Victoria Fleddermann, Director of Business Development for Alberici’s Industrial Process group, started as an intern and has worked for Alberici for her entire career. To conclude NAWIC’s annual Women in Construction week, we asked Victoria to reflect on her career and the role of women in the construction industry.
1. Can you tell us about your path to the construction industry?
I wanted a challenging career and elected to get an engineering degree. My uncle, an Alberici Vice President at the time, learned of my aspirations and gave me the chance to visit a project site, and I was hooked.
2. What do you like most about working in construction?
For 17 years, I worked in the field as a project engineer and project manager. I enjoyed involvement with Alberici’s diverse projects, including automotive plants, power plants, industrial facilities and buildings, and I enjoyed working with some great project teams. Working in the construction industry gives you the chance to be part of something much larger than yourself. Visiting projects I’ve worked on in the past, including Monsanto Chesterfield, the Scottrade Center and the St. Louis Galleria Mall, always stirs a memory.
In my current role in the Industrial Process group, I am exposed to new manufacturing processes from our large variety of clients, which I find fascinating. I also enjoy the challenge of finding opportunities that are the best fit for Alberici’s expertise and resources.
3. Tell us about a challenge you’ve faced in your career and how you approached it.
When starting a new project, you often have to establish credibility with a new team. I’ve found that seeking insight and opinions from more experienced field people before making decisions provides a basis to grow mutual respect.
4. Do you have any advice for women entering the construction industry?
We are all here to do our jobs to the best of our abilities; having a mindset that gender is a non-issue helps set the stage. Take on challenges, and get involved in professional associations such as the Associated General Contractors (AGC) or the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). Having a mentor or two to turn to for advice is also invaluable.