How Identity Has Influenced A Senior Communications Consultant's Career At A Midwest Health Care System
Early in their career, while working in sports broadcasting, the interviewee gained resilience navigating a male-dominated environment, learning to "keep your eyes on the prize" and ignore distractions. This experience proved invaluable later in a similarly male-dominated EMS management role, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and actively listening before speaking to succeed.
Communication, Resilience, Overcoming Challenges, Leadership, Motivation
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Shelly Schneider
Senior Communications Consultant
Leading Midwest Health Care System
University of Florida
None
Creative Writing, Journalism
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Communication and Marketing
Worked 20+ Hours in School
Video Highlights
1. Shelly's early experience as the first woman in a football locker room taught her to develop resilience and focus on her work despite external distractions.
2. Her experience in male-dominated industries like EMS and sports broadcasting highlights the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and effective communication.
3. Shelly emphasizes the value of listening and staying true to oneself, regardless of gender, as key aspects of career success.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Early in college, I was the first female allowed inside a football locker room in the sports broadcasting arena. I had to develop a thick skin pretty quickly.
I dealt with football players who wanted to walk out in a towel or weren't dressed. I'm not sure it was the smartest decision for my manager to allow a female into a locker room.
But it really taught me to keep my eyes on the prize and do the job I was there to do, without being affected by all the exterior noise. That also helped in the EMS industry, which is heavily male-dominated, especially in management roles.
Knowing myself and my boundaries, and not trying to step into someone else's role, helped me stay in my lane. I learned to always listen before I talk, whether male or female, and to stay true to myself.
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