As we celebrate Women in Construction Week, a few Kiewit employees share what drew them to the construction industry, what they enjoy most about their careers, and advice they have for other women entering the industry.
Alana Bales, Drainage Engineer
What’s your favorite part about working in the construction industry?
I work on the engineering side of the industry and enjoy working with the construction team members to problem solve issues found in the field during construction. There is a great sense of pride seeing a project that you completed the design for come together, be constructed, and put into service.
Tell us a little about your background and the different aspects of the industry you’ve been involved in.
Since entering the workforce in 2004, I’ve worked on a lot of projects of all scales such as residential and commercial developments, highway and transit projects. The last 10+ years I’ve been on transportation design-build projects, typically from the start when rewarded the project through engineering services during construction (ESDC) seeing the project completed.
What’s your favorite project you’ve worked on and why?
I’m enjoying the current project I am on. I have learned a tremendous amount of knowledge and information on the project. In particular, the importance of building trust and relationships with the owner or owner’s rep, the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) and other disciplines within the design team.
What advice would you give to other women interested in the construction/engineering industry?
Work hard, be strong and confident, don’t be afraid to speak up and have a voice.
Lisa McDoneld, Office Manager
Why did you choose to join this industry?
I enjoy seeing and being a part of projects from design-builds to infrastructure improvements that are needed in these communities.
What does it take to succeed in this industry?
Continually learning the latest and greatest skills and technologies associated with your position. Treat everyone on your projects with the same respect as you would want them to treat you.
What do we need to do to attract more women in this industry?
Mentorship programs are the key, especially for women in craft, which is how I got my start in this industry. My mentors saw my strengths and abilities and their mentorships helped guide me towards my career path and passions within this industry.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
Each day, I enjoy being able to support my project team mates from craft personnel to project management from subcontractors and vendors to the clients. I’m so proud to be a part of such a team.
Kayleigh Weber, Station Manager
Why did you choose to join this industry?
Construction has always been around me growing up and is what lead me to my civil engineering path. My dad and mom both worked for a family owned general contractor in Pennsylvania. He was a union carpenter and my mom worked in the business department with them for over 15 years. In the summer when I was out of school, my mom would take me to her office and let me draw with their in-house architects. This is what sparked my interest in building things. I loved seeing the architects draw a sketch on paper, then visiting my dad in the field and seeing that sketch in real life.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
Meeting new people. At Kiewit you have the opportunity to visit new places and get to know people from all over. I’ve made so many lifelong friends here that I can call on anytime for help and advice.
What advice do you have for women interested in the construction/engineering industry?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand something you hear in the field. Construction often has its own language, people constantly make up slang names to replace technical terms and names of things will vary from job to job, trade to trade, region to region.
