Dear 22-Year-Old Me: Advice for Young Women Entering Construction
Dear 22-year-old me,
You’re standing at the edge of something incredible — hard hat slightly oversized, boots a bit stiff, and ambition burning bright behind tired eyes. You’re stepping into a world that’s fast-paced, tough, and still heavily male-dominated. I know you’re nervous. I know you’re trying to act confident. But I see you, and I’m proud of you already.
As a little girl, I was told I was “bossy.” I loved LEGO, designing dream houses, organizing “construction” games in the sandbox. Even though I didn’t see myself in any builder ads or architect brochures, that didn’t stop me. That girl didn’t know it yet, but she was a pioneer.
Let’s talk — woman to woman, builder to builder. Because there are a few things I wish I would have known back then.
I Wish I Would Have Known…
I wish I would have known that you don’t have to be perfect to be respected. You don’t need to know everything on day one — or even year one. The best engineers, architects, and site managers I’ve met are the ones who aren’t afraid to say: “Sorry I don’t know, but I’ll find out.”
I also wish I knew that you’re allowed to take up space. You don’t have to shrink to fit in. You belong here — not because you’re a woman who needs to prove something, but because you’re a damn good professional with skills, vision, and a good heart.
Everything About Myths
When I first entered the construction industry, I carried a backpack full of excitement — and a few heavy myths. Some were whispered in classrooms, others lived between the lines of job descriptions or lingered in locker-room jokes. Most weren’t said outright, but I felt them.
The sooner we expose the myths, the sooner we can step into the truth — here are a few myths I grew up believing — maybe you’ve heard them too:
Myth no. 1: Construction isn’t for “girly girls.”
❌ False. You can love high heels and high-vis. Lipstick doesn’t make you any less qualified to lead a team.
Myth no. 2: You have to act like “one of the guys” to survive.
❌ False again. Be authentic. Respect and rapport are built through consistency and professionalism — not mimicry.
Myth no. 3: There’s no room at the top for women.
❌ Completely false. The top needs women — and the industry is slowly waking up to that truth.
True or False?
We all love a good true or false game — quick, revealing, and sometimes surprisingly honest. So let’s play. These are the unfiltered realities I’ve bumped into along the way — the ones no one puts in the job description but every woman in construction eventually learns to navigate.
- You’ll feel lonely sometimes. ✅ True. But you’ll also find your tribe. Seek out women’s networks (like this one!). Connect, support, and be supported.
- You have to know exactly where you’re going. ❌ False. Your path will twist, shift, and surprise you. Stay open. The unexpected roads often lead to the best destinations.
- People will underestimate you. ✅ True. But you’ll surprise them, and even yourself sometimes.
Our Deepest Fears
You might fear being seen as “too emotional,” “too young,” or “too soft.”
You might fear not being taken seriously.
You might fear failing — publicly.
I’ve felt all those things. But here’s the truth: You are not too much. You are enough. Your softness is strength. Your fear is a compass — it points to where growth happens.
And sometimes, the thing you fear most? That’s exactly where you need to go.
How Can We Grow?
- We grow when we speak up – when we lift as we climb. When we call out casual sexism, not just for ourselves, but for the girls coming behind us.
- We grow when we journal the hard days — and celebrate the wins. Journaling has been one of my most grounding tools. Write your thoughts after site visits. Reflect on what made you feel proud. Be honest about what shook you. With time, those pages become proof of your resilience.
- We grow by mentoring – by showing up to career days. By having coffee with a new intern. By remembering that once, not so long ago, we were them.
A Bit of Gratefulness
I’m grateful for every challenge, every cracked confidence, every awkward conversation at the site trailer. Because it built me.
I’m grateful for the men who treated me like an equal — and the ones who didn’t, because they taught me how to hold my ground.
I’m especially grateful for the women who came before me, even when they were the only ones in the room. They cracked open the door. Now it’s our turn to swing it wide open.
So, to the 22-year-old me — and to every woman stepping onto their first job site:
You are building more than structures. You are building a legacy.
Keep going. Keep growing. Keep writing your story.
WITH ADMIRATION & SISTERHOOD,
Your future self.
