Celebrating Women in Construction Week: Jennifer Frank, PE - Structural Engineer

WIC Week 2023 Spotlight - Jennifer Frank, PE, Structural Engineer / Linton Engineering, LLC / Bachelor of Science, Civil and Environmental Engineering / Virginia Tech??

?What led you to a career in the construction industry?

My path was very linear compared to most people.?My father is an architect.?I grew up traveling to job sites with him.?I knew early on I wanted to either be an architect or an engineer because I wanted to build things.?I discovered very quickly I wanted to be an engineer because I am much more technical and less artistic.?Architects have an influence on all aspects of construction like lighting and heating and human circulation.?I preferred to focus on the specific aspect of the structure.

What have been some of the biggest rewards you’ve had in your career??

I feel confident about my job security.?I feel I can go anywhere in the country and find a job.??Witnessing the transformation of a design from paper to a physical structure is an exciting and satisfying experience. The feeling of accomplishment from being able to walk into a building that I helped design is truly rewarding.?Additionally, it is gratifying to be able to showcase my work to my friends and family.

Have there been challenges?

The construction industry requires the cooperation of many different disciplines. Achieving a successful outcome involves understanding the individual responsibilities while also balancing the demands of the client. Being able to effectively communicate to these different entities is a must.

What’s it like working for Linton Engineering?

Working here is fantastic, and there are many aspects that I appreciate. The people are amazing and the projects we get are impressive. I had previously worked in commercial construction, but now I primarily work on residential projects. Although I had no prior experience in this area, Dave guided me through the process, and I developed a passion for it. Another aspect that I appreciate is that we are a small company. Previously, I worked at a large, international company, where it was hard to stand out. At Linton, I feel valued and recognized.

Do you have a favorite project??

One project that stands out to me is a new beach house I worked on in Delaware. It is a particularly noteworthy project due to its size, being one of the largest houses I have worked on to date. Typically, I don’t have the opportunity to see my projects in person while still under construction. For this project, they asked us to do a framing inspection to provide the owner with a higher quality of control. This experience was unique and special as I was able to witness the completed structure bare without any finishes.?

Are you seeing more women working in the construction industry?

In recent years, I have noticed that the larger architectural firms I have worked with have a growing staff of women. Several of the women have been taking on prominent roles in the company. While I will admit that the structural engineering side of the industry still has a lower proportion of women, I have never worked at a company where I was the sole female engineer.

What would you say to women who are interested in pursuing a career in the construction industry?

One aspect of the industry I would point out is the level of job security in the construction industry. The construction industry serves such a vast market. Additionally, entering the industry is not particularly difficult and there are good paying jobs that require varying levels of educational backgrounds and interests. For those with an artistic inclination, drafting or architecture may be a good fit, while those with a preference for numbers can consider engineering. Moreover, many jobs in construction do not require a degree, and there is a continuous need for both skilled and unskilled labor in the industry.