Date of Award
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Construction Science and Management (MCSM)
Department
Construction Science and Management
Committee Chair/Advisor
Ehsan Mousavi
Committee Member
Shima Clarke
Committee Member
Dhaval Gajjar
Abstract
Women in the construction industry continue to face persistent gender-specific challenges, and this study examines the strategies employed by successful women to overcome these barriers. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, the research first analyzes quantitative survey data from 170 women working across the U.S. construction industry to identify the most significant challenges they encounter, including work–life balance pressures, limited mentorship opportunities, unequal pay, and jobsite-related discomfort. The survey also reveals how women define career success, highlighting financial recognition, technical expertise, mentorship, and work–life balance as the most important success factors. Building on these results, qualitative interviews with nine women provide deeper insight into lived experiences and the strategies that support advancement in a male-dominated field. Interview participants described using resilience, boundary setting, mentorship, and proactive career planning to navigate both organizational and jobsite-specific obstacles. Together, the findings offer a comprehensive understanding of the barriers women face in construction and the approaches that enable them to achieve long-term career success.
Recommended Citation
Arez, Arezo, "Strategies Employed by Successful Women in the Construction Industry to Overcome Challenges Faced in Their Careers." (2025). All Theses. 4674.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_theses/4674