Building a new life, in a new country, in a male-dominated career: Julliane Corrêa
New country, career and beginnings
In a field where women make up only a small percentage of the workforce, Julliane Corrêa, a second-year Construction Management student at Ivany Campus, is constructing her own path to success. As an architect from Brazil with a desire for a career change and a life abroad, Julliane's journey to NSCC was a dream come true.
Growing up in southern Brazil in a modest family, studying was always a priority to Julliane’s mom. As she was raised with the belief that education was the key to a better future, she studied for two years after high school to earn a full scholarship to university. But after earning her bachelor's degree in architecture and Urbanism and working in design for several years, an unexpected layoff became the catalyst for Julliane and her husband to pursue their long-time dream of living abroad.
When deciding where to live in Canada, Halifax, Nova Scotia, was the perfect fit, saying, "we chose Atlantic Canada for its milder winters, similarly sized cities to our hometown and the booming economy and labour market in our field."
Breaking ground in a male-dominated field
Being a woman in a male-dominated sector such as construction management comes with its own set of barriers. Luckily for Julliane, she grew up with cousins and uncles in the construction sector who helped her learn how to navigate the industry.
“Even though it is difficult to be a woman in a predominantly male field, I believe that being persistent, always learning and having colleagues that encourage us and recognize our values are key to success,” says Julliane. “It is not always easy, but it is rewarding.”
This determination drove Julliane to achieve the second-highest GPA in her class during her first year. Following this success, she also received student awards to help fund her studies, including the Avondale Construction Limited Award, Maxim Construction Award, Ocean Contractors Limited Award, WINS Bursary, David Oulton Memorial Award, and NSCLRA Construction Management Technology Scholarship.
"I believe that education is often the only opportunity a person has to change their life and the life of their family," says Julliane. "Awards like these can be exactly what's needed for someone to continue studying and seeking a better future, and they can mean everything to the person receiving it."
Her next steps and advice to others
For her second year, Julliane is worry-free about her tuition, being able to cover her tuition with her awards and savings from her summer internship, saying, “I was so relieved to know that I wouldn't have to worry about finances during the course and could focus completely on my studies.”
Now, she’s working for one of Canada's top 10 construction companies while completing her diploma, with the goal of becoming certified in her field and to take on large projects to one-day be a lead role at a large company.
For advice to fellow women entering construction, Julliane says: “Stay true to who you are and don't be afraid to express your opinion. We don't need to adjust to other people's expectations or to fit into a mold that makes us uncomfortable. We belong in these roles. Never let anyone silence you or make you feel unqualified, because you can achieve whatever you set your mind to.”
Supporting women at NSCC
“This award has made a significant difference to my academic career. I am eternally grateful, and I hope that one day I’ll be able to repay this generosity by helping students the same way I was helped,” says Julliane, showing gratitude for the support she received thanks to donors like you.
Learn more about how you can support women studying at NSCC through ways to give to the NSCC Foundation, or contact us to discuss:
By phone (toll-free): 1-866-745-7919 | Fax: (902) 491-4828
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