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What are the best resources specifically for women's career development?
What are the best resources available to help women plan and develop their career?
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3 Answers
Using a mentor whose footsteps you wish to follow. Base your mentor on the industry you are in, or wanting to get into.
Someone who has walked the steps of hell or success and fame in that industry; who has paved that road before you; and can and will be willing to share her experiences, allowing you to avoid making mistakes.
I think that having many outside of your company may actually be a benefit, because sadly quite often women can get competitive, and they may feel threatened by your success.. instead focus on women whom have reached the pinnacle of where you aspire, and as Nadine mentioned, reach out to them as often as you can and as they are willing to - and also make sure to also give back to them should they need your help. Remember to reciprocate.
From personal experience, the presence of a female mentor was the turning point in my career development. Professional coaches will tell you that real learning comes from doing something regularly, not attending one off training seminars or reading a book from time to time. If you have a successful female leader in your company, ask them to be your mentor and meet with them at least once a week informally.
Male mentors are great of course, but there is something unique about like minded women, especially in male dominated industries.
An inspirational example as mentor indeed is the best.
However, more than everything else women in career should keep in mind one little thing:
while men are basically trained since childhood to develop careers and compete for whatever they undertake, women actually are making a perhaps "unconscious", but still making a CHOICE of pursuing a career. Because this is a choice, it carries advantages and disadvantages, rewards and constraints. Don't you lose sight of this this fact!
Someone one day said to me: "when I hire a woman who has or wants to build a family, I am the happiest of employers because then I know that her engagement is true and honest: she's coming to work because she actually wants it".
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