With 30 years in the industry under her belt, Lisa Ulrich a Project Executive at UMC, gives her unique perspective into what the future can hold for women in AEC when they step outside of comfort zones and harness the networks available.
What was your first position in the industry, and what do you do today?
My first position in high school was as an administrative assistant at a large mechanical firm, and later I went on to intern during college at this same firm. After I graduated from college, I went to work as a field engineer certified welding inspector. I progressed from project manager to senior project manager, and now, to project executive at UMC. I work with clients to win projects, run the project through preconstruction, and stay in contact throughout the project. I also am a member of multiple associations that keep the UMC name on people’s minds.
What do you enjoy most about the construction industry?
I love being able to look at the skyline and say, “I helped build that.” I also enjoy the people, and the true friendships that I have found along the way. We are always evolving, and there is always something to learn from each other. Even if we are competing against each other for the same project, we end the week still being friends.
What do you think is the most important change happening in the construction industry?
The most important change I see happening in this industry is that companies are realizing their most important assets are their employees. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is truly finally being embraced by companies of all shapes and sizes, and it is inspiring. I think normalizing the thought that it is just as okay to go into the trades as it is to pursue a four-year college is going to be an important shift, as well.
AEC are relationship-based industries. Can you explain why it is important to get involved?
To be successful in our industry you need to simultaneously create trust and earn respect with your peers. You do this by meeting people outside of your standard day-to-day meetings, even outside our organization. By joining associations, you are exposed to events and find things to connect on other than the project at hand with your clients (general contractors, owners, owners’ reps, etc.), as well as those who consider you a client (subcontractors, suppliers, etc.).
From a business development perspective, it is important to show that UMC is active in the industry. For example, we join healthcare associations like WSSHE to show that we are players in that market. We join DBIA because we are a design-build firm. Joining and attending events indicates interest and the more people we have attending shows a large corporate commitment to the topic, association and/or market.
What advice would you give to a young woman entering the industry?
- Be yourself; you don’t ever have to try and fit in “like a man.”
- Your greatest success is when you use common sense. Don’t over analyze.
- Everyone started out new in the industry, we have all been there so don’t undervalue yourself.
- Ask questions or ask for help. See note 3 above.
- Find a mentor to support your goals both personally and professionally.
March 6 – 12, 2022 is Women in Construction Week. The focus of Women in Construction (WIC) Week is to highlight women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion for NAWIC’s thousands of members across the country to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry. It is also a time for local chapters to give back to their communities.
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