BMD interview series for International Women’s Day – Aiswarya (Aish) Satheesh

At BMD our business is our people. BMD recognises the importance of gender diversity in the construction industry and believes in the value that different perspectives can add to our business. During an interview series in the lead up to International Women’s Day, meet some of our female employees to learn how they are breaking the bias.

AISWARYA (AISH) SATHEESH, GRADUATE CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR, SHARES HER STORY FOR INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

I AM…

A graduate contracts administrator at BMD. I am currently working on the Military Road and Main Street upgrade project in Henley Beach, South Australia, which is my first ever onsite job. I work closely with the site crew which has been a great learning experience.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO BREAK THE BIAS?

Because everyone should be able to dream without conditions.

Growing up and watching my mum be an absolute superstar in her career instilled in me a sense of being able to achieve anything I set my mind to.

I know that not a lot of young girls grow up in such a supportive environment. It did raise a few eyebrows in my family and community when I chose to move overseas to study and start up my career when, traditionally, I should have been settling down instead.

The whole experience made me value the importance of having visible role models. Seeing is believing and it really helps to know that someone before you has been able to achieve what you hope to achieve.

HOW DO YOU COMMIT TO HELPING BREAK THE BIAS?

By being involved as much as I can both at work, and in conversations surrounding work, I hope to encourage healthy conversations and help shift pre-existing notions about construction and the role of women in construction. I am also looking forward to sharing the lessons and insights from my experience with anyone wanting to get into the field of construction and to help remove any worries or doubts about what the work environment is like.

Outside of work, I try to be genuine and let people (from close friends to random strangers), know that a construction site isn’t a tough environment for women. At work, my team comprises of amazing people who do incredible work. Every day I am excited to get to work onsite and contribute to the work that BMD does.

WHY DO YOU SEE A LONG TERM CAREER AT BMD?

Work is such a significant part of our lives, especially with the amount of time we spend with our work team, so it was very important to me to work in a good and supportive environment that would help me grow.

At BMD, I already feel like I’m part of a family and the support I receive from my team and management has made me feel so incredibly welcome and supported. Everyone at work is always happy to help and answer any questions I have (and being a recent graduate, I do have a lot of questions). There are so many opportunities to learn and grow your network and I know that I can have a fulfilling career at BMD.

International Women’s Day is held on March 8. It recognises the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women and marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

The IWD 2022 theme, Break the Bias, envisages a world free of bias where difference is valued and celebrated.