Written by: Basant Chawla (Admin Director)
Making it in the business world isn’t easy, especially for women aiming for leadership roles. That’s why I sat down with Kristina and Caitlin, co-presidents of the Telfer Women in Management Network (WMN) at uOttawa, to get their advice on succeeding in business and what keeps them inspired.
Among the most important strategies for career progress is networking, which is especially important for women because they may not have access to the same informal networks as men. Professional connections can open doors to internships, job opportunities, and mentorship relationships.
For Kristina, networking isn’t just about attending events—it’s about creating a foundation for a successful career. “Specifically for women in business, I think it’s really important to make connections and to network, because those are the people that are going to be your mentors, your coaches, sometimes even your managers,” she explained. “These are the people that are going to support you throughout your career.” Caitlin agreed and gave helpful tips for people who may be unsure how to network. “If you’re new to networking and you’re trying to get into it, and you don’t know where to start, I think a great way is to start building your online presence… You can message people on LinkedIn and say, ‘Hey, I’d love to grab a coffee,’ if they’re a professor on campus, for example, which is a great place to start looking for people,” she explained. The co-presidents also both pointed out that the Women in Management Network gives women an opportunity to interact with professionals and one another. “Through our club, you’re able to network with a lot of like-minded individuals,” Kristina said.
Additionally, the two primary trends that are influencing the future of business are technology and inclusivity. Companies are putting more effort into addressing issues like the gender wage gap and creating diverse workplaces. In the meantime, industries are changing due to technology, particularly artificial intelligence, which opens up new possibilities for efficiency and creativity.
Both Kristina and Caitlin are optimistic about what’s next for business. Caitlin is excited about the potential of AI to transform workplaces. “A big part of [a class] was talking about AI and how we can leverage that to…build jobs around AI and business rather than take them away,” she said. Kristina added, “The future is actually endless with AI, and I’m super excited to see how that works.” Beyond technology, they both hope to see a continued push for inclusivity and sustainability in the business world.
Kristina and Caitlin's comments point out the facts: women in business are not just shattering stereotypes but also reinventing what it means to be a leader. They are building networks, encouraging self-assurance, and challenging outmoded norms in order to establish a more inventive and inclusive business environment in the future. The Telfer Women in Management Network is an excellent example of how mentoring and teamwork can contribute to significant change. As they continue to set an example, Kristina and Caitlin show that success is about letting others climb the ladder with you rather than just moving up the ladder yourself. As Caitlin said, “Women have the skills to be just as good in those positions as men.” Their advice is clear: believe in yourself, lean on your network, and don’t let anyone’s assumptions about you hold you back
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