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Currently, women in the United States encompass 47 percent of the total labor force. Despite this statistic, women still struggle to assert their presence in the workplace. This especially holds true in housing-related industries that are still dominated by males, such as construction where women only comprise 2.6 percent.
Establishing a strong presence in a male-dominated profession and/or workplace can lead to increased opportunities, promotions, and above all else, more equal inclusion which is critical. So, what can you do to maintain a strong presence and showcase your talents?
Stick with your Hired Role
You were hired because you were the best candidate and embody the necessary skillset to excel at your position. Do not give in to completing tasks unrelated to your job. For example, if you are asked to grab coffee, lunch, or prepare a boardroom for a meeting and you are clearly not a personal assistant or intern, maintain your resolve and speak up. It may be intimidating at first but if you remain quiet, your colleagues will believe it is acceptable to give you these miscellaneous tasks, regardless of your title.
Display your Knowledge
Show off how qualified you are by participating in meetings and being vocal in your interactions with others. Let your coworkers and superiors know that you are indeed a competitive contender with the rest of the office. Every meeting and networking event is an opportunity to voice your opinions, concerns, and ideas.
Find your Mentor
A mentor who is experienced in your industry and/or has similar goals can help you navigate the professional world. Your mentor should empower you and offer words of wisdom when you need it most. Although you can look towards your sphere of influence for a mentor, there are countless sites out there that are designed to connect women with knowledgeable mentors. These sites include Mentoring Women’s Network and Million Women Mentors.