International Women’s Day Profile – Christa Vagg

Where are you working now? 

“Cobild”

What is your role and what activities does your role entail on a daily basis?

“I’m a Contract Administrator, and my role is to manage the procurement of trades, materials and financials of a specific project.”

“There’s a heavy reliance on communication, following up emails, and making sure each of our team is up to date with progress and across any potential items which may have been flagged as a project risk.”

“Each day is always different from the last, so you need to be agile & have good time management skills.”

What do you like best about your role?

“I’m energised to be part of a team that is physically bringing all the different parts of construction together to build a tangible structure. It cannot be done alone, and working as a collective to create buildings in Melbourne is a pretty powerful thing.”

What attracted you to your role? 

“The position of Contract Administrator is a detail-conscious role with strong discipline and structure. I’m a routine focused operator and this role is structured in a way that really supports my innate traits allowing me to thrive.”

What is most important to you when looking for a job?

“It’s simple, a good workplace culture. You will work hard in whatever role you choose within the construction industry. It’s important to work somewhere that shares your values, invests in your career growth and importantly has fun in the process. I’ve found this at Cobild and couldn’t be happier with my evolution since commencing.”

Tell us about your career journey so far 

“My journey started as a Junior Contract Admin within a small construction company with 15+ employees. I was exposed to all facets of the business. Since then, I have worked for a handful of builders on projects ranging from $200k to $42 mil. I’ve found that some of the most challenging projects I have worked on are the smallest in dollar value. I personally enjoy working for smaller businesses as the position of Contract Administrator is more dynamic, exposing you to more complex issues across the business, not just within your position and project.”

Tell us about the challenges and triumphs you have faces as a female in a male-dominated industry

“Cobild has been the first workplace, that I’ve worked alongside a strong workforce of females, and this was a huge change for me when I transitioned over 12 months ago.”

“My experience prior to Cobild, was that I was often the only female in the room for meetings or on the construction site. I experienced, no female toilets or sanitary bins on site, as well as strong sexist behaviours, with exclusionary dialogue when problem solving with little to no acknowledgment.”

“I believe being a female is my advantage in the construction industry. I’m a natural empath and can easily build strong rapport and relationships with most people. Being personable and showing a keen interest to learn and develop has often broken down any challenging gender-based barriers I’ve come across, as males have often judged on my gender rather than my output.”

“Support people are everything in the construction industry, those trusted people you can speak vulnerably to when you feel like you’re being unfairly treated and find ways to navigate and overcome.”

If you could say one thing to young females looking to enter the industry – what would it be? 

“Be prepared to be one of a few females in your team or workplace. Learn your superpowers, what makes you unique and make being the minority your advantage.”

Why should students in school consider your industry as a further study and career option? 

“Construction is such a multi-faceted industry, it’s jam-packed with opportunity for all kinds of interests, and skillsets. Plus, there’s always ongoing evolution in technology which means it’s constantly changing and there are new and exciting ways of doing things making it an exciting space to be in.”

“Whatever your interest is, there’s something within the construction industry to challenge you!”

What did you enjoy best about your degree?

“Building relationships with people with similar passions. The industry is small enough that you cross paths with people you went to university with – it’s great reconnecting with people you studied with and sharing stories.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

“Being a female in the construction industry is a challenge, but it’s also your biggest advantage. Share your voice, find a workplace that pushes you to be better and never stop learning and evolving!”

Thank you Christa for sharing your story!