Women in Construction Week: Caitlin Erbacher

It's Women in Construction Week! Throughout the week, we are featuring women at Shook across various positions as they talk about what inspired them to pursue a career in construction and share advice for women interested in the field.

Meet Caitlin Erbacher, a Senior Project Engineer in Shook’s Midwest Region.

Caitlin has five years of construction experience, having started her career as a Construction Materials Testing Technician. As a Senior Project Engineer, her responsibilities include assisting during bid processes, managing trade partner coordination, document control, implementing on-site safety protocols, and assisting the Project Manager throughout all stages of the project, both on-site and in the office.

• What inspired you to pursue a career in construction?
  After I graduated from university with my Geology degree, I began working as a Construction Field Testing Technician. I was fascinated by every job site I went to and the construction process involved in building. I decided I wanted to help build as well and shifted my career focus toward construction management.
   
• What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction?
  I would advise young women to create a solid foundation in construction knowledge. There are many videos to watch that will explain the foundational knowledge needed to succeed. The best opportunity you could create for yourself is to talk with those who work in the construction field and begin observing and asking questions about everything.
   
• How do you see the role of women evolving in construction?
  I see the role of women evolving at a rapid pace. The opportunities for women are abundant, and if you have the desire to work hard there is truly no limit to how far you can go. It is important for young women to continually make their footprint in this career, and to stand firm on their beliefs that there is truly nothing a woman cannot accomplish in construction.