As a rising senior in college with high ambitions to find a career in the field of advertising, the near future is always on my mind. In a year from now will I be unemployed, desperate for a job? Or will I be one of those lucky graduates that drives away from campus heading to my first full-time position?
As a woman entering a business which used to be primarily dominated by men I also dwell on the distant future. Will I be able to break through the glass ceiling? Will I ever be able to find and maintain a relationship outside my career? Will I be able to have a family and still pursue the job I love?
Last night I had the honor and privilege to attend a diversity event thrown by and for employees of advertising agencies in the Boston area at the Boston Digitas office. The panel was moderated by Sandra Sims-Williams of IPG and featured Sasha Hartman from Hill Holliday, Christine Pillsbury from Beam and Sharon Crichton from Jack Morton.
Naturally these questions above haunt me every day, but after last night’s panel I can definitely sleep a little easier. What a relief it was to listen to these inspiring woman talk about how much they still, after all their year in advertising, love what they do. They have been able to maintain great positions in their careers and at home. Unfortunately they were very honest, explaining that “having it all” is not easy. It is a challenge that few are often up for, but they were supportive of the women who push through. Often women doubt their capabilities to balance life and work. Then time comes for them to take on additional responsibilities at home like marriage or children, they depart pre-mature. Not to say that women who give up a career to be a stay-at-home mothers are bad. It is more that women who would like to build a family should not fear that the only option is leaving all together.
They spoke to how much the industry has changed, allowing woman more opportunities to reach higher executive positions. Between discussions about the work/life balance, generation gap and sexuality, these women all shared great insight regard the present and future for women in advertising. My confidence began to swell as they spoke of an encouraging future for women in the industry.
Great quotes from the panel:
“Greatest combination of creativity and business lies in advertising.” — Sasha“If you ever feel like your not in the right place, f*cking leave!” — Christine
“Never be ashamed to ask for help” — Sasha
“Millennials are so bad-ass. Their aspirations are unlimited.” — Sasha
“We can have it all, just not all at once.” — Sharon
“What glass ceiling?! If you want it, go after it!” — Christine
Each woman at the end was told to give 1 word of advice to sum up and they said:
Marissa Osowsky 