Kyle Gargaro is Editorial Director & Associate Publisher of The ACHR NEWS. He can be reached at 248-244-1720 or kylegargaro@achrnews.com. Gargaro has been with The ACHR NEWS since 2004, first as Legislation Editor, then Managing Editor, and now as Editorial Director & Associate Publisher. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
All of these women have made a mark on the HVAC industry and continue to do so. While they serve in different areas of the industry, each is making a contribution to both improve the industry and make it a more welcoming career for females.
I truly believe this is such a rewarding industry. Don’t let the belief that it is a man’s field limit you. There are so many different avenues of work and positions within the trades. And, quite frankly, the trades need you.
I get so excited when I work a trade show or do an open house at a distributor and the trade schools come through because I am seeing more and more women actively learning to become HVACR technicians.
This industry can provide you with a rewarding career in everything from technical positions, to sales, to accounting, to owning and running your own business. Follow your passion and be true to yourself — you will love it.
I encourage all women in the engineering profession to volunteer their time at schools and universities where they can encourage girls and young women to pursue a career in engineering. I believe showing other women that their goals are achievable inspires them to fight for a place in STEM.
Every time you hear that this is not the industry for you or you will never make anything of yourself, use that as motivation to succeed. It is very rewarding to prove the naysayers wrong. It is even more rewarding to fulfill your dreams and help others achieve theirs.
HVAC is a wonderful industry to get into. There are so many different avenues to pursue that can go beyond field work — although that’s a great option, too. The opportunities in HVAC are endless, and we’d love to have you join.