In continued celebration of Women in Construction Week, we're thrilled to share an insightful interview with Saltanat Beisenbayeva, one of our esteemed Senior Project Controller Schedulers.

With a rich background that spans from the Tengiz oil field in Kazakhstan to contributing to multi-billion-dollar projects, Saltanat has navigated her career with resilience and determination. Her insights offer a unique perspective on the evolving role of women in construction, the challenges they face, and the strides being made towards a more inclusive and equitable industry.

Can you describe your current role, how it relates to construction and what your day-to-day responsibilities entail?

My current role is Senior Planner. I’m developing a detailed project schedule working closely with multi-discipline project team. Plan is snapshot taken in a certain time, more important is effective planning.  My daily routine includes overall project planning and scheduling with using planning tools like P6 allows to track and measure work progress, do proper reporting which at the end is essential to deliver project on time and within budget.  

What inspired you to pursue a career in construction, and how did you get started in this field?

I started in Tengiz oil field as cost control and then switched to a Planner role. Tengiz (Kazakhstan) is a giant oil and gas field operated by TengizChevrOil. I joined as a Construction Contractor within the SGP&SGI Project (Second Generation Plant and Sour Gas Injection Plant), which had a total investment of $3 billion (SGP $2.2 billion and SGI $800 million). Severe climate conditions in Tengiz where temperatures can vary from 36C to -40C created constraints and restrictions that we planners considered while scheduling activities.

I was very impressed on my first visit by the scale of construction. Huge! And I was just a small screw in a huge mechanism. But we all know how important every little screw in a job is. On my first visit, I saw well-coordinated work of a huge construction site. Everyone knew and did their part of the job, it was demonstration of great team work! This probably predetermined my future choice of work.

Have you noticed any changes in the industry's approach to gender diversity since you started your career?

In early 2005-2006 women were mostly in office administrative work rather than construction site. Over the years, the number of women on the construction site has increased. Nowadays gender diversity in projects significantly changed and women working successfully in technical engineering disciplines.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in construction, and how have you overcome them?

Of course, it’s harder for women to work in construction. You have to prove that you can do your job. It’s even harder for a married woman because she is playing two roles: a wife and a mother. When you come home, the second shift begins – home shift. Fortunately, our company flexible and allow us to work partially from home.

What do you think can be done to improve the culture within the construction industry to be more inclusive and supportive of women?

Programs such as internships, apprenticeships, or mentorship can provide opportunities for women to learn the business, gain experience, network and receive coaching from women role models and leaders can be done to improve the culture within the construction industry to support women.

How do you think the presence of women in construction impacts project outcomes and team dynamics?

Women's participation in the industry has highlighted the importance of creating safe and inclusive work environments. Women more focused on making sure the entire team functioning at a high level rather than on their own individual achievement. This type of support spreads beyond the technical aspects of the job and into the emotional health of the team. With the increased awareness and focus on mental health, this type of positive impact on crew dynamics can have lasting effects beyond the project site. Women bring unique qualities to the jobsite that will help improve project outcomes.

What advice would you give to young women considering a career in construction or other STEM fields?

My advice to young women considering a career in construction or other STEM fields:

• Develop confidence, work hard. Women often believe their ideas are not worthy if they are not perfect, thought out and fully planned.
• Let opportunity in. Don’t be afraid to walk through unexpected doors when they open. You will not grow in your career if you are not challenged.
• View challenges as opportunities.
• Find a mentor (or be one).