount of resilience. Especially as kit has a habit of not playing ball when you’re under the strictest time constraints! At times being in the minority will mean you may need to draw upon an extra dose of it. Skills such as efficient task management, empathy and a good team player whilst maintaining a certain amount of assertiveness all helps. Pick your battles too!
Construction is evolving with technological advancements. Are there any innovative approaches or trends you find exciting or believe will shape the future of the industry?
Sometimes it can feel like technology advancement is slowly making the role of the skilled surveyor extinct. But looking from a more positive note some of the technological advancements can work to make the sector more inclusive. For example, the introduction of larger screens on controllers allows for you to see live data as its collected, pre-loaded maps or satellite mapping for reference. Allowing location between the theoretical job and standing on site easier. As well as undertaking live edits of surveys in the field due to a live feedback of data collection. Scanners are lighter, making them more accessible to a variety of employees to use and software giving live updates of scans and registration, it makes the learning process quicker and reduces the need to be able visualise. The use of cloud based software means you can upload your data before you head back to the van.
How do you engage with your community or support initiatives to encourage more women to enter the construction field?
Still seeing myself as relatively new in my career, I’ve only just started to look beyond my own personal career development to community engagement. Which is why I am embracing the opportunity to be one of the core members of the CICES women’s network.
Construction roles often demand a balance between work and personal life. How do you manage this balance, and do you have any tips for maintaining a healthy work-life integration?
What I have learnt about working in this industry for myself is know your non-negotiables when heading to interviews. This may be working a 4-day week, being able to leave work at a certain time to pursue a hobby or even understanding whether the company you are interviewing for is using an outdated workflow that you wouldn’t be able to buy into. Yes, you may lose some opportunities as a result, but I’ve found you end up with a good company at the end of it, that respects your career and your personal life. This is a new transition in the industry, traditionally driven by working when you are told too.
You may have to try different strategies; they may work on paper but don’t in practice and it may take time to find the right balance. Also take the lunch break your given and let managers know if you’re going to overrun and need extra time. In the early years it’s too easy, particularly in the field, to try to prove yourself by working unsustainably and that becomes a hard habit to break.
In what ways do you think diversity, including gender diversity, contributes to the success and innovation within the construction industry?
Diversity in any of its guises allows progression if its embraced. Whether its gender, cultural or individual career paths. The input of different outlooks allows companies to grow, allows teams to be more productive and increases the chance you may see similarities between yourself and others in the company which may inspire you to achieve beyond your own initial expectations.
When you’re not conquering the construction world, what’s your go-to activity for unwinding and letting loose?
In my spare time I’m a musician in the Army Reserves playing flute and piccolo. This has allowed me to be part of events playing for royalty, other dignitaries and the public. It has taken me as close as Edinburgh Castle but also overseas to France, Gibraltar and Germany. I also do a bit of running and cycling. As well as spending time with family and friends.
Women’s Network book of the month
Girl, Wash Your Face
Rachel Hollis
Paperback, Thomas Nelson
£6.80, Amazon
240 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1400201655
“Girl, Wash Your Face” is a powerful book that delves into various aspects of personal development, emphasising the importance of embracing authenticity, overcoming selfdoubt, and pursuing one’s dreams with relentless determination.
One of the main concepts that resonated was the idea of taking ownership of life and choices, understanding that your past does not dictate your future. Hollis’s candid anecdotes and practical advice reinforced the notion that success is not defined by external factors but rather by our own beliefs and actions.
Additionally, her emphasis on the importance of self-care and prioritising mental health served as a reminder of the significance of nurturing oneself amidst life’s challenges.
In the book, Hollis discusses the concept of embracing failure as a stepping stone to success., sharing her own experiences of setbacks and disappointments, highlighting how each failure ultimately propelled her forward and contributed to her growth.
I wholeheartedly recommend ‘Girl, Wash Your Face’ to anyone seeking inspiration, motivation, and practical guidance for personal growth.
This book is particularly beneficial for individuals who may be grappling with self-doubt, fear of failure or feeling stuck in their personal or professional lives.
Whether you’re a young adult navigating your career path, a parent juggling multiple responsibilities or someone simply seeking to reignite your passion and purpose, this book offers valuable insights and actionable strategies to help you overcome obstacles and pursue your dreams with confidence.
Genna Rourke FCInstCES
Women’s Networking session
Scott Lechley’s presentation on managing ADHD in the workplace provided a unique and insightful perspective into navigating neurological challenges in professional settings. Despite his initial apprehension about the clarity of his delivery, Scott’s discussion was both engaging and informative, offering valuable insights for individuals with ADHD and managers alike.
The conversation began with Amy Bowyer sharing her career journey, highlighting the transitions and challenges she faced in balancing work and family life. This provided a relatable context for the discussion, setting the stage for Scott to delve into his personal experience with ADHD.
Scott’s candid portrayal of his ADHD diagnosis and its impact on his life and career resonated with the audience. He articulated the restlessness, impulsivity and sense of injustice often associated with ADHD, shedding light on the daily struggles faced by individuals with this condition.
Throughout the presentation, Scott offered practical advice for individuals with ADHD embarking on their careers, emphasising the importance of honesty, mentorship and building strong foundations. His suggestions for managers to create an inclusive work environment through understanding, open communication, and support were particularly noteworthy.
Furthermore, Scott’s recommendations for managing ADHD in the workplace, such as using organisational tools and breaking tasks into smaller chunks, provided actionable strategies for both individuals with ADHD and their colleagues.
In conclusion, Scott Lechley’s presentation offered valuable insights into harnessing neurological differences as strengths in professional settings. His authenticity, coupled with practical advice, made for a compelling discussion that left a lasting impression on the audience.
Overall, Scott’s presentation serves as a testament to the power of embracing diversity and fostering inclusive workplaces where individuals of all neurotypes can thrive.