With the emergence of the #MeToo movement, a newfound thirst for equality has surged amongst millennials across every profession. While this is heavily dominated by women wanting to be paid the same as men for the same roles and asking for the same level of respect in the boardroom, men are also keen to champion feminist ideals. For a woman to make it in a man’s world still requires resilience, perseverance and a thick skin. If you are wanting to break into a traditionally male dominated industry, read on to discover how you can best achieve your goals.
Be Better
It sounds unfair but you will need to work doubly hard as woman just to be heard amongst a sea of testosterone. Many men are champions and allies to the equality cause, but those older boardroom types still have very rigid ways of working. They don’t care if their working practices are unfair or sexist. You cannot bide your time and wait for them to retire. Instead, show them what you are worth and make it clear what sort of an asset you are. Workplaces should be meritocracies, whether this is a science lab, an office space or a car mechanic’s garage. Work hard and speak with purpose, never shying away from getting your voice heard.
Have Role Models
Many young girls have a yearning to learn science, study architecture or become an engineer. However, because there are few role models for them to look up to, they become nothing more than untapped talent. Now, successful women are entering schools and talking to those girls who need inspiring. They are able to show these girls that it is possible to achieve your dreams even when faced with adversity and people telling you that you’re the wrong gender. STEM subjects are seeing a surge in women applying to them for study at university. Before long, these job roles will see an equal split between the genders.
Image credit Pixabay – CC0 Licence
Pick Your Industry Wisely
Just because you want to compete with the males of the species doesn’t mean you should take the plunge with into any sector. Choose your industry wisely. Take haulage for example. The trucking industry job growth for 2020 is predicted to skyrocket as manufacturing has also seen a surge and more supply chains need truckers to transport components and goods. If you love driving, you don’t mind your own company and you can read a map, why not consider the joys of a nomadic trucking lifestyle. Alternatively, perhaps you love the thought of designing bridges and you’re keen to undertake a civil engineering qualification. You should never be thinking that you can’t because you are the wrong gender. Universities across the world are trying to harness the untapped potential of women and encourage them to apply for their STEM based courses.
Women can make it in a man’s world, but only if they are willing to put the hard graft in. Things are still not fair or equal, but with more women entering male dominated professions, this is set to change.
