‘Construction is about skills, not gender,’ says First-Generation Graduate Turned Site Manager

A first-generation university student who balanced full-time work, family life and evening studying has progressed from student to Site Manager, highlighting the growing opportunities for women to build careers in construction as the industry seeks to widen its talent pipeline.

Adina Paun, from London, who completed a Construction Management degree at Global Banking School (GBS), became the first person in her family to attend university – all while working full-time and raising a family. She is now managing construction sites for TSL, a UK-based construction company, and has ambitions to become a Senior Project Manager.

Her career progression comes as the construction industry continues to focus on addressing skills shortages and encouraging more women into technical and leadership roles.

As the first person in her family to attend university, Adina said her degree had a lasting impact beyond her own career. Sha said: “It gave me the opportunity to set an example for my family and demonstrate that higher education is achievable regardless of your background.”

She credits GBS’s industry-experienced lecturers with helping bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world construction practice. “Having classes delivered by professionals with extensive hands-on experience in the construction industry meant the teaching was practical, relevant and directly applicable to my work.”

Male-Dominated Profession?

Although she expected to face barriers as a woman entering a traditionally male-dominated profession, her experience challenged those assumptions.

She added: “I always wanted to work in construction, but I never truly imagined myself working on a construction site until the opportunity became a reality. I expected I would have to work twice as hard to gain the same level of trust and credibility, but I quickly realised that competence, professionalism and a willingness to learn mattered far more than gender.”

Adina believes the industry is becoming more accessible for women across both site-based and leadership roles. “Construction is about applying the right skills to the task, not about gender. Today, women are working successfully across every part of the industry, from scaffolding and bricklaying to site management and project leadership.”

She encourages more women to consider construction as a long-term career. “Focus on the skills you have, the skills you can develop and the value you can bring. Construction offers an enormous range of opportunities, and your willingness to learn will always be more important than outdated stereotypes.”

Construction Management

Dr Lovelin Obi, Associate Dean, responsible for the strategic leadership, academic quality, and development of the Construction Management degree education across GBS campuses, said: “Adina is an excellent example of what our Construction Management programmes are designed to achieve: developing confident, capable professionals who are equipped to make a meaningful contribution to the construction industry. Through a curriculum informed by contemporary industry practice and research, we equip students with the knowledge, skills, and leadership capabilities needed to succeed in a dynamic and evolving sector.”

“As a woman in construction myself, with experience spanning both industry and academia, I have long championed the message that there is a place for women at every level of the profession. It is particularly rewarding to see students such as Adina excel and progress within the industry, demonstrating the significant contribution women continue to make across the built environment sector. Her achievement is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and commitment to continuous professional development.”

“At GBS, we are committed to developing the next generation of construction professionals and future industry leaders. Adina’s journey demonstrates how education, ambition and perseverance can create life-changing opportunities, and we are proud to have supported her success and look forward to seeing the impact she will make throughout her career.”

Site Manager

Now working as a Site Manager, Adina draws on knowledge from across her degree every day, including understanding contracts, pre-construction planning, project analysis and building structures. She says the flexibility of studying at a local campus with evening classes enabled her to gain a degree without stepping away from work or family responsibilities.

Looking ahead, Adina’s ambition is to become a Senior Project Manager. She added: “I want to continue expanding my knowledge, developing professionally and successfully delivering increasingly complex construction projects while continuing to learn throughout my career.”

For others considering higher education alongside full-time employment, she added: “An academic qualification provides knowledge that supports long-term career progression, and it is an achievement that no one can ever take away from you. The investment in yourself is well worth it.”

James Kennedy, the CEO at GBS, said: “Construction needs talented people from every background if it is to meet future demand. Adina’s journey demonstrates how flexible higher education can help people develop the skills the industry needs while opening doors to rewarding careers. She has shown that determination, supported by accessible education, can accelerate career progression and help encourage more women to see construction as an industry where they can thrive.”

GBS is a higher education provider offering career-focused courses across areas including business, digital technologies, construction, health and social care. The school supports students through flexible and accessible higher education pathways designed to enhance employability, skills development and career progression, with campuses across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds, the school supports a diverse student community from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds.