Women, Education, and the Workplace: Why the Gap Persists
Women have outperformed men in education for decades, earning the majority of degrees in the U.S. Yet, despite this head start, their progress in the workplace stalls almost immediately. Women represent only 48% of entry-level employees, and for every 100 men promoted to manager, only 81 women move up. This early disparity compounds over time, with women making up just 29% of senior leadership roles. The numbers are even lower for women of color, who hold only 7% of C-suite positions. A recent article on Harvard Business Review looks at the gaps.
The Role of Experience Capital
The missing piece? Experience capital—the knowledge and skills gained on the job that drive career progression. Our research, analyzing 86,000 career trajectories, shows that while men and women switch roles and learn new skills at similar rates, men are more likely to move into high-growth occupations and secure better-paying roles. Women’s career moves often result in lower pay and fewer advancement opportunities.
To close this gap, women must build experience capital and ensure it’s recognized. While systemic barriers remain, there are strategic actions women can take to boost their career trajectories.
Choosing the Right Company
The company you start with matters. Organizations that foster employee growth significantly impact long-term career success. When evaluating potential employers, look for:
- A strong learning culture: Companies that invest in employee development.
- Strategic success: Organizations with clear, competitive strategies.
- High mobility: Firms that encourage internal job movement.
- Diversity: Inclusive leadership teams that drive innovation.
Job seekers should research company culture through employee reviews, leadership insights, and direct conversations with current or former employees.
Making Bold Career Moves
Career growth often comes from taking risks. The two most impactful career moves are:
- Big Moves: Switching to a different occupation or industry, especially when current fields shrink due to technology and market shifts.
- Bold Moves: Taking roles that require significantly new skills (a skill distance of 25% or more). These moves accelerate learning and increase earning potential.
To successfully execute big and bold moves:
- Stretch yourself: Seek roles with significant learning opportunities.
- Build your narrative: Frame past experiences as valuable skill-building.
- Leverage your network: Connect with mentors, sponsors, and professionals in your desired field.
- Highlight relevant skills: Emphasize both technical and soft skills in your resume and interviews.
- Exude confidence: Employers are more likely to bet on candidates who believe in their own potential.
Entering the Power Alley
Leadership and profit-and-loss (P&L) roles are crucial for career acceleration. Women, however, are underrepresented in these positions, limiting their influence and earning potential.
- Leadership Roles: Holding decision-making positions boosts visibility and expands professional networks. Women should seek leadership opportunities beyond promotions, such as leading high-profile projects or joining company boards.
- P&L Roles: These positions, which directly impact revenue, significantly increase career prospects. Workers in line roles earn 20% more over their lifetime than those in support roles, yet fewer women pursue them. Women should actively seek opportunities in revenue-generating functions.
Adapting to a Changing Job Market
As automation and AI reshape industries, career adaptability is essential. Women should target high-growth sectors like healthcare and STEM while reskilling for emerging opportunities. By strategically navigating career transitions, women can maximize their experience capital and bridge the workplace gap.
Building a successful career isn’t just about education—it’s about positioning yourself for the right opportunities. By making strategic moves, choosing the right employers, and actively seeking leadership and P&L roles, women can take control of their career trajectories and achieve long-term success.
Click here to read more: https://hbr.org/2025/03/how-women-can-win-in-the-workplace
