By Jesse Clark
According to research, 38% of women say that they have been sexually harassed at work. This devastating statistic is just one example of women’s many obstacles as they try to advance their careers. If you’re part of this group and you want to overcome the hurdles facing young women, there are a few things you can do to find professional success. Consider the following eight strategies that can help you address sexism, prove your worth, and earn the recognition that you deserve in the workplace.
1. Find work that’s suited to your skills
The best way to set yourself up for success is to find a job that’s aligned with your skill set. To do this, you can start searching on online job boards and filter results based on keywords that match your unique abilities. Applying for positions that you’re well-suited to makes it more likely that you will succeed.
2. Get a degree that further develops your skills
A degree can make all the difference if you’re looking for a way to set yourself apart from other candidates. For example, going back to school for a master’s in information technology can qualify you for IT jobs. Similarly, a business administration or marketing degree may open opportunities in other career sectors.
3. Invest in a professional development program
Instead of taking the more costly path or earning a degree, you can enroll in a professional development program. By learning the ins and outs of a certain discipline, you will be well-positioned to advance in your current field or even start your own business. Look for a course that offers a certificate of completion that you can showcase on your resume or LinkedIn accounts.
4. Pursue advancement whenever possible
Yet another important way to develop your skills is to pursue growth opportunities wherever you can. As new leadership positions become available, you can seek out advancement to take on more responsibility and apply your skills in new ways.
5. Address sexism head-on
Unfortunately, even the most skilled professional woman will inevitably encounter sexism at some point. When you do, it’s important not to ignore it. Instead, you should address it head-on. This may include confronting the offender, documenting the incident, consult the Human Resources Department, or simply seeking out a workplace that’s not hostile. No matter what the outcome is, you should never accept a workplace where you are discriminated against.
6. Demonstrate your aptitude for leadership
As a woman, you may not be the first candidate who comes to mind for promotion. Though this is unfair, you can combat the problem by demonstrating your qualifications and proving that you’re suited for advancement. There are many free leadership development resources available at JohnGronski.com and LeaderGrove.com. Read the book “Iron-Sharpened Leadership” to hone your leadership skills.
7. Revamp your resume
In today’s competitive job market, it’s important to make sure your resume is up-to-date and looking its best. One way to get revamp your resume is by using a resume maker. Here is a free tool that lets you create a professional-looking resume in minutes, without the hassle of starting from scratch. You simply enter your information into the resume maker and choose from a variety of templates and designs.
8. Work for yourself instead of somebody else
Sometimes the sexism of the corporate workplace is simply too much to handle. If you’ve found that you’re ready to move on and try something new, starting your own business — and being your own boss — may be the right path. To do this, you should first establish a business plan that includes an overview of your company’s structure, funding, purpose, and marketing strategy.
Define Success for Yourself
As a woman in the professional world, you must contend with a myriad of obstacles that men simply do not. Although this can be frustrating, it doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed. With the right skills and qualifications and by creating a stellar resume, you can prove your worth and achieve advancement.
About Our Blog Contributor
Jesse Clark is a traveler, so she’s no stranger to experiencing wanderlust and that strong desire to travel. She’s already had enough experiences to last a lifetime, but she’s not stopping anytime soon.
