Maximizing Career Growth: Strategic Insights for Women in the Workplace

Workplaces are full of talented, educated, and hardworking women. Many are caught off guard when, several years into their careers, they see that they are falling behind their peers, and they can’t put a finger on exactly how or why.

Understand that job change is a constant

When choosing an occupation, it pays to be strategic and pick an area that is growing—where the wind is at your back instead of in your face, so to speak. If you are in an occupation that is shrinking, you may need to think more urgently about reskilling and upskilling to find your next job.

Research occupations that present opportunities

Which occupations are growing, and which are shrinking? In the United States, healthcare jobs could grow by up to 30 percent by 2030, including 3.5 million more aides, technicians, and wellness workers, along with two million more healthcare professionals. Jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) could grow by 23 percent. Transportation, which includes order fulfillment, delivery workers, and ridesharing drivers, could grow by 9 percent.

Consider brand-new jobs

In addition to the growing and shrinking job categories, between now and the end of 2030, technology will help create entirely new occupations, creating additional job opportunities. Each decade in the United States, around 9 percent of jobs are entirely new. Examples from the past decade include machine learning and AI experts, ridesharing drivers, and social media influencers. Emerging high-paying jobs are likely to include gen AI prompt engineers and machine learning analysts.

Turn yourself into a technologist

Developing technology skills is now a requirement for almost every woman hoping to develop her career. Automation, AI and gen AI, and other technologies will reshape most career tracks.

Escape a shrinking industry

Entire industries shrink or even disappear over time, often leaving workers feeling stuck and unable to transition to a new job in a different industry.

Explore industries with growth potential

So which industries are growing, and which are shrinking?

Consider moving to where the jobs are

Finally, when you think about the trajectory of your career, it’s important to consider where you will physically live and work. It’s always been the case that some cities are thriving and offer plentiful job opportunities, while others have more depressed economies.

Conclusion

Ultimately, you are in control of where your career is going in terms of occupation, industry, and where you work geographically. Understanding where you are likely to have greater opportunities to grow and learn—and build your experience capital—is vital to maximizing your career.

FAQ

Q: How can women overcome the broken rung in their career ladder?

A: Women can take individual action to build their own experience capital by making strategic decisions and seeking opportunities to maximize their skills and experiences.

Q: What industries are expected to grow in the next decade?

A: Industries such as healthcare, STEM, transportation, and social assistance are projected to experience growth, providing opportunities for career advancement.

Q: How important is it for women to develop technology skills in today’s job market?

A: Developing technology skills is essential for women in all career paths, as automation and AI continue to reshape industries and job roles.