This article is designed to help Filipino women working overseas (OFWs) climb the career ladder. We’ll talk about practical steps you can take to gain new skills, build your network, and position yourself for promotions or better job opportunities. Remember, your hard work deserves the recognition it earns!
Understanding the “Glass Ceiling”
You’ve probably heard the term “glass ceiling.” It’s a way of describing the invisible barrier that keeps women from reaching the highest levels in their careers. Even when women are just as qualified and experienced as men, they often face unfair obstacles. For OFW women, this can be even tougher because you’re working in a foreign country, often far from your family and support network. It’s not always obvious, but it’s there in the form of subtle biases, limited opportunities, and unfair expectations. Recognizing this is the first step in knowing how to overcome it. Research by the OECD indicates that gender inequality persists in the labor market across many countries, impacting career advancement for women in general.
Assess Your Current Situation
Before we leap ahead, let’s take stock. What skills do you currently have? What level is your current role? What roles do you aspire to have, and what skills are required to perform such roles? Where you are today will give you context for the next steps. Really consider what you enjoy doing at work and what you’re good at. Ask yourself: What are your strengths? What are your weaknesses? Where do you see yourself in five years? Are you happy with your current salary, benefits, and work-life balance? Answering these questions honestly will help you create a personalized career plan.
Think about asking a trusted friend or mentor for feedback on your work. Sometimes, others see things that we don’t see in ourselves. Understanding your current situation is a crucial first step to planning a career path upwards.
Building New Skills and Knowledge
In today’s world of work, learning never stops. To move up, think about what new skills will make you more valuable to your employer (or to future employers). If, for example, you currently work in healthcare and would like to transition to a more senior role in hospital administration, consider enrolling in healthcare management courses. You can find them at global institutions like the London School of Economics. If you are unsure of which skills to work on, talk to your supervisor, or mentor. They can likely provide career insights into the skills and knowledge gaps you should focus on developing.
Online Courses and Certifications: The internet has opened up a whole world of learning! Websites like Coursera, edX, and Udemy offer courses on just about any subject you can imagine. Many of these courses are free, or very affordable. You can earn certificates that you can add to your resume or LinkedIn profile.
Language Skills: Speaking another language can significantly boost your career prospects, especially if you’re working in a country where that language is spoken. Even if you speak English well, learning the local language will make you more effective at your job and help you build stronger relationships with your colleagues and clients. Many employers cover tuition for language courses for employees or their families. Local libraries or community colleges also sometimes host non-credit language courses.
Computer Skills: In almost every role, strong computer skills are highly valued. Can you use Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) efficiently? Are you familiar with project management software like Asana or Trello? Learning new software programs can make you more productive and efficient, which can lead to promotions or other opportunities. These can range from anything as simple as taking a Microsoft Excel course, to learning basic computer programming. There are many free or low-cost online training tools.
Attend Workshops and Seminars: Look for workshops and seminars in your community or online that focus on career development or your specific industry. These events can be a great way to learn new skills, network with other professionals, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
Building a Strong Network
Networking means building relationships with people who can help you advance your career. It’s not just about collecting business cards; it’s about forming meaningful connections, offering help to others, and building a reputation as a valuable colleague. Your network is invaluable for everything from finding job openings to getting advice on how to tackle challenging situations at work.
Attend Industry Events: Look for conferences, seminars, or workshops related to your field. These events are great places to meet other professionals, learn about new trends, and network. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people and start conversations. Prepare an “elevator pitch”—a short, compelling summary of your job and your career aspirations—so you can quickly and concisely introduce yourself to others.
Join Professional Organizations: Many professional organizations offer opportunities for networking, professional development, and mentorship. Look for organizations that are relevant to your field and consider becoming a member. Joining such organizations provides you with access to jobs boards and career workshops, and opportunities to meet mentors.
Use Social Media Wisely: LinkedIn is an especially powerful tool for professional networking. Create a profile that highlights your skills, experience, and career goals. Connect with colleagues, industry experts, and recruiters. Participate in relevant groups and discussions. Be active and engage with other professionals. You can also use Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to connect with people in your industry, but be sure to keep your social media presence professional.
Mentorship Programs: Seek out mentors who can offer guidance, advice, and support as you navigate your career path. A good mentor can provide valuable insights and help you make smart decisions. Ask a senior colleague you trust, or find a mentor through a professional organization. It might also be helpful to act as a mentor to somebody else as well— you’ll consolidate your skills and knowledge, share your knowledge and experience, and enhance your leadership and communication skills.
Take Initiative and Demonstrate Leadership
Don’t wait for opportunities to come to you; create them! One common mistake is that OFWs stick with their job descriptions 100%, and do not reach outside the boundaries of their roles. If you simply do your job, you’ll just be one of the crowd; however, if you seek chances to shine, you’ll be the star of the show. Look for opportunities to take on new challenges and responsibilities at work. Take that project that nobody wants to do, and shine. Volunteer for special projects, participate in company committees, or offer to train new employees. Taking initiative shows that you’re motivated, committed, and eager to learn and grow. It helps you stand out from the crowd.
Volunteer for Additional Projects: Raising your hand for additional opportunities indicates that you are dedicated to growing your skillset and contributing to the company’s success. Don’t feel as though you’re overstepping your roles, and don’t focus on whether that incremental pay raise is coming. The learning you receive from these additional projects will pave the way towards career advancement.
