from surviving to thriving: strategies for women in male dominated professions - part 1

Working in a male-dominated profession comes with a unique set of pressures that can be overwhelming. Many men* do not experience the unconscious bias and institutional barriers that women do in the workplace. 

But success can be within reach, because there is power in making the unseen seen. The challenges we face are not mysteries. Learning about them empowers you to position yourself to thrive and lead in the workplace and position that fulfills you.

In this 2-part series, I'll share a combination of advice and ideas to help you make a plan - to help you design your future.

Please read my note below, and then click Read More or scroll for the full part 1 post.

*Note:
Intersectionality in the workplace is an important topic. I've added this note to my phrase "many men", because many people in the workforce experience the challenges of intersectionality at work, rather than being embraced for the perspective and experience they bring.

While this post, and the upcoming part 2, are written from my perspective as a woman in a STEM field, it's important to be aware of the similarities and differences people of other gender identities may experience in the workplace. Those who present as a woman (but may not identify as such), or who present as nonbinary, will face similar challenges that affect all non-white men; but they will experience challenges unique to their identities (and personal experiences) as well. 

This discussion is one that affects all of us, as someone experiencing challenges or as someone who may become an ally. I want you as the reader to know that you are seen and your lived experience matters.

"Intersectionality goes beyond acknowledging a single facet of an individuals' identity, recognizing instead the intricate tapestry of various dimensions, such as race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, class, and disability. In doing so, it sheds light on the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals with multiple intersecting identities. Embracing intersectionality is paramount in fostering a workplace environment where all employees feel included, supported, and empowered."
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​- Writer Stephanie Preistley, discussing the term coined by Kimberle Crenshaw in the late 1980s in Priestley's post on intersectionality and psychologically safe workplaces.

​Intersecting minority identities magnifies both bias and micro-inequities, writes Kristen Walsh about the research report on intersectionality in the workplace published by Bentley University in 2019.

For example, women of color may feel like "double outsiders" - neither men nor white. The need to "code switch" - to "adjust their authentic communication styles and behaviors" - to fit in at work stifles their confidence and effectiveness at work. 

Check out the video below on the cost of code switching by Chandra Arthur.

Male-dominated fields include STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), construction and skilled trades**, finance and investment banking, manufacturing and heavy industry**, military and law enforcement**, aviation, sports management, architecture, mining and agriculture**, and transportation and logistics**.

The ** double-starred fields above include a large number of positions. I wanted to provide more examples of specific job titles that would be in those fields. Most of them involve physical work or machine operation, and sometimes hazardous conditions. Many are male-dominated due to the history of women in the workforce, while others remain male-dominated due to a belief that women cannot do the physical work.

These jobs include construction labor, manual and skilled trades like electricians and welding, manufacturing and assembly line work, warehouse and logistics including forklift operators and inventory managers, truck driving and delivery services, landscaping and groundskeeping, waste management, mining and quarrying, fishing and agriculture, security, maintenance, particularly in large commercial settings - all tend to be male-dominated positions. ​

Photo by Mark König on Unsplash

expand your skills

Previously, I summarized a number of male-dominated professions that are often male-dominated - but they don't need to be.  Your strength and endurance will be helpful to any physical job, and if at a sufficient level to complete the job, you should not be prevented from pursuing it. There are also many aids available now that help all workers lift heavy loads safer, that can be used by humans of many sizes.

But there are some jobs where the skill of the labor is more important than your strength. And that means you can learn that skill. From obtaining your forklift certification or CDL license to completing an associate's program in automative systems technology, you can earn your space at the job you want because you will have the skills and the motivation.

Learning new skills is not only limited to skilled labor. It applies to learning new things intellectually as well, especially for jobs where you need to"know your stuff" as early as the interview. Interviewers want to hire someone that reminds them of themselves - whether consciously or subconsciously. Your skills must stand off the page and be echoed in your confidence and ability to talk the talk.

Examples include certifications and coursework for various aspects of IT, cybersecurity, computer programming, machine learning, and data analysis, which cane help you get the job or get that promotion.

​Gaining expertise in business psychology, entrepreneurship, and management will help you fork your career path towards leadership.

self-belief and confidence

Confidence is crucial when striving for excellence, especially in male-dominated fields, where you may be doubted before you have a chance to show what you know.

Building self-confidence is a task unto its own, but when it comes to confidence in the workplace, you can start with your expertise and communication skills.

• Prepare for meetings so that you have the most up-to-date information on the topic at hand.
• Edit your emails to remove phrases that dilute your message. If you are asking for something, or telling someone something, you do not need to apologize for doing your job.
• Research tips for better public speaking. Practice them, and identify which ones work best for you. Make it a point to practice out loud, whether it is a sentence or two you might say at a meeting, or if it is an entire presentation you are giving.

You must be confident not only in what you know but portray confidence in how you communicate it.

This type of self-confidence goes hand-in-hand with speaking up for yourself.  You can be assertive while also displaying empathy and communicating clearly. You will get your point across without alienating others. There will always be someone who thinks a woman speaking up is a (bad word) or is being over-emotional. Those people do not matter - unless they are your supervisor. If so, maintain written proof of verbal conversations, such as following up on meetings with a written email summary, and recording instances of bad behavior for yourself with time and date details.

Here are some tips and examples:

• If asked to take notes at a meeting, politely decline and volunteer another colleague. Or, suggest that the role rotate through the group if it is a regularly scheduled meeting.
• When presented with a distasteful comment or joke, act as if you do not understand it, and ask the person to clarify. (Also, record the situation in case needed for HR). This is an effective method for calling out bad behavior. I promise there is at least one other person in your office who is uncomfortable with that person's behavior. You speaking up will empower others to do the same, rather than to tolerate it.

build a support network

Photo by LinkedIn Sales Solutions on Unsplash

A strong support system is essential for your professional growth.

​Whether it is someone to give you advice, or someone to advocate for you, or it is a group where you feel like you've found your community -it is worth the time and effort to find a support system for yourself.

It may not be essential for your current status quo, but tapping into women's professional networks, asking someone at work to be your mentor, or participating in online forums and trainings for women in business can be a boon to not only your confidence, but your skills as well.

Networking always pays off in the long-term when it comes to further down the road. I like to categorize it as a "snowball effect". You may not feel like your time has paid off after attending one or two networking events, but a year down the road you will look back and be surprised. Five years down the road, and you've become a mentor yourself.

Just as you would be more likely to recommend someone you know well for a job, so will others for you. As women move through different industries, or companies within the same industry, the person you know now may be working at your dream company in 5 years. And they may remember your goals and passion think of you when a new job opens.

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When you know the challenge that you face, you can seek out the information and strategies you need to meet it. 
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I've found the most effective strategy has been to learn about challenges and peruse advice, and then to apply it to my specific situation.

Whether it is a post-it note on my monitor with examples of how to say no to a new task over email, or a reminder in my phone to check-in with a new woman business contact each week, it is practice that makes habit, and it is those habits that will not only change your situation, but help change the environment for all women in your workplace and beyond.​