Jacket: J.Crew ‘Dover’ Blazer (00P) – (similar – on sale!, similar)
Top: LOFT Butterfly Tee (XS)
Bottom: AG Step-Hem Ankle Jeans (24) – (similar only $45)
Belt: Gucci Double G (70) – (dupe for under $30!)
Shoes: Schutz ‘Blasiana’ Bow Pumps (5.5) – (also here, also love with these bow flats)
Sunglasses: Gucci GG 0106S in Havana (similar under $100)
Bag: Gucci ‘Marmont’ Mini (similar under $200)
Earrings: Baublebar ‘Faidra’ Resin Drops (similar)
Hello and happy Monday! I finally had some time for some self-care last weekend (got a new haircut and a spray tan!) and am feeling ready to take on a new week! Most of you know that this blog is my side hustle and that I also work full-time as a software / database engineer. It’s a career I’ve been working on for the last 13 years and absolutely love, but it certainly hasn’t come without its share of challenges and difficulties. No doubt, it is a male dominated industry where oftentimes I am the only girl or at best, one of a very small handful of girls, in the entire department. Always being the minority is not easy but I’ve definitely learned a few key lessons over the years that have helped me succeed!
3 Reasons I’ve Succeeded In A Male Dominated Industry:
Take Advantage of Your Differences
I can’t tell you just how important it is to embrace your differences especially when it comes to the workplace. Women think differently than men and even the way in which we approach problems can be vastly different. Instead of trying to fit in or blend in, I’ve learned to embrace the differences and use them to my advantage. Oftentimes I’ve been in situations where the other guys on my team can be very focused on a small slice of the problem but I’ve instead seen it from a larger perspective. Early on I used to think that maybe I was thinking about the problem wrong, but eventually just realized it was just a different approach that wasn’t actually wrong at all. And while these differences can definitely be a strength, it leads me to my next point which is just as important when realizing that you are different.
SHOP PINK BLAZERS
Speak Up
In the first few years of my career, I oftentimes would be afraid to speak up whenever I had a difference of opinion or approached problems differently. As I’ve gotten older and gotten past those insecurities, I’ve learned just how important it is to speak up and voice my opinion. Since then, it’s been huge in helping me gain visibility and as well as move into leadership roles. Even just on an everyday basis, it’s been great just at making me feel more a part of the team. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to believe in your ideas and then have the confidence to share them. Being a female doesn’t mean that my ideas are any less valid than those of my male counterparts so the biggest factor has just been not allowing my self-doubt to get in the way. When you believe in yourself, your confidence will brow, and eventually you’l find it easier to share your thoughts and ideas.
Be Your Own Advocate
I’ve had several circumstances (even one as recent as the last month) where I’ve seen opportunities get taken away or just put past me. And while it may not necessarily be because I’m a girl, I’ve also learned just how important it is to advocate for yourself. Be proactive, know your strengths and past successes, and don’t be afraid to ask for what you deserve. This is definitely a skill that I’ve honed in the past few years and has made a huge difference when it comes to growing my career in a male dominated industry.
SHOP GRAPHIC TEES
Jacket: J.Crew ‘Dover’ Blazer (00P) – (similar – on sale!, similar)
Top: LOFT Butterfly Tee (XS)
Bottom: AG Step-Hem Ankle Jeans (24) – (similar only $45)
Belt: Gucci Double G (70) – (dupe for under $30!)
Shoes: Schutz ‘Blasiana’ Bow Pumps (5.5) – (also here, also love with these bow flats)
Sunglasses: Gucci GG 0106S in Havana (similar under $100)
Bag: Gucci ‘Marmont’ Mini (similar under $200)
Earrings: Baublebar ‘Faidra’ Resin Drops (similar)
I took almost two years off from the corporate world when I was pregnant with Mei, and it gave me time to reflect on my past as well as know where it is I want my future to go. It’s been a process of self actualization and not being apologetic for who I am. Since I returned to the workplace a little over 2.5 years ago, I’ve since been promoted twice and have received several raises / bonuses — moving from being just another engineer to now having my own team of engineers that I manage. A lot of my success has been just embracing what has made me different (and yes, part of it is wearing a pink blazer if I feel like it!), knowing where my strengths are, and not being afraid to advocate for myself in getting what I deserve.
++ all photos were taken by yours truly with this camera, lens, tripod, and remote. ++
edited using Barcelona Lightroom Preset (tutorial)
Simplement Lui says
Great post and congratulations for your professional achievement! You’re so right with the tips you mention! And your outfit is as always very nice and elegant! Happy Monday xx
https://4highheelsfans.wordpress.com/2018/08/05/milestones/
McKenna Trahan says
I love this article! You are such an inspiration and fearless!! I’m also drooling over this pink blazer! 🙂
Tonya Tardiff says
You go girl! Love this post. I am so big on being your own advocate and still work on this every day!
Cathy says
Love this post! I live in Silicon Valley and female engineers are SO RARE!! I love that you are one, and that you use it to your advantage!! Go girl!
XOXO
Cathy
Cara Newhart says
Working in oil and gas finance for so long which has a male-dominated culture – these tips really resonate! Love it
xo,
Cara
https://neverskipbrunch.com
Azanique Rawl says
I love this post! I’m usually the youngest person in my job and I’ve had to use many f these tactics, especially being my own advocate.
-xo, Azanique | http://www.lotsofsass.com
Megan says
You are such a boss babe! Love hearing about how you’ve succeeded in your industry!
Megan | http://www.pipmegan.com
Laura | Have Need Want says
These are such great tips! I also use to work in a male dominated industry and I definitely succeeded because of these exact reasons.
xo, Laura
kileen says
yay!! so glad to hear!
kileen
Linda says
Great post!
Your tips are seriously too useful and it’s work.
http://bestwalletreview.com
Laura Leigh says
This is awesome Kileen! Absolutely love this post and so proud of you!
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
kileen says
thank you Laura!! <3
kileen
Deborah says
Good for you! I live and work in Washington, DC in a political advocacy setting and that’s a pretty heavily male-dominated industry as well. I can’t stress the importance of advocating for yourself, as you said! If you don’t no one else will!
kileen says
you go, girl! so glad to see women breaking the mold and rooting for themselves!
kileen
Carolyn says
Sounds like you are killing it in the workplace! Way to go girl. These are great tips for other women to succeed in a mainly male industry!
maggie says
I agree- speaking up is so important in a work environment no matter where and who you work with!
kileen says
yes!! and have confidence in what you’re saying! people will listen and realize your worth.
xo,
kileen
Cindy says
Hey, I’ve been following your blog because I love your style and didn’t know that you’re a fellow software engineer! I definitely agree with all of these! Also, one to add: Be careful about working for companies with a toxic environment. If you do and there’s nothing you can do about it, GTFO as soon as possible because there are many companies that are better. 🙂
kileen says
that is so true!! there have been times when I’ve questioned whether the work environment I’m in is toxic for me and it’s so important to get out before it changes who you are!
thank you so much for taking the time to comment. <3
kileen
Greta says
Glad you found ways to dominate in your workplace! Such a boss lady!
Stephanie says
I’m so grateful for you putting together this post. Women need to know that it’s not only possible to slay in a male-dominated industry (or world) but that there are so many perks to being a woman in the workplace. Love this!
Nicole Flint says
Speaking up is so important! Continue to kill it girl!
Sharon Wu says
you are a woman of so many talents babe! and i love that this outfit is so cheery! <3
Jamaria Johnson says
You are the definition of GIRL BOSS! Congrats on having such an amazing career. Love your tips and this outfit is everything. xo
Nailil says
That pink blazer is so fun. I love how you styled it.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com/
Delia Atenea says
I love these points! Men can sometimes be intimidated by strong successful women! I love how you styled this cute pink blazer!
Karen, the next best thing to mummy says
You go girl and kick sss along the way #,overthemoon@_karendennis
Whitney says
ooh i love all these tips babe! speaking up is so key!
Ruth says
You are a role model for so many! I love that you are in a male dominated industry and just keep on pushing. Hats off to you for paving the way for others!
http://www.mylittlenest.org
Amber says
Your advice is so true, and a great reminder for all of us women climbing the corporate ladder. =) I also love this outfit – blazers, pumps, and jeans are one of my fav combos!
I hope you are having a great week so far!
Amber
https://www.avecamber.com
https://www.bloglovin.com/avecamber