2023 Women in Construction: Maggie Driscoll, CM&B

Within your firm, who has helped you succeed within the industry? How have they helped you? I have been fortunate enough to have been paired up with project executives at my company who have not only taken the time to train and educate me but have also trusted me to take on more project responsibilities each day. Having the opportunity to listen and learn from their wealth of knowledge from years of experience in the construction industry has been extremely beneficial to my personal growth as a project manager. Even more so, knowing that they trust me to take on tasks has given me the confidence to continue to work to excel in my role. 

What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months? Over the past year, I have been working on the first phase of a 20-acre development in Farmingville, NY. This project was a great opportunity for me as I was involved in site work and ground-up construction which is rarely encountered in NYC. As the project progressed, I continued to take on more responsibility and utilized this experience to grow my overall construction knowledge. This project also came with new challenges I had not previously experienced. Facing these challenges is important early on in your career as it gives you the ability to learn how to problem solve in time-sensitive situations as well as understand how to better handle and limit these situations on future projects. 

What tips or advice would you offer to other women who are considering entering the construction industry? Don’t be afraid to stray off the typical career paths and do something different. This industry is evolving every day and there are so many opportunities for women to grow and succeed in construction. It is such a unique industry in the sense that it is everywhere and will not be disappearing anytime soon. I’ve found nothing but support from my team and others whom I have worked with as a woman in this industry. People want to see you succeed, making it a great opportunity for young women looking to decide what their next step may be for a career.