Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Becoming the Girlboss You Always Wanted to Be
- Girl Up McMaster
- Jan 25, 2022
- 3 min read
I like to think that myself, along with many other girls, envision their dream job in a leadership role. How amazing would it be to be the CEO of a company that you have always dreamt of working for or starting your own business and having it succeed tremendously? This all sounds amazing, until you are reminded of the glass ceiling that many women have had to fight since the beginning of time. The term “glass ceiling” refers to the invisible barrier preventing women and minorities from ascending into leadership roles. Though this barrier, alongside the lack of female and minority representation in the workforce, often deters women from pursuing their career goals, I am using this as inspiration to fuel my professional dreams and so should you!
So, how exactly do I plan on breaking this barrier? Good question! While I have not fully entered the workforce, and do not believe I am fully equipped to answer this question, I have compiled some ideas alongside existing research that have helped me take steps towards breaking down the glass ceiling!
Here are 3 tips that I plan on using throughout my career to defy gender norms and achieve my professional goals!
1. Be Passionate and Confident
As cheesy as it sounds, I am a firm believer in working in a position that you truly enjoy, for a company you truly admire. So, when it comes to the glass ceiling, remember what you are passionate about and don’t allow male-dominated industries and roles scare you! Instead, do not give up on your aspirations because of stereotypical gender norms and try to use this fear as motivation to pursue your own objectives. It is also important to be confident! People truly achieve so much more when they are confident in themselves and their abilities. Often, no one will believe in you if you do not believe in yourself first!
2. Develop Your Awareness of the Glass Ceiling
Even though we are attempting to smash this invisible barrier, we cannot pretend that it does not exist. It is important to have a strong understanding of the glass ceiling and where it may exist in your organization. For example, this may look like differences in salary or opportunities between men and women. Having a firm understanding of this barrier will help you better understand how to achieve your objectives and inspire change within the company. Use this as a catalyst for change!
3. Identify female leaders that inspire you
It may be frustrating at times to remain optimistic when it comes to defying the glass ceiling. However, it is in times like these where we should look to female leaders that inspire us. These individuals are real-life reminders that it is possible for all women to be bosses. At my internship this past summer, I had the privilege of working for a female Chief Human Resource Officer in a company that also had a female CEO. It was extremely inspiring to see women in these executive roles, who have prioritized personal development, leading numerous people. Ultimately, it is females such as my mom and boss that have reminded me that anything is possible if you work hard and put your mind to it.
I hope this piece has reminded you not to let societal and gendered norms prohibit you from pursuing your career aspirations. Smash that glass ceiling and become the girlboss you have always envisioned you would become!
Citations:
By Isabella Krizman '23 (Blog Subcommittee Member)
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