Before EDA I was a server for three years while going to college. My last semester of college I had an internship that was willing to accommodate me, but the distance would be an issue, so I spent most of the summer looking for jobs. Here I am!
My dad and my stepdad are in the construction industry, so it was always on my radar, but it was never something I saw myself doing. My education is focused on Emergency Management, so I have a very niche skillset that can easily be applied anywhere.
Currently I am making sure that all employees are updated on their mandatory training, as well as updating all files and sheets that go along with them. After that I plan on developing Emergency Action Plans to ensure all employees can stay as safe as possible.
Most people wouldn’t know that I am very musically inclined. I played the flute for five years and sang in my high school choir for four years. I was also women’s choir president my senior year of high school. I try my absolute best to not sing around anybody because once I start, I won’t stop.
If I were not in the construction industry, I honestly have no idea where I would be. Anybody who has looked for jobs in recent years understands how unpredictable the job market is. Ideally, I would want to be somewhere in the public sector at county or state level, but right now is not my time and I am very happy where I am!
I don’t think I would want to be anywhere else. I can exercise my skills best in safety and I have developed great relationships in safety as well.
The biggest challenge I have faced at work is being a young woman in construction. It is hard to get people to take me seriously since construction is a very male dominated field. The best way to overcome it is having casual conversations with them so we can learn more about each other and build the bond that’ll come in handy in any type of emergency.
The best part about my experience so far has been the connections I’ve made! As cliché as it is, your work relationships can make or break a job and I am so happy to say that I have only had positive interactions.
My favorite EDA value is Strive to Improve. It is amazing how quickly everything can advance, including safety. When we know better, we can do better, and it is such a blessing that we are able to improve every aspect of the job every day.