WOMEN'S CAREER SUCCESS
By Carol Stanton, CGS Career Counselor
Are you a working woman struggling with going to school and establishing a career?
The good news is that there have been many advances in women's careers in recent years, including: more choices available, greater financial independence, increased movement into upper management, and success as entrepreneurs. The bad news includes: low pay, occupational stereotypes, the glass ceiling, and increased stress. How can you be sure to find yourself aligned with the good news instead of the bad news?
Why do women often make less money?
Women have been earning more bachelor's degrees than men since 1982, but women still only make 75 cents for every dollar that a man makes. Partly this is due to sex-based wage discrimination. and partly this is because occupations that have the largest numbers of women tend to have the lowest wages. One researcher has suggested that another reason that women make less than men is because of low self-esteem. Sometimes, women don't value themselves enough, and so they don't ask for higher salaries. Self-reflection time: Have you gravitated to a career because it's more acceptable for a woman or is it based on your interests and passion? Have you taken stock of your skills and talents recently and realized what you're worth? Have you researched salaries in your field and asked for what you deserve?
Even when women escape the sexual stereotypes and are able to climb the corporate ladder, they often find themselves stopped by something called the "glass ceiling." This is a reference to subtle attitudes and organizational biases which prevent women from advancing into senior level positions with companies. Fewer than 3 percent of women are at the head of Fortune 500 companies. A book which deals with breaking the "psychological glass ceiling" is What's Holding You Back? - 8 Critical Choices for Women's Success by Linda Austin, M.D. This book focuses on the inner obstacles to women's success and gives practical suggestions for overcoming them. Self-reflection time: Do you find yourself in a dead-end job? Have you researched companies to find out which ones are women-friendly? Do you have clear career goals for yourself?
What career options are available for women?
Women have more choices about careers than ever before. Just a few decades ago, women who wanted a professional career usually were steered into teaching or nursing. Now, a woman can choose almost any career, as long as she is willing to put in the hard work and has enough determination. Self-reflection time: Have you researched the different career opportunities available? Do you know what your goals are? Have you been realistic about what you need to succeed in your chosen field?
What can women do to succeed in the world of work?
Networking is one of the best strategies for women to succeed in their careers. Start with people you know, then expand to meet new people who can lead you to more contacts.
Read books on networking such as The Networking Survival Guide by Diane Darling.
Find a mentor. This is another excellent strategy. A mentor is someone who is further along with her or his career, and can guide you to develop the skills and abilities you need to succeed on your career path. Mentors can be found through formal organizations like the Women's Business Office of the Small Business Association, or through more informal means, such as approaching someone in your field whom you admire, and asking for some guidance. There are mentoring opportunities through websites such as www.AdvancingWomen.com Self-reflection time: How could you find a good networking group or mentor?
Professional organizations are also very helpful in making the contacts you need to advance your career. You can find a book of professional organizations at the library or through the Internet. Locate a local branch of an organization in your field and start attending their meetings. Volunteer to be on one of their committees. Even if you are a student, you can usually still join. Self-reflection time: What professional organizations could you join to advance your career?
Start Your Own Business. One of the reasons that many women decide to start their own business is because it can give them greater flexibility, especially when they have a family to take care of. Another reason is that it is a way of avoiding the glass ceiling issue. American women own 9.1 million businesses, employing 27.5 million people. See www.sba.gov/financing/special/women.html for more information. Self-reflection time: Is having your own business a goal or an option for you?
Research companies. If you do decide to work for a company, investigate which ones have "family friendly" policies and are committed to promoting women. A good website for women is www.jobsearch.about.com/library/blwomen.htm . Self-reflection: Which employers would be best for you?
Upgrade skills. Perhaps you need to upgrade your skills by taking an accounting, supervision, or computer class? Or perhaps you need an advanced degree? Self-reflection time: What skill do you most need to improve for your job?
Having a successful career is within your reach. With some self-reflection and planning, you can take steps to improve your career and fulfill your potential. Good Luck!
