Women in Construction: Sherry Patrin
“Working in a predominantly male field hasn’t affected my feelings about my job. I feel I have been successful because I focus on my work and take pride in doing a good job.”
This week, as part of Women in Construction Week, we are highlighting women as a viable component of the construction industry. WIC Week also provides an occasion to raise awareness of the opportunities available for women in the construction industry and to emphasize the growing role of women in the industry.
SHERRY PATRIN
Construction Electrician
Years in Industry: 28
When deciding on a career path, Sherry wanted a skill that would always be in demand. Electrical trade school was the ticket. Originally she planned to work as a maintenance electrician but as a part of her apprenticeship, she spent 4 years working in construction and found that she really enjoyed the building process. She acknowledges that the work can be challenging, but enjoys the variety of tasks and changing job locations.
Working in a predominantly male field has not affected her feelings about the job but instead feels she’s been successful because of the focus she puts on her work and the pride she takes in doing a good job. The challenging part can be working for many different people – adapting to their leadership style and expectations while they assess her as a worker.
Sherry has met and worked with many great people over the years and has never regretted her career choice. Some of the projects she has worked on include: History Center, Science Museum, Children’s Museum, Ramsey County Jail, and St. Paul Union Depot.