Trade school is an increasingly popular and effective way to prepare for a long, fruitful career. For many, the hands-on and skills-based approach that trade school offers is the education they need to help them accomplish their dreams. With that in mind, it’s a bit surprising that men predominantly populate both trade school and trade careers; however, that didn’t stop Biblica McKinney, an industrial maintenance technician at Konecranes, from pursuing her passions.
“It’s been unnerving at times,” she says. “It’s hard not to notice when you’re the only woman on a job site—especially when people point it out.”
It’s not hyperbole. McKinney is often the only woman in the room, at a site, or on a project. She’s very much in the process of actively breaking barriers, and that sometimes leaves her feeling like she has something a little extra to prove. Still, when she encounters another woman at work, she knows they have each other’s backs.
“There’s this unspoken bond,” she shares. “We give each other that look, that little smile that says, ‘I see you.’ That quiet support, along with building confidence in my skills, has helped me stay grounded and keep pushing forward.”
McKinney is in the early stages of her career with Konecranes, and she’s making the most of it. Here, she talks about how Konecranes supports early-career talent, where she finds professional support systems, and why she believes that working smarter is sometimes better than simply working harder.
Tell us about your career journey. What inspired you to become an industrial maintenance technician? How did trade school successfully prepare you for this role?
Before attending trade school, I worked as a professional driver operating box trucks, cabovers, and delivery vehicles. I worked on everything from delivering packages and supplying food for airplanes to securing confidential papers for destruction.
I knew I wanted a career in the trades, but wasn’t ready to commit to a single path—like becoming only an electrician or a welder. Industrial maintenance helped me gain experience across multiple areas and develop into a well-rounded technician.
What initially led to your job at Konecranes? How did you know the company would be a good fit for your professional needs and goals?
Working with Konecranes allows me to continually grow and expand my knowledge in multiple areas—electrical, pneumatic, and mechanical systems—which aligns nicely with what I aimed for while pursuing my degree. I was drawn to the company because of the strong emphasis on internal growth and career development. From the start, I knew that once I entered the trades, I wanted to build a lasting career, and Konecranes supports that ambition. Also, their commitment to safety and thorough preparation made it clear that they were the right fit.
What do you like best about the company culture? As a female technician who is fairly new to the industry, how has Konecranes helped you acclimate to the business and the industry?
What I appreciate most about Konecranes’ culture is the strong emphasis on safety and preparation. From the beginning, they’ve equipped me with the tools and knowledge needed to perform my job safely and confidently. As a female tech new to the industry, I’ve felt genuinely welcomed and supported. Trainers and team members regularly check in and remind me that I’m not alone and they’re rooting for me. That kind of ongoing support has made a difference in helping me acclimate and grow in this field.
What are you responsible for in your current role? Why does this work excite or inspire you?
Right now, my main responsibilities are inspections and repairs—including pendants and chains, bridges and trolley wheels, and 100-year-old D.C. cranes. However, learning is just as important to me as the work. I’m still fairly new, and my manager and team have been incredibly supportive with teaching and helping me grow. I’m excited by the work because it constantly pushes me to think outside the box. Every job is different, and there’s always something new to figure out, which keeps me motivated and curious. Also, I love the cool job sites and the old and new technology that I didn’t realize existed.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career, and how did you overcome it? What valuable lessons did you learn?
The biggest challenge for me has been physical strength. Some parts of the job involve a lot of lifting and physical work. People say “just bulk up,” but I prefer to let my brain do the heavy lifting. I’m learning to work smarter and use the right tools. Brute force isn’t always the best answer…and hey, the brain counts as a muscle too, right? Sometimes using your head makes all the difference. Thinking through a task and working smarter can go a long way, and honestly, that’s become one of my strengths.
What advice do you have for someone—especially women—looking to start their career in your field? How can they thrive at Konecranes and beyond?
Don’t let being the only one in the room shake your confidence. Bring your strength to the table, and be open to learning. Support systems matter. From trainers to coworkers, surround yourself with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
Why is Konecranes a great place for recent college graduates? How does the company actively nurture and support early-career talent?
Konecranes invests in its employees. From the start, you’re given real responsibilities, hands-on experience, and access to people who genuinely want to help you grow. It’s not just about doing the job, it’s about learning the “why” behind it.
Early-career talent is supported through training, mentorship, and the kind of environment where questions are encouraged and growth is expected.
Where do you see your career going in the future, and what are your ultimate goals?
I see myself taking the knowledge and experience I’m gaining as a technician and eventually stepping into a higher role—one where I can support and guide others. My long-term goal is to keep advancing while staying connected to the hands-on side of the work that got me started.
What are some of your hobbies when you’re not working? How do you recharge?
When I’m not working, I’m usually outside doing something random with my fiancé—electric skateboarding is our favorite, and with warm weather coming up, we’re looking forward to it. I also love spending time with my mom, and on quieter days, I dive into my creative hobbies like 3D printing, drawing, or anything artistic. I’ve always had a lot of creative outlets. They help me recharge and keep my mind sharp.