Let's Talk About Sex(ism)

Even in 2013, I sometimes feel anxious about trying to make it in the industry as a woman. I know sexism in the workplace isn’t as prevalent as it used to be, but I still feel that sometimes I am dismissed or undervalued because I have two X chromosomes.

I didn’t really give much thought to it until I tried to network at this festival. I understand that this week is like spring break in the advertising world; I’m sure they’re less inclined to talk business when this is their chance to cut loose and have some fun before returning to reality. I also empathize with the fact that I’m a student and, besides giving them a fresh young perspective on aspects of the industry, it’s likely I’m getting much more out of the exchange than they are. That being said, I know I have a lot to offer and though I’m still searching for my purpose in the ad/PR world, I am tenacious and am fully committed to developing the skill set I’ll need to be successful in this business.

But it gets frustrating when the men I’ve tried to network with quickly lose interest when they realize I have no interest in going home with them. I’m not the only one; my peers have experienced the same problem. One of my friends had seriously doubted whether or not this industry is the right place for her after multiple failed attempts at networking. It was disconcerting, to say the least.

But my apprehensions were quelled when Susy Deering talked to our class on Thursday. She shared multiple anecdotes of her experiences with sexism (from both men and women), but she took it all in stride. I knew then that I would never let any kind of prejudice come between me and my career aspirations; it’s crucial for women, and any other minority group, to have role models to be inspired by.