Alex Sanders https://nigen.com 2m 448 #work
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
Working in a male-dominated industry as a female can be challenging, to say the least. However, as much as it can be challenging, it can also be incredibly rewarding. Because while many industries like the gas and oil industry, engineering, and technology were previously considered male-dominated, the truth is that these stereotypes are changing.
While women still face significant challenges breaking into these industries, nothing is impossible anymore. With a little bit of strategy and resilience, women can not only break into these industries but dominate them by following the right tips. Here is some solid advice for women who want to succeed working in a male-dominated industry.
Let Your Presence Be Known
This is no time to be meek or shy. You need to be confident and make your presence known. Establish your presence everywhere from meetings, to the actual workplace. Speak up, share your ideas, and be a leader whenever possible. Beyond your actual words and performance, remember that your body language also plays a big role in how you’re perceived.
That means you want to give a strong handshake and maintain strong eye contact. Act poised and you will be perceived as poised. This is the secret when establishing your presence in a male-dominated environment. It doesn’t always mean knowing the answers or being able to fix every problem, but rather being unafraid to try and let your ideas be heard.
Build a Support System
Having a support system is important in any industry, however, it’s particularly important when you’re working in a male-dominated one. You need to have people who have your back and can serve as support when times get tough. This includes people inside your work circle and outside of it. Try to connect with other professional women where you can share your unique experiences and challenges, and offer advice and strategies. You need allies when you’re up against tough conditions, so the more support you can provide for yourself, the better.
Develop Your Skills
At the end of the day, if you’re really good at what you do, it doesn’t matter whether you’re male or female. The more you can develop your skills and demonstrate yourself as an expert in your industry, the less it will matter what your gender is. Continue to build your knowledge and capabilities by getting additional certifications, attending conferences, and reading books. Make yourself an asset, and your colleagues will have no choice but to see you that way.
The more committed you are to becoming better and better at your role, the stronger position you’ll place yourself in your company. Because leaders are the people who are constantly crashing themselves to get better and better.
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