In celebration of Women in Construction Week, we’re highlighting just a small handful of our powerhouse Preston women to gain some insight into how they began their careers in the construction industry and what they’ve learned along the way.

Meet Project Engineer Grace Gius. Grace graduated from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in 2020 and has been in the construction industry for just over two years.

What motivated you to start a career in construction?

My previous jobs were in solar engineering, and my favorite aspect of those jobs was the construction side, so I decided to pursue a career in construction.

What is your favorite thing about working in the industry?

My favorite thing about my position is the field time! Not only is it super interesting, but I find that field experience really accelerates my learning and helps me understand the work on a deeper level. Every site visit answers questions I didn’t even know I had!

What is your advice for young women thinking about starting a career in the industry?

Do it!!! Although a lack of diversity can be daunting, existing as any marginalized identity within a space means that your unique experiences bring a fresh and positive perspective both in the work being done and in the workplace! And if you ever feel overwhelmed, there are always people willing to support you if you take the time to reach out.

What motivates you to come to work and excel every day?

The people I work with are what motivate me to do my job every day! People really care about the work that they do, which is inspiring, and my coworkers’ willingness to help out and support me makes me happy to work alongside them.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I received (lately) is from my Project Manager Jen Haller. When I was first starting at Preston and in the construction industry, a lot of people gave me advice on how I should or should not act, but she told me, “you don’t need to act like anything, just be yourself.” Although it was simple, that was super impactful for me because it assured me that people of diverse identities and personalities have the ability to both successfully navigate and excel in this industry.