2 min read
On March 8, the world celebrated International Women’s Day – and so did the team at SSE! We all gathered together to share morning tea and discuss what the theme of 2022, #BreakTheBias, meant to us.
We had such a great discussion as a team, and learnt so much from each other, that we wanted to take it one step further. We asked the women of SSE to share their thoughts on this question:
What is a message you want to send out to young women thinking about their careers?
From following your passions, to finding your purpose, or throwing out your plan, there’s a message for everyone at any stage of the journey.
Kim
“You’ll have ups, you’ll have downs, and you will have everything in-between. You will wonder if you are heading in the right direction, if you made the right decision, and if you will be OK. The best advice I can recommend is to do all you can to be a ‘Nowist’; live in the moment, shed negative things from the past and gain energy from positive things in the right now … ultimately improving the possible future. The world is continually evolving at such a rapid pace, one cannot predict the future, nor what jobs will be in demand and on offer. Those who will succeed will be those who can adapt, innovate, and create… so equip yourself with these skills and a growth – mindset ready to spread your wings in whatever career opportunity society needs you for.”
Van
“Ladies! Don’t be afraid to voice your opinion in a conversation. Speak and express yourself with intention, and don’t apologize for things that are out of your control. Allow yourself to make mistakes so you can learn from them. Be ambitious, dream big, and don’t let anyone tell you what you can and can’t do. The only validation you need is from yourself.”
Fran
“Nothing ever goes to plan and you shouldn’t measure yourself by where you are in life according to ‘your plan’. Take advantage of any opportunity to expand your knowledge and skills in study and in any job you’re doing as you don’t know where that path will lead you and who you will meet. If asked to do something outside of your job role, give it a go and challenge yourself to learn. It’s about exposure and putting yourself in opportunity’s path by having the courage to put your hand up. As women, I think we often let perfect get in the way of good and don’t pursue new roles or career challenges because we aren’t already experts at it and don’t tick all of the boxes at first glance. So we tend to count ourselves out before we let anyone count us in. Back yourself and know that you can learn to do anything – you just need to be willing to put yourself out there to do it. There are many of us out there more than willing to help you – you just need to ask.”
Vicky
“Follow your passion and plan your career around. Be ready to take a side-step or a downward step to get what you want. You may need to take a detour sometimes to get there!”
Nada
“Always remember to make room at the table for other women – literally and figuratively - and help the next one in line. Throughout my career I’ve been guided and advised by phenomenal women who have helped me create space for my ideas, my passions, and my career. So, to me, it’s important to do that for other women around me too. There’s room for all of us.”
Lynn
“Younger generations seem motivated to find “their purpose” in and at work but let’s not forget to enjoy the ride. Most times we do not fall into the perfect job right away. We test out what works for us, eliminate roles/jobs that aren’t aligned with ourselves to move closer to what we stand for and feel passionate about (that is a win!). And if you want to become a leader one day but you aren’t there yet; look at how you can be there for your colleagues that are right and left from you. Showing up for them, helping them remove roadblocks and stepping into new territories is powerful leadership too. 😊”
