THE RISE OF WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION

Only an estimated 9.1% of the construction industry is made up of women, that number is set to rise, and for good reason. With organisations like National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS) who are committed to empowering women, more support and opportunities are available for women to expand their networks.

SAS International is embracing the shift in employment trends and continues to celebrate the encouragement and inclusivity of women within the industry. In celebration of the progressive women we have working within this organisation, SAS are running a campaign to promote our female role models. In this edition, we acknowledge the success of Gordana Pavlovic, and her rise within SAS International.

You work within the marketing department at SAS International, what is your current job title?

GP: Senior Marketing Executive

Why did you originally seek a job within a construction company?

GP: I studied Marketing and Advertising Communications for three years at The University of Greenwich. After graduation, I landed a job at John Lewis. Still hungry to get myself into the field I had studied, a Marketing Administrator opportunity at SAS cropped up which I saw as a great stepping-stone into my career in marketing. My first thought was, this company seems well established and I would be proud to work here. I had not originally thought about specifically seeking a career in construction and had naively thought, oh how much is there to really learn? I’ll be sure to hit the ground running. My perception soon changed; there was plenty to get to grips with! It was a challenge but one I was keen to take on and saw myself developing in.

How do you think Marketing in the construction industry differs to other industries?  

GP: Well, a somewhat difficult question to answer as SAS is my first experience within the industry but from my point of view, it seems that marketing within a B2B construction business heavily relies on detailed strategic marketing planning and measurement. Although, new business activities means strategies are often being revisited and adapted to suit, on a yearly basis at a minimum!

What do you like about the construction industry?

GP: I believe the industry is constantly moving forward. I am always so intrigued to see how often trends adapt and change. Innovation (similar to many industries) really is key and in the competitive environment we work in, I appreciate how our people in SAS make this a high priority and enjoy seeing how we work together as true pioneers. Oh… and I love attending all the exhibitions and awards shows too!

There is an obvious lack of women within the industry; organisations are doing their best to attract females into the industry. Do you personally feel that the industry is embracing women?

GP: Absolutely, and I am so proud to be a part of the NAWIC movement which I think is making the industry come on leaps and bounds in recognising and highlighting the skills women are already bringing to the industry. It is brilliant to see a multitude of companies getting involved and supporting the campaign, from smaller firms to huge corporate giants!

Why do you think that the percentage of men to women within the industry is so low?

GP: In my opinion, with construction being a male dominated industry there was a lack of appeal for women, potentially due to feeling that they simply would not fit in. I think this will rapidly change with the recent positive promotion of careers for women in construction being publicised, I hope so anyway!

How do you think organisations can attract women into the industry?

GP:  SAS are focusing on promoting our women’s achievements by publishing ‘succession stories.’  This hopefully, if read by the wider audience will help show that there are a variety of roles and opportunities for women to consider as well as encourage other similar companies to represent and celebrate their female workforce further!

Any words of advice for women who are thinking about joining the construction industry?

GP: I’d say sharpening up on your commercial awareness in construction is a must due to legislation and other similar factors continually impacting the industry. Take some time to see what jobs are on offer, research the job specifics and see if you get the ‘I would be good at that’ feeling. For example, you could start in an office job in an admin role (like me) but for all you know, this could lead to you working on-site in a hardhat, project managing the world’s biggest infrastructure project! That has not quite happened to me yet, but it could happen. There aren’t boundaries like you may assume, that is all I am saying. Go for it!