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The glass ceiling is a invisible boundary. It can't be seen but it can be experienced. It is the name of the workplace discrimination that often keeps women from rising to top positions in fields that are traditionally male. Even when gender equality seems to be working, international statistics on women corporate executives and salary equity shows it really isn't.

Gender discrimination may come as a surprise to bright, motivated women who worked hard and competed on an equal basis with men in school. Yet, when this year's new college graduates hit their first professional jobs, women working in male-dominated fields should expect, and be prepared to deal, with serious obstacles.

Although women constitute nearly 50 percent of the labor force, less than a quarter of the scientists, engineers, computer scientists and other technology professionals are women. Mara Wasburn, an assistant professor of organization leadership and supervision in Purdue's College of Technology, says that opportunities for women in the work force continue to improve greatly, but new female professionals are still fighting against sexism and a lack of opportunity.

"Many traditionally male industries are beginning to see the value of a diverse work force, so women are beginning to be hired more frequently," says Wasburn, who studies gender issues in the workplace and teaches a professional preparation course for women. "Unfortunately, male coworkers often view these women as 'Affirmative Action' hires, and they have to prove themselves to their male colleagues."

The reality in the work place is that women need to be prepared. The glass ceiling is not easy to get through. Attitudes and biases that keep women from success are based in real perceptions. Many women do opt to work fewer hours to spend time at home. Women are still the nurturers in society and will often put the needs of their husbands, children and family above career objectives. While this is not true for all women, the stereotype is based on corporate experience.

If a professional women expects to reach the top of her field, she needs to understand the situation and have a strategy in place to remove the standard behaviors in her interactions with superiors and co-workers. Breaking the glass ceiling starts on the first day of work. Wasburn outlines roadblocks female workers may need to be prepared to deal with in their first professional job.

Women are less likely to be mentored. Mentors tend to look for protégés who remind them of themselves when they were starting out, and most potential mentors are men.

Women are more likely to be socially isolated at work because men are more likely to go to lunch or after-work drinks with other men.

Women are less likely to be present when extra opportunities arise, as they often occur informally during those social times.

Women are less likely to be given overseas assignments or transferred for promotions, especially if they have children or care for aging parents.

Since women often take time off to have children, they are more likely to have lower salaries than male counterparts for their entire careers.

Women are more likely to receive committee assignments that are viewed as "women's work," such as planning parties and other social events for the company, rather than assignments that involve core business decisions.

While these obstacles may seem insurmountable, Wasburn says women can make major strides by being proactive and assertive in seeking out opportunity early in their careers.

"If you are not being mentored by one of the senior men in your company, seek one or more mentors out yourself," Wasburn says. "Stay in communication with your supervisors and others at the company. Ask for challenging assignments. Make sure your senior colleagues understand your goals, as well as what you can bring to the company. It may be difficult to reach out to someone and risk being rebuffed, but the alternative is to risk being ignored, and you can ill afford that."

Related Links:
~ The conundrum of the glass ceiling
~ Are Women Happy Under The Glass Ceiling?

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