Continuing our interview series celebrating women in construction, we sat down with all-rounder, Larissa Petru. Larissa has worked in multiple departments within Unita including Project Management, Estimation and currently works as Contract Administrator on a number of exciting projects.

What is your job title? 

Contracts Administrator

What are your role responsibilities? 

Administering Contracts! Only joking. My days are spend letting purchase orders, procuring, managing payments, ensuring contract terms are executed.  A large part of my role is facilitating communication between the subcontractors and the site and the client and site, ensuring the clients is getting the exact project they’re after.

What led you to construction?

I enrolled into a QS degree on a whim. I’d started a creative industries degree out of high school but found the industry wasn’t for me. A couple of friends were in enrolled in a QS degree and were enjoying it so I gave it a go.

What is your favourite part of your job?

The learning. I’m still in the beginning of my career so each project brings new challenges and circumstances and provides an opportunity to learn more about the construction process, relationships and product. Working in refurbishment, no two projects are the same and work is never boring!

What’s been the highlight of your career so far? 

Probably Currimundi Hotel. We worked closely with the client to design and construct a full refurbishment of the Hotel just in time for Summer. Being cost-plus, the nature of the project was admin heavy. This, along with the challenges that arise with refurbishing older pubs created the perfect opportunity to get stuck in with plenty of curveballs along the way.

What are the barriers of being a women in construction?

It’s pretty obvious construction is a boys club. The feeling of exclusion for women is almost inherent. Which is such a shame because it can be such a rewarding industry and all the women I’ve come across have been incredible in their roles. I think confidence is a barrier to women not just in construction, but all industries. The lack of confidence in your abilities or value can keep you in place and not advancing or feeling fulfilled in your career. Confidence comes from experience though, and I feel the industry has work to do with inclusivity and providing equal opportunities for women.

What do you think is the solution to attracting more women into the construction industry? 

Mentorship. It’s important in any field especially to someone starting their career. But in construction, having the ability to ask the ‘stupid questions’ or have someone guide you in your learning is a significant advantage. Some of the best project managers started on the tools, their wealth of knowledge is huge, they’ve learnt from the ground up. There’s so few women in trades, it’s a big gap in knowledge that it can seem impossible to catch up at times. But having support and the chance to build confidence is so valuable.

If there was one piece of advice that you could pass onto a woman starting in construction, what would it be?

Be willing to ask for the things you want. Training, projects, pay. There is a wealth of knowledge around you, don’t let it be wasted!