Sandy Chapin | Women in Construction 2022

Like many architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) marketers, Sandy Chapin, UMC’s Marketing & Communications Director, basically fell into the industry. But once she had a few years under her belt, she became passionate about the industry and the skills, knowledge, experience, and creativity it takes to plan, design, and construct the built environment, not to mention the uniqueness of relationship and B2B marketing.

How did you get started in the industry?

With an English degree and the ability string words together on paper, one’s career path can go in different directions—early on, journalism was the road I thought I would take. I had never considered working in the AEC industry; in fact, I really didn’t know anything about it. But life is a journey of twists, turns, and alternative paths to explore. In 2001, as I was searching for a new career opportunity, the HR director at Sparling (electrical engineers) was intrigued that my resume included some years of experience in a non-AEC engineering department and passed my resume on to some principals. I got my foot in the door there as an executive assistant, but the creative part of me had one eye on the marketing department from the start. A year later, I was in the marketing department. And after 18 years of a great marketing career at Sparling (now Stantec)—UMC knocked, and I answered. This April will be four years at UMC.

What does a career in AEC have that no other industry can provide?

While I’m not out in the field in my position, I listen closely when talking to our field teams, writing their stories, and promoting their work. The pride they take in their work is contagious. How awesome is it to have the opportunity to literally help turn a hole in the ground into the next skyscraper, hospital, or research center? They work extremely hard to make buildings safe, comfortable, energy-efficient, and reliable. They design and install systems that are the lungs and bloodstream of the buildings and then help automate and maintain them. Our AEC companies shape our buildings, and then those buildings shape our society. How cool is it to be on the front lines of that?

What do you think is the most important change happening in the construction industry?

I believe the shifting mindset toward diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the construction industry is one of the most important changes happening, especially on the construction side of AEC. With ~90% of the construction industry being made up of white males, even in 2022, we have a long way to go to reflect the diversity found in society. Construction has been missing out on a wide range of talent and ideas that come with a diverse workforce. It’s good to see the industry beginning to recognize this now.

What advice would you give to women who may be considering coming into the industry?

I recently listened to a fabulous keynote speaker who had dreamed of career in aviation and was told it probably wasn’t the right career path for “someone like her.” Well, after a 21-year decorated military career in the California Air National Guard 115th Airlift Squadron, today Lieutenant Colonel ret. Patricia Murray is a 20-year veteran pilot and now captain for American Airlines. Her message, “Run Your Own Race,” is one any woman who is considering breaking into industries that are considered “non-traditional” for woman can learn from. “Stay true to yourself to win your own race.” You can do it!

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.