Few Women in Hot Jobs January 8, 2013My MoneyOff

What’s really keeping the good ol’ boys in the boardroom and the girls out?

“Hot jobs.”

You know – the positions with high visibility, P&L responsibility and international experience, according to a recent Catalyst report.

“Access to ‘hot jobs’ and to senior-level sponsors with clout to create that access can make a dramatic difference in closing the persistent gender gap,” says Catalyst President and CEO Ilene H. Lang.

Of those surveyed, 62 percent said assignments that gave them high visibility and leadership experience had the greatest impact on career. Only 10 percent cited formal training programs as most beneficial.

UPS President of Worldwide Sales, Kate Gutmann would agree.

Before reaching her current position, she stepped into the vice president of marketing role for Europe, Middle East and Africa and was based in Brussels. All while her husband also worked and the couple raised two toddlers. The challenge was high but so were the benefits of experience and exposure.

Problem is – most women aren’t getting these positions, and it’s not because of family.

Data indicates men lead projects with bigger budgets (more than twice the size of women’s) and have more C-Suite visibility (35% of men vs. 26% of women).

More men have P&L responsibility (56% vs. 46%) and manage direct reports (77% vs. 70%).

Gutmann’s advice?

“Be unconditionally open to opportunities, vocal about being willing to take the opportunity. Start strong on day one.”

Bonus PINK Link: Find out what it takes to move into a job abroad in our special report.

What are you doing to move into a high visibility role? What is your company doing to help?

By Cynthia Good

“The doors were wide open to opportunity for women willing to pay the price and [with] the courage to dream.” Mary Kay Ash

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