As Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day draw attention to representation and progress across the industry, the experiences of Karen, US Operations and Engineering Support Specialist, and Mary, Commissioning Lead for a semiconductor client in Arizona, show how opportunity unfolds at different stages of a career. One is building confidence at the beginning of her professional journey; the other is leading major commissioning scopes on complex semiconductor projects. Together, their experiences reflect what it takes to build and sustain a career in the construction industry.
From Education to Industry
For Karen, the path into engineering began with a clear interest in planning, process improvement and efficiency. She studied Engineering Management at Arizona State University, choosing a degree that blended elements of construction and industrial engineering. Alongside her studies, she gained practical experience through related roles and internships, including one with LotusWorks, allowing her to connect theory with real-world application.
Now working as a US Operations and Engineering Support Specialist, she applies that foundation daily across project coordination and operational support activities. At this early stage in her career, Karen is focused on building both technical competence and professional confidence. She believes exposure plays a crucial role in encouraging more young women into STEM fields. Greater visibility of the wide range of engineering careers and of women already pursuing them can help students see where they might fit. Education systems, she feels, have an important role to play in introducing STEM pathways earlier and linking them clearly to real-world impact.
Like many entering a traditionally male-dominated industry, Karen is open about the internal challenges that can arise. “It’s normal to experience imposter syndrome and feel like you don’t belong at times, especially when being in a male-dominated field,” she says. “Don’t let that discourage you or take away from your hard work. Keep pushing, stay confident in your abilities, and trust that the effort you put in now will be worth it.”
Her experience reflects the ambition often seen at the start of a career, as technical capability and confidence develop side by side.
Leading With Experience
At a different stage of her journey, Mary’s career reflects what progression can look like over time. She entered the semiconductor industry straight from college as an Equipment Owner in the Lithography area. During multiple greenfield start-ups in Ireland and the United States, she gained first-hand experience in design coordination, facilities, safety sign-offs and the installation of complex process tools. These early roles provided a foundation in how systems are built and commissioned from the ground up.
One of the most defining chapters in Mary’s career was her 12-year break as a stay-at-home mother before returning to engineering in 2017. Her re-entry came through commissioning, and after joining LotusWorks in 2018, she steadily expanded her expertise within the PSSS (Chemicals and Gas Equipment) area, progressing to her current role as PSSS Lead.
Today, as a Commissioning Lead supporting process mechanical installations and commissioning at a semiconductor client site in Arizona, Mary leads teams delivering critical infrastructure for semiconductor manufacturing. Among her proudest achievements is serving as PSSS Commissioning Lead for the project, where her team installed and commissioned more than 700 pieces of equipment to support factory start-up and ramp.
Beyond technical milestones, Mary is particularly motivated by seeing younger engineers grow. She values building strong working relationships across teams, understanding different communication styles, and helping individuals develop both technical and soft skills. Having witnessed the industry evolve from basic software tools to today’s highly digitalised project environments, she also recognises the importance of adapting and continuously learning.
For Mary, initiatives such as Women in Construction Week and International Women’s Day matter because they recognise the contribution women bring to the industry and provide visible examples of what is possible. She believes long-term retention depends on practical supports such as flexible working arrangements for women with children and mentors who understand the challenges of being a young woman in engineering.
Offering advice to early career engineers, Mary says, “Be yourself and learn from those around you who have the benefit of experience. Be open to new roles, even if you are not sure they will be the right fit. You will always take something positive from them. And always ask questions even if you think they are silly. They are not.”
Building a Stronger Future Together
Together, Karen and Mary represent two points on the same path, one focused on building foundations, the other on leading and mentoring. Their experiences show that inclusion isn’t about a single initiative or awareness week. It requires consistent opportunity and support at every stage of a career.
As the industry continues to evolve and grow, its future will depend on both emerging talent and experienced leadership. By encouraging young women to enter STEM, supporting them as they grow, and recognising the impact of those who have built long careers, construction becomes stronger and more representative for generations to come.