Why Gender Disparity Follows on From School to the Workplace

Why Gender Disparity Follows on From School to the Workplace Gender disparity is predominantly presented in recent news as mainly associated with the workplace and how this issue affects employees’ salaries. However, a recent study by SmallBusinessPrices.co.uk has investigated the in-depth origin of this problem, revealing how gender imbalance is affecting students in higher education and its reflection in their working future. Ian Wright from SmallBusinessPrices.co.uk stated: “Across all sectors, there is a great disparity between women and men in senior positions especially in the boardrooms. The research shows there is a greater number of women in higher education, but this isn’t reflected in a number of industries and many are set back by the gender pay gap.” Gender Distribution in Higher Education The number of students deciding to continue into higher education has steadily increased over the last few years despite rising fees. 1,273,335 women have entered higher education over the last year, compared to  992,270 men. Here are the top five subjects studied in the UK: Business and Administrative Studies With over 326,000 people studying Business and Administrative studies in the UK, it is the most popular subject in the selected fields. There isn’t a large disparity between the number of female and male students as 161,450 are female and 165,325 are women, the only subject that has a similar gender distribution. Engineering and Technology Coming at number two on the list, Engineering and Technology show a significant disparity between the genders. There are just under 27,000 women studying the subject, compared to an overwhelming 134,340 of men. Computer Science With a total of 93,210 students taking this subject, computer science has seen an influx over the past few years. However, like Engineering and Technology, there is a significant difference between the number of men and women studying the subject. Just 16,000 women study computer science compared to over 77,000 men. Law Over 87,000 students study law making it the fourth most studied subject on the list. It is one of the subjects that have more female students compared to male, with 53,545 women and 34,035 men. Medicine and Dentistry Out of the top five, medicine and dentistry is also one of the only subjects that have more female students than male. Out of the 65,995 students, over 37,000 of these are female and just over 28,000 are male. Genders Represented Across Profession It is well-known that there are subjects which are gendered causing the “glass slipper effect” which associates certain roles with certain genders. These are the top three professions where we see the largest disparities between the sexes: Civil Engineers Closely relating to the statistics showing the gender distribution of those studying engineering and technology, this is also reflected in the number of people in the profession itself. It is the worst industry for gender disparity, as 89% of civil engineers are men compared to 11% of women. Nurses Around 88% of nurses are women compared to 12% of men. The role which has stereotypically been associated with maternal and feminine qualities may explain why such a high number of nurses are women. IT Specialists Subjects like engineering, technology, and science have often been associated with men, based on gender stereotypes. Similar to the civil engineer profession, IT specialists also see a large difference between the sexes with 83% of men in the role compared to 17% of women. Gender Imbalance in Business Check out here the full infographic by SmallBusinessPrices.co.uk. The infographic explains the gender distribution in education and job profession. Also, the study describes the proportion of females in roles by industry and the countries with the highest and lowest representation of women in their boardrooms. About the author:  Ian Wright  is the CEO of  SmallBusinessPrices.co.uk, which aims  to give UK small businesses owners more accurate pricing information on a wide range of business products and services, helping them to find the right supplier and get the best deal.

Things to Include on Your Resume to Get a Job

Things to Include on Your Resume to Get a JobGreat writing skills can be put to work in many ways. Skills can be put to work in a professional environment or they can be put to work for you in a home based business environment. There are plenty of jobs to be had out there, and the sooner you begin to exploit them, the sooner you'll start seeing your resume go up.This article will be talking about some of the more common skills that you can use to get a new job as well as what you should be putting on your resume. You don't have to go all out when it comes to these skills, but if you do then you'll be well on your way to getting a new job.One of the most important things to remember when applying for a job is that you need to have good writer skills. When people see something on your resume that you wrote, they'll be able to tell just how much time and effort you put into writing. If they don't know you by your writing, they'll know you by what you wrote, and this could be very import ant.The skill to write a resume is much like the skill to write an essay. It takes a lot of time to write a formal essay. It can take a lot of time to write a resume too. You need to find a way to make it easy for your potential employer to read.You can also take the time to use a standard writing style. For example, when you're reading through a standard resume. The first paragraph is very important. You need to look for paragraphs that are short and simple.Your resume needs to look clean and tidy. You want to make sure that it looks as though you put a lot of time and thought into it. If you have a lot of mistakes on your resume, you'll find it hard to even get a job.Writing skills should not be forgotten in your search for employment. People will judge you on how you write, and you have to do your best to make it look good. Make sure that you use easy to read words and you can even use the provided grammar checker to help you.In order to get the job you want, you need to put your best foot forward and become a great writer. You don't have to take a long time to produce a quality resume. You just need to be as quick and as efficient as possible.

Office Art 4 Inspiring Women Artists To Fuel Your Workspace

Office Art 4 Inspiring Women Artists To Fuel Your Workspace Having an office that suits you is important it can inspire you to work harder or lift your spirits on a stressful day. But how do you choose from amongst the hundreds of different decor options and dozens of “inspirational” posters available at the local office supply store? The answer may be looking beyond those standard options. Expand your options and  explore the creations of incredible people who have shaped the art world Let your office tell a story about who you aspire to be like. Pick a decorative theme, a message, and keep it simple. Here are 4   artists you might want to add to your office as role models and professional inspiration. The High Powered Professional Are you the kind of hyper-focused professional who loses sleep over an exciting project and is powered by frequent, high intensity deadlines? Then the abstract art of Louise Fishman might be perfect for your office. Born in 1939, Fishman ran with the old boys club as one of the first female abstract expressionists. Innovators with a no nonsense attitude will feel at home with Fishman’s energetic, emphatic art. Keeping It Simple On the opposite end from our high powered professional, there are those women who function as the calm voice of reason in their workplace. If you’re the peacekeeper with a zen balance, a Joan Miro painting may be the perfect thing to bring your office together. Introduced onto the art scene primarily by collector Albert Scaglione, Joan Miro is a Mexican artist whose perspective is simple, focused on still objects and attention to detail. Once noting that an artwork “must be conceived with fire in the soul but executed with clinical coolness,” Miro is all about the focus that produces great work to exacting standards. Big Thinkers Are you the person your office relies on for big, structural ideas? Can you see the whole picture and all of its connections? Women who think in this sort of methodical way may feel at home with the work of Ethiopian artist Julie Mehretu. Mehretu describes her art as architectural and you can clearly see the sweeping yet sturdy motions in her style. You might even think you could build a house based on her paintings. That might not work but you can create an inspiring office space by including her work. The Tightrope Walker Are you a mother struggling to maintain work-life balance? Perhaps you need more inspiring mothers to decorate your office. Margaret Kilgallen died at the young age of 33, but stands out as one of the defining artists of the Mission School. Kilgallen was diagnosed with breast cancer during her pregnancy and died shortly after giving birth, but her work stands out as foundational to the San Francisco-based art scene. Inspiring Office Art Matters The art you put in your office is up to you, but rather than going with a generic print of a plant or birds, step up your work aesthetic with inspirational art that speaks to your style. Tap into the strength of female artists you’ll be surprised how your stories intertwined. Image Source; Image Source; Image Source

5 Ways to Deal With a Counteroffer

5 Ways to Deal With a Counteroffer With great talent in short supply, businesses are doing everything they can to retain employees. So when your candidate goes to hand in their resignation, a counteroffer from their existing employer is not out of the question â€" in fact, it’s more common than ever. A higher salary, improved package, change in responsibilities or even a promotion are just some of the ways organizations will look to hold on to their spectacular staff, in turn presenting a sticky situation for the candidate. Do they stay or do they go? As recruiters, handling this situation in the right way is essential as it can make the difference between a candidate accepting your offer and reverting back to what they know. Here are five things to consider when faced with a counter-offer: 1. Broach the topic early If your candidate is actively looking for work but currently employed, make sure you cover the possibility of a counter-offer throughout the shortlisting and interview process. Establish why your candidate is leaving and enquire what they’d do if they were to be counter offered. It’s always worth knowing what could tempt a candidate back to their original role. What’s more, by bringing up the concept early, the candidate won’t be caught by surprise if it does happen and they’ll have thought about the situation before being confronted with it. 2. Advise on the resignation process For many candidates, the thought of resigning can induce anxiety and alienation. After all, unless gardening leave is an option, the employee will have to remain in their workplace to work out their notice and depending on the company, this may be a less than positive experience. Providing a steadying hand throughout the resignation process can reassure the candidate of their decision and stop them from reneging on their decision. Consider asking questions like ‘Will your manager be surprised? How will they respond to this?’ to prepare the candidate appropriately. Providing tips and tricks on best practice when it comes to resigning, such as how much notice to provide and how to deliver the news, can make a huge difference not only to the relationship your candidate leaves behind but their enthusiasm and confidence moving forward. 3. Remind them of what’s on offer There’s a reason the candidate has gone through the process of applying, interviewing and accepting your role â€" so remind them of such! Emphasize the fantastic elements of their new role, including the team, responsibilities, company culture, the potential for career progression, title, offices, location, flexibility, and benefits â€" whatever attracted them to the role in the first place. Often, a candidate isn’t moving for a straight pay rise â€" there are other factors at play which their current employer can’t counter against. 4. Organize a tour or additional meetings If your candidate needs some reminding of what they have in store, collaborate with your client to organize a final office tour or meeting. If you haven’t already, ask their new employer to show the candidate where they would be sitting, where the local café is and who they’ll be working with, giving them the best chance to visualize what their new working life could look like. If the team is hosting any social events during the candidate’s notice, ask your client to invite them along, so they can get to know the team outside of the working environment. 5. Remain in close contact The candidate has resigned and they have worked a week of their notice with no fuss. Suddenly, their manager pulls them into a meeting and offers a better package, along with a new title. If you haven’t maintained consistent contact with your candidate throughout the recruitment process, they may be swayed. Make sure you are touching base regularly via email, a phone call or best-case scenario â€" in person. It means you can maintain momentum, while also ensuring the candidate will maintain confidence and enthusiasm for their new role. It’s also worth communicating that you are accessible at all times, should a situation like the above arise. You should be the first person they go to.

Should You Put a Job Writing Sample on Resume Paper?

Should You Put a Job Writing Sample on Resume Paper?Should you put a job writing sample on resume paper? The answer to this question will depend on your needs. There are several reasons why a person may want to consider putting this on their resume.The first reason is that a person could be marketing to an audience outside their professional environment. You may be an advertising copywriter, and the next thing you know you are working for Fortune 500 companies. The fact is, most people who write for the public don't know how to market themselves. In such cases, they may decide to put a marketing writing sample on their resume.Another reason to include this on your resume is that you may not be a creative writer. The majority of people do not realize that it is possible to write persuasive copy. Many people are afraid of the task because they fear they can't sell something.By including a copywriting sample on your resume, you will show that you are not afraid to try new things and tha t you have confidence in your career prospect. By using the copywriting sample, you will be able to persuade the reader to click on your resume. This is because you have demonstrated you know how to make sales.The next reason to include a writing sample on your resume is that you might be self-employed and have many hours. While the majority of people like to work one or two hours per day, many self-employed individuals find it hard to clock out after lunch. Some writing samples will allow you to choose how much time you would like to spend writing. The number of hours you work each day will help you gauge whether or not you are fit for the position.Lastly, you may find that the writing sample you use is too boring. You can provide a link to an article that discusses your talents and then you can critique it for errors. By providing this information, you will be able to demonstrate that you are skilled at writing compelling copy.The answer to the question 'Should you put a job writi ng sample on resume paper?' is that you will have to check it off your list when you are done reviewing your resume. However, if you feel it would be a good idea, just keep it handy.It is important to remember that a copywriting sample should be listed on your resume paper. There are several reasons to include it and you should review them all before you make the final decision. As you do, make sure to include the copywriting sample so that you can see it in action.

