Women in Construction: Jackie Jacob

As a part of Women in Construction (WIC) week, March 4-10, 2018, we are highlighting the contributions of local women in the industry. The following interview is with Jackie Jacob, Project Engineer at The Great Lakes Construction Co., who has worked in the construction industry for 9 years.

How did you begin your career?

My career began with me working part as a field engineering intern in 2008 for a small contractor while studying Civil Engineering at Youngstown State University. It was not until 2011 when I graduated that I began working full time for The Great Lakes Construction Co., and have been there for the last 7 years.

What attracted you to the construction industry?

What attracted me to the construction industry was that there were so many interesting and different topics to learn about. Things are always changing in construction, which keeps things interesting, and I always enjoy learning about new things. I believe it is important to really love what you do, and being in the construction industry with so many changing parts makes it easy to enjoy. 

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy being able to see things from the beginning when you start with nothing and then get to watch it be constructed and have a final product that you can say you were a part of. It makes things interesting and a great experience every time.

Best advice:

Be yourself and enjoy what you do. Don't be afraid to meet and talk to new people and keep a teamwork attitude. Be confident in what you say and do, while still being able to take advice and constructive criticism well.

Best experience:

Being able to be a part of the Cleveland Innerbelt Project and the TGR Joint Venture Team. That project was a great experience overall, from the people I was able to work with to all the different types of work I was able to be exposed to, and all the items I was able to participate in working on.