Name: Nicole Jacobson
Title: Senior HVAC Engineer
Company Name: M/E Engineering, P.C.
What advice would you offer to other women getting into the construction industry?
Be confident…but not overconfident. Your confidence in your knowledge will help you gain the respect of you colleagues and clients. However on construction sites, you’ll interact with contractors who have been installing these systems, you’ve designed, for 20+ years and the ability to listen to their recommendations based on practical experience is paramount.
What was your greatest professional achievement or most notable project in the last 12 months?
My most notable project in 2021 was the Cornell University Duffield Hall Cleanroom Rehabilitation and Energy Conservation Project, which is currently in construction. A focal point of the project is to reduce the energy consumption of this laboratory building, which is currently the 2nd highest energy consumer on campus. The yearly projected savings are $250,000 and 540 tons of CO2. Cornell is my alma mater so all projects on campus have a special place in my heart, but a contributing factor in Cornell’s goal of carbon neutrality brings even greater satisfaction.
Why should women consider a career in construction?
The career opportunities within the construction industry are vast and can appeal to a variety of career interests. Positions range from design, sales, management and actual construction to name a few. Honestly, women are underrepresented in the field and that makes them an appealing candidate to firms.
Starting out in the construction business, who or what empowered you?
Being given the opportunity to take on a new challenge.
Who within your own firm has helped you succeed within the construction industry?
My first mentor, Aaron McConnell. The construction industry is a small world and he stressed having a good rapport with your clients, whether that be architects, fellow engineers, owners, or contractors, will go a long way. Building those relationships make for a more enjoyable project, sets you up for success on future projects, and typically smooths out any issues if they arise.
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