Mentor Others: Mentoring someone else not only helps them grow, but also demonstrates your leadership skills and commitment to your organization. It also reinforces your own knowledge and skills. Helping others up solidifies your understanding of your field and demonstrates your qualities of initiative and care to your supervisor, who will take it into account during promotional opportunities.
Voice Your Ideas and Opinions: Too often, employees keep their input and ideas to themselves, thinking that it will be ignored. Share them anyway! Don’t be afraid to speak up in meetings or offer suggestions for improvement. Expressing your ideas shows that you’re engaged, thoughtful, and invested in the success of your company. But consider the culture of your workplace. Is contribution encouraged or penalized? Seek to understand the answer and then adapt accordingly! Make sure you are respectful and professional, even when disagreeing with others.
One real-world example: Maria, an OFW working as a caregiver in Canada, noticed that many elderly clients felt isolated and lonely. She suggested organizing regular social activities for them, such as group walks, movie nights, and crafting sessions. Her employer loved the idea and gave her the opportunity to lead the project. Maria’s initiative not only improved the quality of life for her clients but also demonstrated her leadership skills and creativity. As a result, she was offered a promotion to a team leader position, where she was responsible for overseeing the care of a larger group of clients and managing a team of caregivers.
Negotiate Effectively
Don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve! Whether it’s a raise, a promotion, better benefits, or more training opportunities, negotiating is a key skill for career advancement. Many people avoid negotiation because they feel uncomfortable. However, with some preparation and practice, you can become a confident and effective negotiator.
Research Salary Standards: Before you start negotiating, research salary standards for your position in your industry and location. Websites like Glassdoor, Salary.com, and Payscale can provide salary data based on experience, education, and other factors. Remember that salary is not always the most important factor. Consider your benefits package!
Highlight Achievements and Contributions: When negotiating, focus on your accomplishments and contributions to your organization. Provide specific examples of how you have added value and helped the company achieve its goals. If you volunteered for a project that increased revenue, share those metrics. If you assisted in streamlining operating efficiencies, provide those results as well.
Practice Your Negotiation Skills: Practice negotiating with a friend or family member. This will help you become more comfortable and confident. It will also help you identify any weaknesses in your approach.
Know Your Worth: Finally, remember that you are valuable! Don’t settle for less than you deserve. If your employer isn’t willing to meet your needs, be prepared to walk away.
One important point: don’t negotiate out of desperation with threats. Negotiate confidently. You want to maintain a harmonious, professional environment that motivates others to help you achieve your goals. Always stay optimistic.
Overcoming Specific Challenges
OFW women often face unique challenges that can hinder their career advancement. These include discrimination, cultural differences, and limited access to resources. Overcoming these challenges requires awareness, resilience, and a willingness to advocate for yourself.
Addressing Discrimination: If you experience discrimination at work, it’s important to address it promptly and professionally. Document the incidents, report them to your supervisor or HR department, and seek legal advice if necessary. Remember, you have the right to a safe and respectful workplace.
Navigating Cultural Differences: Cultural differences can sometimes lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. Take the time to learn about the local culture and customs. Be respectful of different perspectives and ways of doing things. If you’re unsure about something, ask for clarification.
Balancing Work and Family Responsibilities: Balancing work and family responsibilities can be challenging for any working woman, but it can be especially difficult for OFW women who are far from their families. Seek support from your employer, your colleagues, and your community. Negotiate flexible work arrangements if possible. Prioritize self-care and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge.
Staying Positive and Resilient
Career advancement is not always easy. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way. It’s important to stay positive and resilient, even when things get tough. Consider building a support network of fellow OFWs in your area. It also helps to ensure that your family supports your goals and will encourage you throughout. It also helps to celebrate the little wins along the way.
Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of your accomplishments and what you’re good at. Focus on your strengths and build on them.
One final note: remember that your experiences as an OFW have given you valuable skills and perspectives that can benefit your career. Embrace your unique background and use it to your advantage. Be proud of who you are and what you have accomplished!
FAQs
What if my employer doesn’t offer opportunities for advancement?
If your current employer doesn’t offer opportunities for advancement, it may be time to look for a new job. Update your resume and LinkedIn profile, network with people in your field, and start applying for positions that align with your career goals. Don’t be afraid to explore different industries or roles.
How can I build my confidence in a male-dominated workplace?
Focus on your strengths and accomplishments. Remind yourself of your value. Seek out mentors and sponsors who can support you. Practice assertiveness and speak up for yourself. Remember, you belong in the room, so make your presence known.
What if I don’t have time for additional training or education?
Even small increments of education can help towards the end objectives. Look for online courses or videos rather than traditional tuition-based programs. You can fit in smaller chunks of time on a more regular basis as opposed to longer courses with less time commitment. Consider short courses, workshops, or webinars that you can complete in your spare time.
How can I overcome homesickness and stay motivated while working abroad?
Connect with other OFWs in your area. Join a local Filipino community group or organization. Stay in touch with your family and friends back home through video calls, emails, and social media. Take time for self-care and activities that you enjoy. Focus on your goals and remind yourself of why you chose to work abroad.
References
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). Gender equality in the labour market. Retrieved from OECD website.
Start Your Journey Today!
Breaking through the glass ceiling can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding journey. By focusing on your skills development, building your network, taking initiative, and advocating for yourself, you can achieve your career goals and create a brighter future for yourself and your family. Don’t wait! Start today by taking one small step towards your career aspirations. Identify one or two action items in this article that resonate with you, and then find tools/resources to help you achieve the action items. Your hard work and dedication deserve it. You’ve got this!
