How Identity Has Influenced a Construction Manager's Career at DMCI
Joselle, a Construction Manager, describes a male-dominated industry where she, "really have[s] to be assertive" and "prove [herself] every day" to be respected. Despite the challenges of a heavily skewed gender ratio—with only three female construction managers among 15 colleagues—the company's respectful culture and Joselle's perseverance have helped her find a balance and achieve success in this demanding field.
Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges, Leadership, Resilience, Gender Diversity
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Joselle Civil
Construction Manager
DMCI Project Developers Inc.
University of the Philippines - Diliman, 2013
UCLA Anderson, MBA Candidate '25
Engineering - Civil
Architecture, Construction & Design, Real Estate
Operations and Project Management
International Student, Scholarship Recipient, Student Athlete
Video Highlights
1. Joselle's experience highlights the male-dominated nature of the construction industry, emphasizing the need for assertiveness and the constant need to prove oneself as a woman in this field.
2. She discusses the disparity in gender representation at various levels, from the technical staff to the workforce, illustrating the challenges women face in achieving leadership positions.
3. Despite the challenges, Joselle notes the importance of finding a balance and highlights the positive impact of working in a respectful company where her capabilities are recognized and valued, offering a message of hope and possibility for aspiring female construction professionals
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman in construction, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Construction is a very male-dominated industry. For the technical staff, around 45% are women. In my team, I led about 20 engineers, and approximately eight were female.
The workers were another story. For my project, we had 600 workers, and only 10 were female. So, 590 were male. This makes it very challenging.
Although I am in the role of construction manager, there are only around three women in this position. The rest, about 12 or 13, are male. The area managers, a level above mine, are all male.
The vice president for construction has always been male. The industry is very male-dominated. As a woman here, I really have to be assertive.
I feel I have to prove myself every day and show that I can be tough because the industry and the work itself are very tough. This is likely why most people who choose construction are male; it's very difficult.
So, as a woman, I have to prove myself. I have to show them that I know what I'm doing and that I should be respected. It was difficult at the start, but I found a balance.
It helps that people are very respectful. The company I am in, and the people within it, are very respectful and open to a woman leading them. This has always helped.
But yes, it's challenging. It's still a challenge. I hope to see more women in construction one day, just so we can prove we can be as good as the male leaders.