The figures reveals that women struggle to make or maintain success at the higher levels in Academia as in many aspects of life and work. The reasons for this are complex.
While there are some elements of direct or more indirect discrimination that do need to be addressed by institutions and organisational policy, I believe there are many more situations where, knowingly or not, women hold back, they don’t ask or hamper their own progress.
Women seem to behave as if the world of work is a meritocracy where good work automatically gets its reward. My experience is slightly more complex. Good work is rewarded but only when it is noticed and the good work of many women is taken for granted… Too often women hold back when they could be stepping forward.
As a 1-to-1 coach I’ve worked with women at all stages of their careers to open the doors to advancement and career progression. There are many significant transition points where a little help goes a long way and I’ve worked with people moving from postdoc to permanent contracts, advancing from Senior Lecturer to Dean, finding suitable Chairs… Seeing the real changes as they realise what they are capable of achieving is a huge boost. Do drop me an email if you are interested in 1-to-1 coaching to support your career aspirations!
Here are a number of resources I’ve enjoyed and wished that I’d come across earlier in my career. Some relate to women in Academia, others to women in business and I’ve learned from both. Do have a look, see what you like – and please do share any resources you might have found yourself!
And don’t forget to watch Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) at the TED conference – might be the best 15 minutes that started the rest of your career!!
