Industries such as oil, gas, electric, or HVAC repair often have a male-dominated workforce. However, there are still plenty of women who work in these industries.
These women often face unique challenges related to their experiences working only with men most of the time. With this in mind, here are some tips for women working in male-dominated industries.
Be More Assertive Around Your Male Coworkers
Since women are a minority in these fields, they often feel like their ideas aren’t valued as much as men’s are. However, you shouldn’t let this deter you from speaking your mind, especially when it can benefit everyone involved. You deserve to have your employer see your hard work, which is why being assertive in work-related matters is essential for managing a male-dominated environment.
Make Friends With Your Coworkers
Men who work together often develop strong friendships based on their shared knowledge of a particular industry. Furthermore, women should also ingratiate themselves with work colleagues because it allows them to make great friends and further their careers.
Asking your male coworkers if they want to grab something to eat or head to the bar after work promotes camaraderie among your team. On the other hand, let’s say you are in the oil and gas industry and need help finding fire-resistant women’s clothing; forming an alliance with a female colleague can help you in this endeavor. No matter who you work with, forming friendships can offer professional benefits.
Seek Out a Male Mentor
If you struggle to gain the respect you deserve in your particular industry, finding an authority figure who can cosign your talents is an effective strategy for managing a rough atmosphere. In this case, you would want to seek out a male mentor to give you inside information on specific tasks and work-related knowledge. This person could also help you advance in your profession if they are your manager or higher up in your company.
Offer Your Support When People Need It
If you want others to support you, you need to support them. When someone you work with needs help, you can establish yourself as an integral member of your team by always being the most reliable coworker. This will help you build up trust with your male coworkers and help you learn more about your job as well.
Overall, women who work in a male-dominated industry often feel like they are fighting an uphill battle. However, by following these tips for women working in male-dominated industries, you can look forward to an easier time climbing up your company’s ranks.