As A Woman Working In A Male Dominated Field, I Know I'll Have To Work Twice As Hard To Prove My Worth
Start writing a post
Adulting

As A Woman Working In A Male-Dominated Field, I Know I'll Have To Work Twice As Hard To Prove My Worth

But don't underestimate me — I AM worth it.

995
As A Woman Working In A Male-Dominated Field, I Know I'll Have To Work Twice As Hard To Prove My Worth

From someone who comes from a small town, going into law is a very male-dominated field.

Not just the lawyers, but the consultants, legal advocates — even paralegals! For some reason, where I am geographically located, most of the legal advisors are men.

Trust me, I see women lawyers and law advisors all the time, but when I walk into the courtroom for my internship, I see a whole lot of men with smug faces when they look at me.

Here's my situation: I work as hard, or even harder than most of the men I associate with who have similar goals as me, and I am pissed that they get better pay and more credit.

I have two jobs (one paid, one unpaid). I have a part-time internship that I give my all to. I do more than full-time class credits per quarter this year in order to graduate with honors distinctions, and I even started a new club on campus to raise awareness to the minority groups in my community. I volunteer in my spare time, I study and research, and I load up on projects to get my name out there, and to make connections that will further my goals and aspirations. After all of this, I get told, "You wear too much makeup to practice any sort of legal practice," "No one will take you seriously in that dress," or even, "Do you expect to outrun a man who is applying for the same position?"

I am frustrated that men get more credit and praise than women do when we are over here busting our ass, HAVING CHILDREN AND STARTING FAMILIES, and then getting back to business.

However, I will not let my frustration falter me. I will remain hopeful, and I will look to my women inspirations for moral support while I climb the ladder. I will not follow the rules, but rather extend the boundaries that exist, and create the impossible. I will continue to get my name out there and meet impactful individuals that will understand my worth, and work with me to do better for the world.

Just because I am a woman in a male-dominated field, you will not see me give up after I fall down. Rather, you will see me dust myself off, defy the odds and empower other women to do the same.

Get your coin, ladies. You deserve a seat at the table just as much as the man next to you.

Report this Content
Featured

Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

Fatima Mohammed, a law student, is accused of demonizing Israel. Others say she used her right of free speech and college should a secular space to discuss these issues

454
Did NYC's CUNY student give 'hate-filled' commencement speech against Jews?

City University of New York and its law school came under scrutiny for a commencement ceremony that featured a keynote speech seen as discriminatory against Jews. The school system, better known as CUNY, released a statement condemning the remarks as “hate speech” following a widespread outcry and calls for the college to speak out.

Keep Reading...Show less
To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before...

One of the things that I love most is space. I am a HUGE space nerd. Literally ask any of my friends. I was first introduced to space when my dad dragged me to see Star Trek. Since walking out of that movie theater in 6th grade, becoming an astronaut hasn't been just some wild dream that could come true.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

The Stories Behind Scars

Some tales of tribulation with permanent impressions.

1538
The Stories Behind Scars
fanpop

Everybody has scars. Usually these marks carry a negative connotation because they mark up skin that was once smooth.

Keep Reading...Show less
writing
Green Chameleon

Welcome to June on Odyssey! Our creators have a fresh batch of articles to inspire you as you take a break from campus life. Here are the top three response articles of last week:

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

No Boyfriend, No Problem

Why it is okay to not be in a relationship when you are 19

3020
No Boyfriend, No Problem
Blakeley Addis

I think that as a 19 year old girl that is in college, we often get caught up in the idea of being in a relationship.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments