Have you ever wondered about the significance of women in the engineering industry?
The seminar delves into the results of a national survey conducted by the National Center for Construction Education and Research, involving more than 770 respondents in the USA and Canada from various levels of leadership in the construction industry. The survey aimed to debunk the myth that women aren’t interested in leadership roles, with a striking 88% of respondents expressing a desire for leadership positions. In their research, they found that sponsorship occurs half as often as mentorship, which has a significant impact on the advancement of women in the workplace.
This question has likely crossed your mind at some point. To foster greater dialogue on this subject, SFPE has initiated a dedicated session titled “Women in Fire Protection Engineering.
The presentation highlights that the industry has been focusing on mentorship and sponsorship programs to support women, believing it to be the solution. However, it is revealed that mentorship, though effective in retaining women in their current roles, does not assist women in ascending to leadership positions. In contrast, men often encounter sponsorship, which provides direct opportunities, such as meetings with influential figures or participation in high-profile projects.
Emotional intelligence is a notable strength in women, aiding conflict management and securing more job opportunities. Having women on a team often increases the likelihood of securing a job, especially when clients seek diversity.
The seminar concludes by emphasizing that both mentorship and sponsorship are crucial but that understanding the difference between the two can help advance women into leadership positions. The speaker encourages organizations to transition from a focus on preparing women through advice and technical training (mentorship) to providing women with opportunities for growth, exposure, and leadership roles (sponsorship). This mindset shift is seen as the key to unlocking the potential of transformational leadership skills possessed by women in the industry.
