Project Controls Manager Making Waves for Females in Construction
Project Controls Manager, Dr. Anusree Saseendran started her career with HPM as a Project Controls Intern in 2020. Today, she manages a $500 million budget, meticulously tracking and safeguarding the investments of her client. With a Ph.D. in Construction Management from Texas A&M University, Anu is uniquely equipped to position owners to realize their goals. To celebrate Women in Construction Week, we sat down with Anu to discuss her career journey.
What drew you to the industry? Did you have reservations about pursuing a career in construction as a woman?
My interest in the construction industry stemmed directly from my upbringing in the Middle East, where construction was unavoidable and ubiquitous. I was repeatedly cautioned against this because of the industry’s reputation for being unwelcoming toward women. Instead of deterring me, these warnings only fueled my determination to prove that I could succeed in it.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
In my role in Project Controls, I find immense satisfaction in working with numbers and spreadsheets. I gather data from various sources, process and analyze it in rows and columns, and piece it together like a puzzle to grasp the broader picture. This aspect of my work makes for a dynamic and engaging work environment where each day presents new and unique challenges — essentially, endless puzzles to solve! I also find great reward in the tangible, real-time impact of my efforts, such as streamlining processes and facilitating cost savings for the owner.
How have you overcome setbacks or stereotypes in a male-dominated industry?
One of the best pieces of advice that I have been given upon joining the construction workforce is ‘don’t be afraid to ask questions, but also educate yourself on the subject matter’. Oftentimes, there is a lot of focus on encouraging women to raise their hands more frequently and ask more questions. In my opinion, it is infinitely more important for each of us to be responsible for our continuous learning. It is up to us to stay curious and remain updated on the latest trends and best practices to remain competitive in our field. Asking questions is just one aspect of that. I have also found pursuing education and training opportunities offered both within HPM and externally to be immensely valuable.
What would you tell a young female considering a career in construction?
Be resilient: Recognize that the construction industry can be challenging at times, but don’t let setbacks or obstacles deter you from pursuing your goals. Give yourself permission to fail and learn from your mistakes.
Seek mentorship: Find mentors both within HPM and outside of it. This will help you learn about job opportunities, gain valuable insights, and expand your support system. Mentors can provide guidance, support, and advice as you navigate your career path.
Explore: The image that comes to mind when you think of a job in construction is that of a person wearing PPE on a jobsite. There is so much more to construction than sitework. Take the time to research different career paths within the industry. Find your passion and pursue opportunities that best fit your interests and skills.
What is your hope for the future of women in construction?
Working in construction has sometimes been an isolating experience for me as a woman. I hope that as more women pursue their careers in this field, and as the number of women in construction leadership positions increase, this issue becomes a thing of the past.
How are you uniquely able to make an impact on the industry as a female?
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, I am able to serve as an advocate for diversity, inclusion, and equity. By raising awareness of gender disparities and advocating for inclusive practices, I am helping to create a more equitable and welcoming industry for the future. Performing well and advancing in my career in construction enables me to inspire other women to follow in my path by challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about careers in construction.
