Five Tips for Women Working in a Male-Dominated Field

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Photo by Ehimetalor Unuabona on Unsplash

In 2018, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research reported that male-dominated occupations have the tendency to pay more than women-dominated occupations. As it stands, more women work as nurses and teachers, and more men work as financial officers and engineers. However, a 2016 study shows that women’s job growth is highest in these male-dominated fields. This is great news, but women in transition to these industries will experience their own setbacks.

Catalyst lists some of these challenges for women working in a male-dominated workforce:

1. Being seen as a threat to the norm

2. Being seen as the “office housekeeper”

3. Having fewer mentoring opportunities

4. Having less of a voice

5. Experiencing a lack of support (both emotionally and financially)

6. Experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace

With all of these things stacked up against us working in a male-driven occupation, what can we possibly do? Here are a few tips that have helped me get by in a male-dominated industry.

Speak Up (A LOT)...

If there’s anything I’ve learned in the years I’ve worked in my current workplace, it’s that standing up for yourself and what you believe in is the most important thing you can do. Even if you feel you don’t have a voice in your company, you are in control of finding it. Remember that your insight is just as important as any of your other coworkers’. 

That’s not all, though; don’t be afraid of sounding harsh! Women that stand up for themselves are sometimes seen as “bossy”, whereas men that make the same moves aren’t. If you’re ever afraid of coming on too strong, just imagine what might happen if one of your male coworkers says the same thing. As you speak up and provide your honest opinion more and more, you will earn respect from the right people. 

...But Also, Listen

The best leaders are active listeners and learners. If you’re looking to earn respect and move up in your company, be sure to listen to what your coworkers have to say, especially those that have worked in your field for a long time. Those insights are crucial in helping you learn more, especially if you’re still new to the industry. Additionally, actively listening to some of the problems your coworkers or company is facing provides you with an opportunity to help brainstorm solutions. I’m a firm believer that collaboration—across all employee levels—breeds better work. 

Branch Out

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

If you’re anything like me, you may work better under a strong female leader or mentor. In fact, a recent study by Peakon shows that companies led by women have happier workforces. Even if your company doesn’t have a female leader or potential mentor for you, that doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause. Go to networking events in your community to meet and collaborate with other women in your field (or outside of your field). Mentors don’t always have to be part of the same workplace or industry as you. Look for someone that is where you’d like to be in the future, and see what you can learn from her. 

Learn to Brag

One of the biggest roadblocks I have faced in my current position hasn’t been an outside force at all—it has been myself. Especially earlier on in my career (and even today), I have struggled with my own self-confidence. As we’ve already covered: your insight is important! Don’t fall victim to imposter syndrome. One thing that has helped me get over this is learning to brag about myself. It sounds weird, but sometimes I practice by thinking to myself about all of the things I have been able to accomplish in my career. When you’re listing these accomplishments, remember that they’re YOUR accomplishments that YOU earned because YOU’RE awesome at what you do!

Think Like a Leader

Even if you’re still pursuing a leadership position at your company, you can still act as a great leader by engaging in high-level, thought-provoking conversations with your peers and leaders. Take the time to brainstorm new and creative solutions to problems that may even be outside of your typical area of supervision. I developed my company’s first marketing efforts when I was still working in customer service by taking the initiative to send out promotional email newsletters to our customers. Now, I’m leading the marketing efforts of four brands (and loving it way more than customer service). Step outside of your comfort zone to gain the attention of upper management. If you take a chance, they’ll be more likely to take a chance on you.

Catalyst reports that most women deal with a male-dominated workforce in one of three ways: keeping a distance from their colleagues, acting like “one of the boys”, or leaving the industry altogether. I hope that my tried-and-true tips help you move up in your industry without having to resort to one of those coping mechanisms. If it helps, remember that you’re working towards a more equal and inclusive workforce, and that’s really cool!