Four Stages for Women in Tech-Utility Careers

by Alex A. Kecskes

According to Pathbuilders, a mentoring and executive development firm, there are four separate stages in a woman's career. Each is filled with challenges and opportunities. Fail to address those challenges and even the most qualified woman may fall short of reaching her full potential. So what are the four stages?

Entry-Level Stage. Here, women gain only a beginner's look at how they impact an organization. To succeed at this stage, women must try to excel and establish credibility in the company. They must acclimate themselves to how their business functions, set priorities, and be eager to take on added responsibility.

Branding & Leadership Stage. After three to seven years, women need to adopt specific career strategies. While most may have acquired the technical skills to do their jobs, they now need to create an identifiable and unique "brand" to set them apart from the pack. To move up, they need to manage projects of ever increasing scope and importance. They also need to acquire team management skills and demonstrate that they can lead.

Mid-Level Executive Stage. At this point, women should be managing major projects. They should have a well-defined brand and be respected by their bosses and peers. They must now refine their leadership skills, become consensus builders, be politically savvy and position themselves and their organizations in the community. Their policy-making decisions now affect the company and its employees.

Senior Executive Stage. Women at this stage take the lead and accomplish major projects. As leaders, they are looked up to by their staff and managers. They lead the company's vision and brand. They lay the groundwork in policies and procedures that allow people to reach their full potential. Finally, women at this stage must cultivate powerful peer relationships.

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