Top female exec’s five tips for women looking to break into top jobs ahead of International Women’s Day

DESPITE seven in ten women working, some sectors still show a shocking lack of opportunities for females.

Tuesday is International Women’s Day, which wants to #BreakTheBias in the workplace.

Women are half as likely as men to work in high-paying roles in energy or finance, but a third more likely to have careers in social care or education, studies show.

Today Kirstie Donnelly, the first female chief exec of City & Guilds Group, shares her advice for women.

1. THERE’S NO SUCH THING AS A “WOMAN’S” OR A “MAN’S JOB”: Many industries are seeking to address the gender imbalance in their sectors so women should consider empowering themselves to explore all career opportunities – including those within sectors typically perceived to be male – to help break gender stereotypes.
2. BE CONFIDENT IN YOUR ABILITIES: There is a well-known gender confidence gap in the workplace: women are more likely to lack confidence in their skills and performance. To boost your confidence, look at the skills you have, and identify those that could be transferred to a new role or sector. It will also show you where you need to upskill. 
3. BE PROACTIVE: Reach out to other professional women in male-dominated fields. They will often be keen to support you on your journey. Looking for women’s networks or women who could act as a mentor in your field is often a good start if you want to change career direction.
4. MAKE YOUR PRIORITIES CLEAR: Over the past couple of years, we have seen huge changes in the way we work. And these are still taking place. Women have an opportunity to lead the charge in rewriting what the modern workplace should look like. By asserting your needs and preferences, you can ensure your voice is heard and these changes are taken into account as workplaces are reconfigured.
5. BE A ROLE MODEL: We have a role to play in inspiring the next generations of female workers. Women should empower young girls, whether by going into schools, offering work experience or simply talking to and motivating children and young women close to them.