STAYING UP-TO-DATE

Published on July 27, 2011

Working women do have their work cut out for themselves. Anything they can do, the men can ALWAYS ‘do it better'!

Fight it all you want to but let's face it, the working world often does get stereotypical and gender-biased. Women have to work all the more harder and about the only way to survive and make it to the top is to keep yourself current and up-to-date. Know what is happening around you – in the world, in your profession, in your industry, even in your work place…

Alas, many women weighed down by never-ending responsibilities sadly overlook this job demand and get stuck in the rut of middle management unable to move up. As a supply chain consultant for a supermarket chain says, “When compared to men most career-women are challenged and restricted by situations that are natural in life (like being a mother and raising a family). This is where most of us face a conflict and often agree to a compromise at work.

However, updating yourself will put the shine back in your work as well as demonstrate your commitment, motivation and drive. Being in the loop of what's happening is crucial not only for advancing your career trajectory, but also for simply holding on to the job you do have. Keeping a finger on the latest developments, strategies and trends in the industry will enable you to confidently discuss topics, defend your views and quite simply hold your own amidst colleagues/managers, earning you the respect/recognition you both deserve and crave. Shilpa Nainani, Creative consultant, Orange Media observes, “As a woman myself, it's imperative that if I have to make a difference in my field of operations I have to keep myself abreast with the latest happenings, current affairs, developments around the world and make sure that I am high on my area of expertise.”

But time is definitely at a premium for a working mother as she juggles one role too many.

Already struggling to keep pace, the need to stay informed adds to the brimming pressures. Where is the time, let alone focus and motivation, to find out what is happening in the world?

Ahead of the curve

It's all about proactive time management, planning and knowing where or more importantly how to look. As Subha C., ex-faculty at NIIT, elaborates, “A lot of times women give the excuse of their family, kids, etc. But I wish for once we all could take into account how effectively we can get things done if only we planned ahead to a certain extent and managed time better!”

Some working woman-friendly avenues for continued professional growth:

Power of the web: There may not be time to randomly surf the web, but you can periodically visit certain relevant websites and read about important events, recent challenges and other market news. Email lists, newsletters, social networking sites, discussion boards and forums are easy and effective ways to find information.

One doesn't have to skinch on family time; these activities can very well be incorporated in the workday itself. As Subha Vishwanathan, Senior Quality Analyst at BostonLogix, Hyderabad reflects, “To keep myself updated, I read a lot of e-magazines and am actively involved in some forums for software testers. When I come across a new term or tool I am not familiar with, I note it and research on it when I get the time.”

Print format: Identify a few selected but varied industry publications, journals or magazines that reflect prevailing trends on a range of topics. For instance, earmark an hour a week to carefully read and reflect on some interesting articles. It will be time well spent!

Or, as Pradeepa Kesiraju, Test Lead, Microsoft India opines, “Take time from work to read even if for 10 minutes. It could be technology, politics or anything but those 10 minutes would add a lot of knowledge and value!”

Network, Network: Cultivate a strong network of contacts across gender lines and strive to maintain the relationships. For instance, make it a point to speak to at least one inspiring or empowering person every week, be it at a business lunch, professional gathering, a workshop or even a social event. Dimple Melwani, Project Manager at Gokals Healthcare Services Ltd. advices, “Women tend to get too involved with their routine lives and forget to keep in touch. Don't burn bridges with your old colleagues/classmates. There's a lot you can learn from them!”

Expand skills: Don't forget that knowledge and skills should be regularly updated. Take advantage of company-sponsored training or sign up for short courses to stay on top of latest technological advances.

You can go in for external programmes with specifically tailored curriculums, choosing from options like regular classes, do-it-yourself books or online courses that you can do at your own time.

To sum up, the world is continually transforming with blink-and-miss opportunities… Make sure you stay in sync or you may be left behind.

If you are still not stirred, consider what Vaishali Parikh, Consultant - Engineering Process & Infrastructure (EPI) at ABC Consultants Pvt. Ltd highlights, “Think that you are the primary bread winner for your family (NOT A SUPPORT TO YOUR SPOUSE).

It will automatically engender all the focus/motivation that you need to stay in the loop!”

Payal Chanania