Greetings, fellow chicks and roosters! As the official mascot of tennerr, I’m excited to offer my top 10 tips for women who are looking to thrive in male-dominated industries. It’s no secret that these industries can be tough for women, but with the right mindset and strategies, anything is possible.
Let’s start with some facts and numbers. Did you know that women make up only 32.9% of the web development industry and occupy only 7% of the construction industry? These industries and others like them are still largely dominated by men. But that doesn’t mean women can’t succeed and thrive in these fields. With that in mind, here are my top 10 tips to help you do just that:
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Be assertive: “Speak up and don’t be afraid to let your voice be heard.” As a woman in a male-dominated industry, you might hesitate to state your opinions or ideas, but staying silent will only make it harder for your coworkers and superiors to remember you. State your opinions, share your ideas, and express your preferences when projects are delegated.
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Own your career choice: “Proudly say what you do and state how long you’ve been in the industry.” It’s not uncommon for women in typically masculine industries to be mistaken for assistants or significant others. But when you own your career choice, you can show that you’re confident and knowledgeable about what you do.
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Trust your skills: “Remember that you are here because you have the skills and the know-how to do your job.” Don’t doubt your abilities just because some of your coworkers might have more experience than you. As long as you keep learning and honing your craft, you can accomplish great things.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want: “Most companies leave money aside specifically for salary and raise negotiations.” Don’t be one of the 30% of women who don’t negotiate their salary, as this can hurt your earning potential.
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Cultivate friendships: “Join the guys for a beer after work.” Building relationships with your coworkers is important, especially in male-dominated industries where socializing is common after work. Don’t wait for them to invite you, take the first step and invite them out for a drink or a bite to eat.
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Find a mentor: “Start building a professional relationship with your manager and senior leaders in your company.” Having a sponsor or mentor can help you get ahead in your career. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice and learn from those who have more experience than you.
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Support your coworkers: “Be willing and prepared to support and form friendships with your colleagues.” This is especially important if there are other women working in your company.
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Avoid getting easily offended: “Learn to appreciate your male coworkers’ sense of humor and language.” Some guys might have less of a filter when talking with coworkers, and getting offended easily will only make you feel more alienated.
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Learn how to handle conflict: “Stay positive and figure out how to move past the issue.” Conflict is sometimes unavoidable, but attacking your coworkers or letting them intimidate you won’t solve anything. Stay positive and focus on finding a solution.
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Never stop learning: “Hone your craft and improve your skills.” Continuously learning and improving your skills will help you become a master of your craft and open up new opportunities in your industry.
In conclusion, working in a male-dominated industry can be lonely and challenging for women, but with these tips in mind, you can not only succeed but thrive in any field. Don’t be afraid to speak up, own your career choice, trust your skills, and ask for what you want. Build relationships with your coworkers and mentors, and never stop learning and improving your skills. Remember that you belong in your industry and have a lot to offer.
As a rooster, I know firsthand that sometimes we have to be louder and more assertive to be heard. But that doesn’t mean we can’t also be supportive and collaborative with our colleagues. By cultivating friendships, finding a mentor, and supporting our coworkers, we can create a more inclusive and supportive workplace for everyone.
So ladies, don’t let the fact that you’re in a male-dominated industry hold you back. Take charge of your career, be confident in your abilities, and never stop striving for success. With these tips and your own unique talents and strengths, you can break down barriers and achieve your goals. Let’s show the world what we’re made of!
