Parenthood prepares moms for workplace
June 13, 2012
A new survey conducted by the Korn/Ferry Institute (KFI) reveals that female professionals overwhelmingly think being a parent provides them with skills that are useful in the workplace. More than 60 percent said that raising children "definitely" gives someone unique skills that can be transferred to a career, and 32 percent said they agree "somewhat."
The most transferable skills include motivating and inspiring others, applying past experiences in new ways, confidence and empathy.
"The findings show that parenthood offers a world of training in psychology, time management and diplomacy that can easily be applied to business,'' said KFI's Kathy Woods.
The study also highlighted the dramatic impact that technology is making on work-life balance in the context of parenting. Nearly 80 percent of the working women polled believe that technology has made it much easier to balance work and family by connecting them to the workplace whenever and wherever they are.
Still, about 45 percent of female corporate executives believe their career-growth prospects have been stymied "somewhat" by having children. Another 8 percent believe that motherhood has limited their career progression to a "great extent."
When asked about whether or not a glass ceiling exists that will impact their career advancement, half said that it depends on the industry and/or company, while 27 percent said yes and 23 percent said no.
Moms looking to break through the glass ceiling in their existing career or to start a new one may consider getting a college degree. In addition to advancing one's professional development, getting a college degree can increase earning potential.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2011, individuals with a bachelor's degree made an average of $1,053 per week, compared to $768 per week for those with an associate degree, $719 per week for those with some college (but no degree) and $638 per week for those with a high school diploma.
Luckily, there are many college scholarships for mothers as well as grants for single mothers available for women who want to make pursuing a college degree a reality.
