The week of March 7th through the 11th we celebrated Women in Construction Week and the talented group of women who are on our team at Materials Testing Consultants. It is a time to highlight all the great initiatives and work of women within the industry. It is also a time to bring to the forefront the opportunities that are available to women and how to overcome challenges in certain career fields.
Chelsea
When I was in high school, I loved all my math classes and wanted a career that would incorporate that. My high school math teacher suggested I try engineering. After researching different types, I decided on civil since I have always been interested in buildings and architecture. In college we learned about different types of civil engineering, and I thought geotechnical engineering would be fun since I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. A summer internship my junior year cemented my geotechnical engineering goal and now I love it. What I like most about it is problem solving and getting to be hands on and go outside!
Olivia
My construction-related job fell more into my lap, as I wasn’t looking to be in construction at first. I started at MTC as a Project Assistant and Receptionist, but the Asphalt Laboratory Office Technician position opened, and I was approached for it. So far, it’s been a great fit.
What I like most about it is that it’s a nice combination of manual/physical work and computer work. I also enjoy the atmosphere and who I work with.
Rainer
I got into construction because I wanted to be part of the machine that brings to life the buildings and structures necessary to communities.
I still enjoy seeing the projects that I’ve worked on come to life. I never get tired of saying “I worked on that.” It is also exciting to see how new innovations impact the industry.
Dell
As a field technician, civil engineering was like other field industries in my background. I gravitated to CMT because it builds foundations, offers a variety of duties each day, and you see immediate results.
A sense of accomplishment and pride from seeing a finished project is the best part of being in construction. Every time we pass something MTC participated with, I talk about who all worked on it and interesting tidbits about how projects evolve like learning floor flatness for the Amazon project or the multiple road projects I’ve watched progress over time.
“It is not the beauty of the building you should look at: it’s the construction of the foundation that will stand the test of time.” – David Allen Coe
