Women in Construction: Kaitlin Kingman

Kaitlin Kingman

by Kaitlin Kingman

“There has never been a better time to be a woman in construction.” – Ciara Seger

In an industry that has historically been male-dominated, it is reassuring to see companies taking huge strides towards a progressive future that involves women. “On your average jobsite, there is approximately one woman to every 100 men,” wrote Grace Ellis on How Women in Construction Positively Impact Profits and Collaboration. It can seem daunting and virtually not worth involving ourselves in the trades because of the industry’s male history. Some women go as far as to call it “a boys club,” but I have another opinion.

As a young woman just beginning her career in the construction industry, it is both intriguing and refreshing. I am lucky enough to have found a progressive company like Haynes Group, who treats every employee, whether female or male, as a teammate. I am lucky enough to work for a progressive company that not only hired me, but six other strong and talented women to fill various roles between the office and the field.

I find myself intrigued by the fact that in certain areas, such as Boston, when you do construction work, a percentage of it has to be done by women or by minorities. It intrigues me that in 2019 we have to monitor and push companies to be progressive in this way. Some may say that being a young woman in construction, it is my duty to push the envelope and keep the company progressing, but I would disagree. I think by simply hiring me, Haynes Group saw my value and put their faith in my capabilities and they pushed the envelope and together we are progressing forward.

I believe if the industry stepped up to the plate, we’d see a dramatic change of perception. The industry would go from being considered a boys club to being considered one of the most progressive and open-minded industries. If there is a woman out there who is questioning whether she should take the plunge and find her niche in the industry, I would say jump. Do it. I would tell her to be authentic, to just be herself. It’s the same advice I give every woman I talk to. As clichéd as it sounds, if you don’t believe in yourself and your capabilities, why should anyone else? You need to be confident, and you need to go out there and show the industry why you’re a force to be reckoned with.

Kaitlin Kingman is a marketing associate at Haynes Group located in Bridgewater, Mass.