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4 - Wednesday, October 20, 2021 - Women In Business - Red Bluff Daily News How women can keep careers going forward Women have played es- sential roles in the global workforce for quite some time. Despite their contri- butions, women continue to face professional obstacles that many of their male col- leagues never experience. e differences between the professional challenges faced by women and those faced by men have been ev- ident during the COVID-19 pandemic. A 2020 study published in the journal World Development exam- ined general inequality dur- ing the pandemic, focusing particularly on certain fac- tors, including job loss. e pandemic had a devastating impact on economies across the globe, and women bore a seemingly disproportionate percentage of that impact. e study found that, during the pandemic, women were 24 percent more likely to permanently lose their jobs than men. Women also ex- pected their labor income to fall by 50 percent more than men during the pandemic. Strategies to keep careers on track can be especially useful in the face of these obstacles and the many more female professionals will face even aer the pandemic has ended. e following are some ways women can keep their careers going forward. • Continue education. e Graduate Management Ad- mission Test, oen referred to as the GMAT, is used to assess candidates for ad- mission into graduate level management programs, such as MBA programs. A recent analysis of GMAT test takers found that 47 percent were women, which marked an all-time high. e value of education is undeniable, and women can continue their educations via the pur- suit of advanced degrees as they look to keep their ca- reers going forward. • Emphasize networking. e Association for Talent Development reports that 57 percent of job openings are filled through network- ing contacts. Networking is more accessible than ever thanks to social media sites like LinkedIn, and women can utilize such resources to build connections with men- tors and colleagues that can share everything from career advice to access to new job openings. • Define career expecta- tions. Defining career ex- pectations early on can be beneficial in various ways. Such expectations can guide career choices and provide a road map that women can utilize to stay the pro- fessional course. is can help women make decisions about their careers when they come to forks in the road. For example, if a path to promotion seems blocked, women can examine their established career expecta- tions to help them decide if it's time to seek new em- ployment. Defining career expectations also can help women effectively commu- nicate with mentors about their goals, and mentors can then use that information when offering guidance. Ex- pectations need not be con- crete, and it's likely they will change over time. But they can serve as an important foundation for anyone from young female professionals to experienced executives looking to make changes or determine the next step in their careers. Women face professional hurdles many of their male colleagues never experience. Various strategies can help women clear such hurdles and keep their careers going in the right direction. e latest in Cataract Surgery, Glaucoma, Macular Degeneration, Dry Eyes, and Glasses! Brian Haugen M.D. Stacy Cullum O.D. NORTHRIDGE EYE CARE 530 Main Street Red Bluff, CA 96080 530.529.1750 northridgeeyecare.com Aer having your eye exam with Dr. Cullum, come see Kendra or Olivia in our boutique optical to see our wide selection of frames available to fit your needs. Being an open vision insurance provider, we have something to fit everyone. With a combined 56 years of experience, let Dr. Cullum, Kendra and Olivia take care of your eyecare and eyewear needs. Now performing surgery in our office surgery suite. Seniors 1155 Walnut Street, Red Bluff, California P: 530.529.4595 • F: 530.529.4544 CA Lic #525002150 CALL OR VISIT ~ TOURS DAILY A COMPASSIONATE CARE FACILITY Assisted Daily Living Individualized Memory Care All About

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