How Identity Has Influenced a Manager of Volunteer Programs at Adler Planetarium's Career
Grace's career journey reveals a stark contrast between experiences in male-dominated finance, where "I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously," and a female-dominated non-profit sector, which challenged their assertive style and prompted reflection on the necessity of such an approach. This adaptation highlights the need for women to adjust their behavior to navigate different professional environments, a reality that shaped their career trajectory and personal growth.
Overcoming Challenges, Resilience, Workplace Challenges, Gender Bias, Career Adaptation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Grace Souza
Manager of Volunteer Programs
Adler Planetarium
Loyola Marymount University
N/A
English, Writing & Education
Nonprofit, Foundations & Grantmaking
Human Resources (HR)
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. Grace's experience in the male-dominated finance industry highlights the challenges women face in proving their competence and not being given the benefit of the doubt.
2. Her transition to a female-dominated non-profit environment forced her to adapt her assertive working style, leading to self-reflection on the need for such an approach in the finance industry.
3. Her journey emphasizes the need for women to adapt to different work environments and the impact of gender dynamics on career navigation.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
I think that, especially in my first few jobs when I was working in the finance industry, it's such a male-dominated industry that I had to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. I knew what I was capable of, my intelligence level, and my ability to get things done and succeed at the projects given to me.
I was never given the benefit of the doubt; it was always expected that I wouldn't succeed. I had to prove someone wrong almost my entire first year working as a professional in finance. Finally, it clicked for everyone that I was capable and could do the job they hired me for, and potentially even more.
Things have changed a lot since I've been in the workforce, and I don't think that happens as much now. But it was certainly something I experienced and knew I would experience going into that industry.
My transition into non-profit didn't have that specific problem. Moving into a female-dominated industry and organizations was also a transition because my working style was assertive, aggressive, and male-centered. I wasn't great at a more collaborative, respectful work environment, which sounds terrible but is true.
It helped me become a better employee and teammate by reevaluating my style. It also made me reflect on why I even had to be like that in the first place. It was all just to survive and prove myself in my first positions.
Unfortunately, as a cis-presenting woman, you just have to adapt yourself more than you probably think you will need to be successful.
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