Breaking Barriers and Building Careers

Construction Management Bachelor's Degree

The construction industry has a history of being male-dominated with limited opportunities for women at all levels. Few women have held leadership positions, leaving the field of construction management with a gaping void.

Over the past decade, however, diversity in the construction industry and gender equality in construction have taken center stage, with many companies actively working to become more inclusive and accessible. Understanding the current landscape in construction management and being aware of scholarships for women in construction can help women discover new and exciting opportunities in this growing field.

The Current Landscape of Women in Construction Management

The construction industry is one of the largest in the country, playing a crucial role in infrastructure development, residential housing, and economic growth. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are over 8.2 million workers in the construction industry, with women representing only 10 percent of the workforce, as noted by Labor Finders. In construction management, the percentage of women is even lower, and leadership and managerial positions are more often filled by men. 

However, the number of opportunities for women in construction management is steadily increasing, offering a more promising landscape for women in the field.

Statistics and Trends

While women, especially women of color, are underrepresented in the construction management field in the United States, the latest statistics and figures show that more opportunities should be on the horizon for women interested in leading the construction industry through the complex challenges of today.

The number of women in construction has increased by more than 53 percent over the past decade, according to Labor Finders. Today, more than 1.3 million women work in the construction industry, and that number is expected to climb in the coming years. It's worth noting that some states seem to have significantly more women in construction than others: in Minnesota, women account for more than 13 percent of the construction workforce.

Breaking Barriers in Construction Management

Determined women passionate about construction management will find that it's certainly possible to break barriers and achieve those coveted positions moving the industry forward. With each passing day, it seems that more and more women are breaking barriers in construction management and coming up with innovative and creative ideas that will take the industry to new heights.

Creating an Inclusive Workplace

Construction firms are making a conscious effort to improve safety in the workplace and create a more inclusive culture to overcome gender bias in construction. Creating an inclusive workplace for women requires construction firms of all sizes and specialties to take strategic and actionable steps to improve working conditions for women. Some of the best steps to take include:

  • Developing and enforcing a robust policy against workplace harassment. Women should feel safe in their work environment and comfortable reporting any incidents of harassment in the workplace.
  • Investing in safety gear designed for women that fit properly. Proper gear allows women to feel comfortable and confident while working.
  • Creating clean and welcoming bathroom facilities that include feminine hygiene products, giving women the chance to work without disruption.

Building a Career in Construction Management

Women interested in building a career in construction management should chart a path forward that includes education, training, and career development. By investing your time and resources into your education and training, you will be able to stand out as a qualified applicant for the best construction management positions.

Education and Training Opportunities

The construction management field is growing, according to the BLS. The number of job opportunities in the field is expected to rise by about five percent between 2022 and 2032, which is faster than average when compared to other occupations. With more than 505,000 new jobs in construction management expected each year over the next decade, now is the best time to consider construction management training opportunities.

Typically, construction management positions require candidates to have a bachelor's degree in construction management or another related field. In addition to earning your bachelor's degree, you might consider professional development opportunities that allow you to develop specific skills needed in the field.

Career Development and Advancement

By investing in your education and leveraging your professional network, you will be well-positioned for advancement opportunities within your construction management career. Some of the many career pathways in construction management include:

  • Field Engineer
  • Sustainability Consultant
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Construction Manager
  • Site Engineer
  • Project Director

Diversity in the Construction Industry

As the number of construction projects rises each year, driven in part by aging infrastructure across the country, it has become increasingly clear that diversity in the construction industry is essential for its overall growth and development. Diversity in the construction industry is important because:

  • it widens the labor pool.
  • it brings in new talent that may offer diverse perspectives, new ideas, and creative ways of thinking.
  • it promotes equality in the workforce.

Importance of Gender Diversity

Gender diversity in construction management is crucial because the industry needs to increase its labor pool to meet the complex demands of the modern economy. The need for more women in construction is partially driven by the labor shortages that started before the pandemic. 

Successful Diversity Initiatives

An increasing number of construction firms are launching diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, encouraging their employers to work together to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment that appeals to a wider range of prospective job candidates. Successful initiatives often involve a collaborative approach, and they encourage team members to work alongside management to effectively change the culture at their workplace.

Gender Equality in Construction

The industry is making great strides toward gender equality. Women interested in working in construction will find that there are more opportunities available, and they have a chance to become involved in gender equality efforts in the industry.

Progress Toward Gender Equality

Perhaps one of the greatest strides that the industry has made toward gender equality is in almost eliminating the pay gap between women and men in construction. While most other industries still have a significant gender pay gap, women in construction earn about 95 percent of the salary of their male coworkers.

Policy and Advocacy

Advocates continue to raise awareness about the importance of women in construction. They often work to lobby for policies that will improve workplace conditions, reduce instances of harassment, and effectively close the gender pay gap.

Women Leaders in Construction

Women interested in career opportunities in construction can look to the powerful women leaders in the industry today. These women have set the example of breaking barriers and addressing the top construction industry challenges.

Profiles of Successful Women Leaders

Some successful women leaders in construction include:

  • Stephani Flores—A project manager who works for the ANF Group
  • Laila Audelo—A preconstruction manager who works for McCarthy Building companies
  • Kathleen Dobson—A safety manager who works for Alberici Constructors
  • Genevieve McJilton—A senior project manager for Target Corp. and the first woman to graduate from the University of Minnesota Construction Management program

Leadership Development for Women

Scholarships for women in construction and construction management training can help them learn the technical, practical, and soft skills needed to assume leadership positions in the industry.

Invest in Construction Management Training at University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies

At University of Minnesota College of Continuing and Professional Studies, we offer a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management degree that promotes the importance of diversity in the construction industry. With a curriculum anchored by core business skill development and enhanced by industry insights, this bachelor's degree program prepares you for a dynamic and lasting career in construction management.

Request more information about our degree and certificate programs today. 

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