Dear Steemians,
As a young promising university graduate I was asked to join the local Oil & Gas company. I started as a young engineer wanted to change the world in a positive way of course. But then reality kicked in. I soon realized that 80% of the workforce were men. My daily challenge was developing and implementing programs that would raise the safety and environmental awareness of employees resulting in behavioural change. I was not prepared for the personal challenge: being young, inexperienced and a woman. This is exactly what you are NOT being taught at school. Is is not easy to gain the respect and trust in an industry ruled by mostly men. I will share my formula with young women who are facing these challenges.
As a young and inexperienced engineer you must teach yourself to listen to and show respect for the experienced professionals. These are the people with the practical knowledge and sometimes not the formal qualifications.
Try to get buy in for your new ways of thinking.
Be always on top w.r.t. your area of expertise. There is nothing wrong in saying that you do not have the answer to a problem immediately. But always get back afterwards with a few solutions that are practical. Practical is magic, not theoretical formulas. This increases your credibility but also shows you're human and not a different race.
Never take anything personal and never let emotions take over. Stick to the facts and figures and keep both feet on the ground.
Get used to harsh and rough words. I sometimes use their same language to get understood and at the same time removing barriers (feeling of uneasiness), if they exist.
We are equal.....always my message on the workfloor. Diplomas and positions are for the formal stuff. Out there at the job site we have the same goal.....producing and making money in a safe manner. Get dirty as well.
Go out in the field and do not be stopped by the height of structures you have to climb or the area you have to cross. So ensure that you are always fit.
Everybody has an operating manual just as the equipment. Take time to understand what keeps people motivated and drive them to go the extra mile. It is the key to success.
These basic points became part of the way we work. But do not forget to turn the switch or push button the moment you leave the gate to go home......you are a still a woman. Sometimes you can stay in that gear and people will remind you.
Today I lead a department consisting of only men. Slowly the percentage of women in management positions is increasing. But it remains a tough world.
I do hope that these few tips will help young female professionals in their journey to success while sticking to their core values!