College-Bound or Career-Bound

College-Bound or Career-Bound What is the purpose of a college education today? Is it: A) Learn to be a great thinker B) Obtain a degree C) Teach life skills (career management included) D) Learn cutting edge technology and methodologies E) None of the above From where I stand, most colleges dont understand how to prepare students for life after college. Two recent posts from great authorities on career management both find flaws with college career centers. Career Management, It Take a Village from CareerSolvers (@barbarasafani) Safani says: But nowhere on any of the handouts was there information concerning college career and placement offices… Schools need to have proactive career planning and placement offices that know how to help students land plum internships and counselors that can help students market themselves effectively on their resume. They need strong relationships with employers and they need to be up to speed on the importance of social media in a job search. How to Manage a College Education from Penelope Trunks Brazen Careerist (@penelopetrunk) Trunk points out: Career centers cater to companies, not candidates. Career centers don’t understand social media. Career center staff is self-selecting for under-performance. Pick a school based on their track record for getting students jobs If this is the reality, then parents need to teach career management to their children, and at an early age- pre-college. The best way to do this is to show by example. Live your life and be in control of your career. Know how to change with the times, understand how past experiences relate to future employers, be able to sell those experiences and invest in your own professional development. No one else can do this for you.

8 ways to master holiday networking

8 ways to master holiday networking 8 ways to master holiday networking The season of holiday parties is coming up, and with many professionally oriented events, it may be time to brush up on your networking skills. There are some strategies that can help you make connections, while still having fun. Here are eight tips that will make the most of your party time: 1. Get to the event early. Catch people when they are fresh and before it is too crowded, thats the best time to network. If you are with friends, just tell them that you are going to work the room so you wont be hanging with them all night. Circulate; dont coagulate. 2. Be hands-free. Youll need to be able to shake hands, use your hands to talk, or make notes on someones business card so youll remember what you talked about. Check your coat and briefcase, or leave them at home. If youre carrying a bag or purse, consider an over-the-shoulder style. 3. Put your name badge on your right side. Your right shoulder is your leading shoulder when you shake hands. It comes forward and makes it easier to read your name badge. (Ladies, dont put that badge too low. It can be embarrassing for you and the gentleman trying to read it.) And if your badge comes on a lanyard, tie a knot in the back of the cord so it sits high enough for others to comfortably see at a glance. If you handwrite your name badge, just put your first name in big letters so its easy to read. Thats really all anybody cares about and remembers anyway. 4. Bring business cards Countless people who go to networking events make the horrible mistake of arriving without business cards, then they tell people they ran out. Oh, really? If you are between jobs, order some or print on your desktop printer. Just have them. 5. Be interested, not interesting. Ask more questions than you answer, listen carefully and make eye contact. And, please, dont keep glancing around the room while you are talking to someone. Thats rude. 6. Dont spend too much time with one or two new people. No matter how engaging they may be, let others have an opportunity to meet them. Besides, you need to work the room too. Ask if you can talk at a later time, get a business card, and then move on. 7. Follow up with people you meet You get all dressed up, go to an event, meet great people, and then do nothing? What a shame. Connect on LinkedIn or send a personal e-mail within 48 hours, and no later! 8. Dont drink too much. Did I really have to say that? While its the holiday season and you are at a party, remember you are creating a first and lasting impression. Dont make an impression youd rather forget. You can alternate an alcoholic drink with a glass of water, drink sparkling water, set a certain drink limit for yourself or just dont drink anything. Have a great time, enjoy some fun parties and meet some fascinating people. And keep networking!