This year’s theme, Envision Equity, aims to raise awareness of opportunities for women to enjoy a wide range of roles in the construction industry. In conjunction with this theme, we’re spotlighting women who are critical to our success across our company.
To kick off our celebrations, we’ve asked Billing Specialist Melissa Plewes a few questions on her experience in the construction industry and what advice she has for future generations of women who want to succeed in this industry.
How did you get into the construction industry?
Muller, Inc. is actually my first foray into the construction industry. After researching the company and learning that it was a growing firm with a reputation for being an excellent place to work because of its supportive environment, I applied. Although I had no prior construction industry experience, I was confident that I could translate my previous office management skills to the needs of construction office functions. I am happy to report that the environment for learning and growing here has allowed me to contribute to the company.
What piece of advice do you have for the next generations of women interested in a career in construction?
Be open-minded. Don’t be afraid to step up and learn new things. Construction is a fast-changing environment with new technologies, methods, and opportunities popping up all the time. Be courageous and ask questions. It will help build your knowledge base, which will increase your credibility in the industry. The more credible you are, the more respect you will earn from colleagues and clients.
What is one thing you would tell your younger self about being a woman in construction?
There are many opportunities today for women in non-traditional industries and occupations. Again, have an open mind when looking for opportunities. Have confidence and never underestimate your capabilities. Always value yourself highly because others will regard you the same way you regard yourself. Most important, when opportunities present themselves, approach them with enthusiasm and seize them as a chance to master something new and thus to add more skills to your resume.
“Always value yourself highly because others will regard you the same way you regard yourself.”
What do you hope future generations of women will experience as they enter the industry?
Looking back, every generation of women has made more strides in construction than the last. The dynamic environment in this industry will continue to call for a wide variety of skills and attributes. I am confident that construction is poised to pay less and less attention to who you are in the future and more attention to what you bring to the table.
What are you still trying to learn as you continue in your career path?
I am new enough to Muller, Inc. that I am still focusing on mastering my job and making such process improvements as I can. However, soon, I want to learn more about the field operations and the needs of our various kinds of customers so I can do a better job of representing Muller, Inc.’s business to the customers.
What’s your favorite part of your job here at Muller, Inc.?
Working with the Muller, Inc. family. We all want to see each other succeed, and everyone does their best to help others do so.
About Muller, Inc.
At Muller, Inc., we combine our extensive knowledge and work ethic with specialized technologies to produce sustainable results for our clients and the communities we work and live in. Based in Northern Virginia, our unique technology and systems-driven approach have led us to become a leading provider of civil construction services throughout Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Our core services include Erosion & Sediment Control, Hydro Excavation, Utilities, Green Infrastructure, Site Work Packages, Pipe Inspection and Repair, Bond Release, and Stormwater Maintenance.