Name: Ashley Pagan-Burroughs

Company: Interstate Electrical Services Corp.

Position: Second Year Apprentice

What was your first position/job in the A/E/C Industry? I joined Interstate as an apprentice. When I started, I’m not going to lie, I was nervous about working with mostly men. I didn’t know if they were going to be angry or grumpy or hard to work with. But everyone was so nice and so patient, showing me where things were, helping me figure stuff out - it was a relief. 

Why the A/E/C Industry? When I was in high school, I dropped out due to some family problems and I had to help out at home. I went back and got my diploma and went to work in fast food, and that’s where I stayed for eight years. My best friend is in electrical. He’s the one who was telling me I should get into it. I searched “electrical company” on Google and emailed several companies to ask about job opportunities. Interstate got back right back to me the next day. That’s how I got my foot in the door.

Advice/Keys to Success: If a man can do it, you can do it as well. Don’t be intimidated. My family and friends have all been really supportive. They are excited to see me keep going, and that helps a lot. 

If you had to choose one word to explain why you do what you do, which one most suits you? And why? The challenge of doing something new every day and learning something new every day. I was in fast food for eight years. Big difference.