How Identity Influenced Production Coordinator's Career at Girls Gotta Eat
Navigating a career in a field often dominated by older men, the production coordinator found the experience "emboldened" them, requiring the development of assertive communication skills to overcome both ageism and gender bias. This involved combating imposter syndrome and challenging instances where tasks were unfairly assigned, ultimately leading to a stronger sense of self-assurance in their professional abilities.
Overcoming Challenges, Confidence, Resilience, Assertiveness, Imposter Syndrome
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tessa Hughes
Production Coordinator
Girls Gotta Eat
California Polytechnic University - San Luis Obispo
NA
Creative Writing, Journalism
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Advertising, Communications & Marketing
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Greek Life Member
Video Highlights
1. Tessa's experience highlights the importance of self-assertion and confidence in navigating a male-dominated field.
2. She emphasizes overcoming imposter syndrome, a common challenge for women in professional settings.
3. Tessa's story illustrates how gender can sometimes lead to unfair scapegoating, requiring assertive responses to maintain one's position and responsibilities.
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
It has definitely taught me to assert myself more. When I go into different venues, a lot of them are run by older men.
I understand it can be annoying, especially when I first got this job at 23 and said I needed X, Y, and Z. That can ruffle some feathers. But it taught me to really trust that I was meant to be there.
I was hired for a certain job, and it really teaches you to assert yourself, have confidence, and battle imposter syndrome. This is especially true because of my gender and age.
I still experience that sometimes. People have tried to pin things on me, possibly seeing me as a scapegoat. So, I have to be like, "No."
It's annoying and bothersome, but it doesn't bog me down. It has actually emboldened me. I like that it has helped me navigate things in my job fields.
Advizer Personal Links
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessa--hughes/, Instagram: @tessa.hughess