Does gender really matter? A closer look at early career women in construction

Abstract

Despite the increasing number of women studying built environment degrees in higher education, the construction industry has not seen an increase in the percentage of female professionals. Women’s experiences in the early stages of their career have a critical influence on their future career intentions, including leaving the industry. This study was motivated to explore the transition experiences from university into work for early career female professionals working in the Australian construction industry. Nineteen interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data which was thematically analysed. Findings indicate that women are primarily driven by an intrinsic motivation to pursue construction careers. Women have both positive and negative experiences during their transition processes. The positive transition experiences are attributed to supportive and respectful relationships with colleagues and the availability of and access to structured graduate or cadetship training programs. Regarding negative experiences, findings suggest that apart from common challenges associated with transition for all entrants, women must contend with additional gender-based challenges. Many participants intend to stay in construction for the next five years but have concerns about the possibility of combining work and family when they decide to have children and how their careers might be affected. The research provides important practical implications for construction organizations in terms of improving women’s transition experience into the industry, maintaining their interest in construction careers and enhancing subsequent retention.