Being the Only Female Worker
The number of women entering the workforce is climbing, and more females are joining historically male-dominated industries. According to a study conducted by LinkedIn, there has been a 127% increase in female architects and 116% increase in female physicists since 1978.
However, in many workplaces, there are still far fewer women than men. Surrounded by testosterone, women can be left feeling isolated and uneasy in their industry.
As you enter the professional world, you may find you are the only female worker at your company or on your team. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t excel in your position. Here are five strategies for achieving respect, recognition, and success in your career–even if you’re the only female worker.
1. SPEAK UP
Women in the workplace are often stereotyped as passive aggressive. They don’t speak up until it’s too late–and then blow up later. Like most stereotypes, though, this is an overgeneralized and untrue picture of women. As a female worker, it is your job to disprove the stereotype and resist the temptation to stay silent. Instead, share your perspective and include your voice in the projects you work on, the meetings you attend, and anything else you can loan insight to.
Don’t let your voice get drowned out by the louder voices in the room. Speak calmly and clearly, and state your position in a way others can understand. You have a lot to offer, which is why you have your job. Speak up and share your expertise.
2. WORK HARD
Through your dedication and diligence, prove women work just as hard as, if not harder than, men. Don’t miss deadlines. Don’t skip meetings. Be proactive, and do your job with excellence.
I’m not saying you should run yourself ragged–you still need to maintain your work-life balance. What I am saying is, don’t slack, and don’t give anyone any reason to question your worth to the company.
3. JOIN IN
In general, men bond outside of work. This time spent outside the office can be valuable for team bonding, so if the guys are going out after work, join them. Have fun with your team. Chances are, if they know you, they will respect you. Build friendships with your coworkers outside of the workplace; this will show you are an intelligent, fun, whole person independent of the cubicle.
4. SAY NO SOMETIMES
To touch on my earlier point, you don’t need to run yourself ragged to prove your worth. You also don’t need to say yes to everything. You can occasionally turn down things if you have too much on your plate. Make sure the work you are churning out is of high quality.
In addition, don’t say yes to tasks outside your job description. Don’t fetch coffee, don’t make someone else copies, and don’t order lunch for everyone. I’m not saying you can’t do these things occasionally if everyone takes a turn, or if you are truly doing a favor for someone, but don’t let this become a habit. You are not the office errand girl.
5. FIND A MENTOR
All the general guidance in the world can’t beat the detailed advice of a personal mentor. A mentor can meet with you and offer advice to your specific situation, and if they have had similar career experience to yours, they can tell you how they handled situations in your job, company, or field.
My mentors were an invaluable part of my success–I wouldn’t be where I am without their advice and support. I hope every woman in the workplace finds a mentor who can help them reach their full potential.
Being the only woman in the workplace can at times be intimidating and overwhelming. If you are one of these women, don’t let these feelings keep you from standing up for yourself and pursuing excellence in your career. You are more than capable of achieving success.