LIGJET E BIZNESIT
We are in the month of March, where more than ever, the focus shifts to women, equality, and the long road they must walk to move forward. Women are standing out more and more in the fields of education, but there are still many challenges they face in their professional careers, especially when it comes to advancing to leadership positions. However, experts from McKinsey suggest several steps that could help women develop their “experience capital” and advance more quickly in their careers.
The gap between education and career opportunities
Women have reached educational equality with men since the 1980s, even surpassing them in many fields of study. In 2021, women accounted for 59% of bachelor’s degrees, 63% of master’s degrees, and 57% of doctoral degrees in the U.S. However, when they enter the workforce, the situation changes. Women represent only 48% of employees in entry-level corporate positions, and when promotions occur, only 81 women are promoted for every 100 men.
This gap is even wider for women of color, who make up only 7% of executives at the C-level. This raises important questions. How is it possible that after so many years of educational achievements, women are still so far from equality in the workplace?
Experience capital, the secret to success
To advance in a career, it’s not enough just to have an education and skills acquired in school; it’s necessary to build “experience capital.” This capital can be gained through professional development opportunities, job changes, and training offered by employers, as well as by learning from colleagues and leaders.
Studies show that women and men develop experience capital in similar ways, but there are significant differences. Women often make moves to positions that do not offer opportunities for salary growth and skill development, while men frequently move into more advanced positions that help them increase their salary and opportunities.
Advice for women: How to improve experience capital
- Choose the right company
Finding a company that offers significant growth and development opportunities is important. Look for companies with a strong learning culture, successful strategies, and mobility opportunities. Companies that support diversity are also more successful at growing experience capital for all their employees. - Bold and significant moves
Professional moves are important, and some moves, like those that require new skills, can have a big impact on growing experience capital. This might involve switching to a new industry or changing positions that require new skills, and it can also bring salary growth. - Leadership roles and accountability for profit and loss
Positions that have leadership responsibility and profit and loss accountability are helpful for developing experience capital. Women who take on these roles can increase their influence and opportunities for advancement. - Use of technology and AI
With the development of artificial intelligence (AI), learning how to use this technology can significantly boost career opportunities for women. You don’t need a technical background, but you can become a powerful user of AI to improve your productivity and development.
While women are highly capable and educated, career advancement requires more than just education. Experience capital must be built and earned, thoughtful and bold moves must be made, and opportunities that ensure continuous development must be chosen. This process requires dedication, continuous learning, and confidence, especially in oneself.
