With more than 300,000 construction jobs left unfilled, women are not a highly tapped resource. In fact, the U.S. Department of Commerce reported last year that approximately one in seven construction jobs were filled by women.

However, an increasing number of women view construction as a viable career path. To celebrate Women in Construction Week, two individuals in nonstereotypical industry roles share their stories and insights for other women. Sidney Hampton is an Assistant Project Manager and Emily Scofield is Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Coordinator for Skanska USA Building in Houston, Texas.

Hampton: I have always been fascinated by how things go together. I started as an architecture major but transferred to the University of Houston’s construction management program. That was a great fit for me. I wanted to be in a role where I was regularly in the field.

Scofield: As I was about to graduate from Texas A&M University with a degree in environmental studies, I knew my job prospects in the field were narrow. After speaking with my advisor, I looked outside the box to find a job where I could use my degree. Noticing a Skanska sign on a job site fence, I researched the company and applied for an EHS position. I feel lucky to have found the company and a position that is a great fit directly out of school.

Hampton: Since being a woman on a job site is not commonplace, I feel like the journey is more intentional. My credibility in the field is not a given. Even though Skanska is a company that embraces women in construction, I feel the need to come to the table — be it a meeting or out on the job site — more prepared than my male counterparts. I think through every element of my recommendations and prepare for rebuttals. From there, we quickly get over any skepticism there may be due to my age and sex. And this ambitious approach leaves no room for questions about my competence.

Scofield: There was a big learning curve coming into an EHS position. From the start, I had the support of my colleagues and manager. The first six months on the job, I was paired with my manager who offered guidance and allowed me to experience the nuances of the job. OSHA is also a large part of what I do, so I worked toward and received my OSHA 30 card. My goal for the year is to take classes for the OSHA 510 and then the 500 course, which will only help as I work my way up through the company, with my sights set on becoming the EHS Director.

Hampton: I’m currently working on a light industrial job in Houston. Additionally, I travel to several area job sites as a drone pilot to capture progress photos.

Scofield: The beauty of my position is I get to travel to three or four different projects to work with crews, conduct inspections, and work with the trades. I feel the best thing I get to do with this job is to ensure everyone goes home safely to their families.

Hampton: As women, we bring a different perspective to the job site. It may not be a popular opinion, but I feel women are less emotional during the project. We don’t tend to have as much ego riding on the problem we are trying to solve and take a more objective approach to challenges. That said, we must be prepared to speak up and challenge those who may be passionate about their way of doing things, so it takes developing a thick skin.

Scofield: The biggest challenge of being a young woman in this role is working with tradesmen who have done this job for decades. However, Skanska has been incredibly supportive, giving me the guidance and support needed to successfully do my job. I have learned as women, we can be firm and unyielding while bridging the gap with how we approach issues.

Hampton: The superintendents on my jobs have been incredible mentors. One in particular, Kevin Mulligan, took me under his wing. I learned I had to lean into the role and ask questions. Everyone is new to a job, not just women.

Scofield: Skanska is great with official and unofficial mentoring. My official mentor is an Assistant EHS Director at Skanska in our New York Metro region. Similar to me, she travels to projects throughout the city and has been instrumental in guiding me through the ins and outs of the position. But the on-the-job training I received and continue to receive from my contemporaries is exceptional. I have expressed my desire to move up within Skanska and dive deeper into EHS. Now our local EHS Director is encouraging me to take all the steps needed to make that dream a reality.

Hampton: One of the things I appreciate most is atypical. My career in construction gave me the ability to have my daughter. The incredible benefits offered by Skanska also included fertility treatments. Through insurance, gracious maternity leave, and flexible scheduling, I can balance work and life. And, to top it off, I’m supported by my coworkers. This is not to say it is an easy experience. Being a full-time working mother is very hard work, especially in a male-dominated industry, but I’m thankful Skanska is leading the way in supporting working mothers in the United States.

Scofield: I greatly appreciate the opportunities to grow and succeed in this company. I am not put into a role and left to my own devices; I am given the tools to move upward within the organization if I put in the work. It’s a field I didn’t see myself in, but I am so glad I fell into it.

Hampton: My most significant advice is to ask for what you want or need. The worst they can say is no, so be your own advocate. Also, hone your people skills. Many people are surprised by how critical personal relationships are to a project’s success. If you can create and sustain positive working relationships with coworkers and partners, you will go far in your construction career.

Scofield: Make sure the role you’re pursuing is the right fit. When you’re interviewing, they want you as badly as you want the job. If the work culture is not right, you will be terribly unhappy.

Hampton: Find a way to accumulate experience in the industry, if you can. If people discourage you from going into construction, challenge them. Why isn’t it possible? Women are filling every role within the industry at every level. There is no limit for women today when they are ready to apply themselves.

Scofield: There are many options for your career in the construction industry. Explore the options out there, and don’t be afraid that it is a male-dominated industry. You’re only going to see more and more women entering the field, and you’ll regret not taking the leap for yourself.