Breaking Barriers: Insights into Women's Professionals Performances
In the realm of science and technology, gender parity in senior roles remains underrepresented, a challenge that Tara McGeehan, President of CGI UK and Australia, is determined to address. McGeehan, a leading figure in the global IT and business consulting services firm, argues that meaningful progress for women in the workplace begins with the choices made at the outset of their careers.
Women aiming for senior roles in this industry can navigate their careers effectively by strategically choosing the right employers and advocating for themselves in key ways.
**1. Select Employers Committed to Diversity and Inclusion**
Look for companies with strong, visible diversity programs and a genuine culture of inclusion. Organisations that prioritise gender diversity tend to outperform peers and offer better environments for women to thrive and advance. Research if the employer actively supports women in STEM through mentorship programs, leadership development, and flexible work policies, which are vital to retention and career progression.
**2. Leverage Mentorship and Sponsorship**
Seek mentors and sponsors, particularly women leaders, who can provide guidance, open doors, and advocate on your behalf. Participate in industry groups such as the Women Tech Council that offer mentorship, networking, and visibility essential for career growth.
**3. Build a Strong Personal Brand and Advocate Assertively**
Be prepared to work hard and demonstrate creativity and determination, as persistence is often required to overcome unconscious bias and workplace obstacles. Develop skills to self-advocate effectively: communicate your achievements clearly, ask for challenging projects, promotions, and compensation increases. Learn to navigate organisational politics while maintaining authenticity.
**4. Focus on Continuous Learning and STEM Education**
Given that women are underrepresented in STEM education, continually upskill through training and certifications to stay competitive and confident.
**5. Balance Career and Life with Support Systems**
Recognise the importance of work-life integration. Women in leadership often credit strong personal support (family, childcare) as part of their success formula.
For women starting their careers, McGeehan advises working for a company that emulates and reflects their values. Confidence and communication are essential for thriving in such an environment, especially for those starting their careers.
McGeehan believes that a comfortable, supportive, and inclusive work environment is crucial for an individual's growth and success. Consider factors like whether the company already employs role models, whether it inspires the individual, and whether they can see themselves thriving and developing in their career there.
McGeehan has observed that women often subconsciously put limitations on themselves in their careers for various reasons. She advocates for strong female voices at all levels of the business, including those in leadership positions and those in their first professional role. Speaking up and sharing thoughts and ideas early in one's career is important, as it fosters diversity and innovation.
McGeehan acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in tackling the glass ceiling and making the industry diverse, equitable, and inclusive. Individual advancement is important, but collective advocacy remains central to progress.
McGeehan encourages candidates to ask hard questions of employers during the interview process, ensuring that they are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for women in science and technology. By making informed choices and advocating for themselves, women can elevate themselves into senior roles and contribute to a more diverse and equitable industry.
[1] McKinsey & Company. (2018). Delivering through diversity. [2] Hewlett, S. A., & Luo, Y. (2016). Forget a Mentor, Find a Sponsor. [3] Women Tech Council. (n.d.). Programs. [4] National Center for Education Statistics. (2020). Women in STEM: A Databook.
- Women should look for employers committed to diversity and inclusion, establishing if they actively support women in STEM through mentorship programs, leadership development, and flexible work policies.
- Seek out mentors and sponsors, particularly women leaders, for guidance, advocacy, and access to opportunities essential for career growth.
- Develop a strong personal brand, communicate achievements clearly, and self-advocate effectively to overcome unconscious bias and workplace obstacles.
- Focus on ongoing learning and STEM education to remain competitive and confident, as women are underrepresented in these areas.
- Achieving a work-life balance is crucial, especially for women in leadership, with strong personal support often contributing to their success.
- When starting a career, choose an employer who embodies and reflects your values, considering factors like company culture, role models, and a supportive environment.
- Women, at all levels of their careers, should speak up and share their thoughts and ideas to foster diversity and innovation in the workplace.
- To tackle the glass ceiling and strive for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive industry, it's crucial to make informed choices, advocate for oneself, and engage in collective advocacy during the interview process.
