Systemic inequalities in higher education find many women at mid-career (often having spent time out of the workplace) struggling to find their career identity and pigeon-holed into restrictive roles and self-identities. Facilitated by professional coaches and senior sponsors, a customised, modular programme at higher level fostered a growth mindset to build professional skillsets, career plans and peer networks for participants. A blended delivery method promoted interactivity, reflection, self-reflection, engagement, network building, and collaboration. An online hub and toolkit of resources also supported learning. Reported benefits lay in the areas of autonomy; career; learning and development; networks; organisational support; and self-insight. Participants responded positively to the provision of a safe space encouraging reflection, discussion, and networking with fellow female professionals with relatable career experiences across the sector. They reported enhanced self-awareness, improved goal development, more effective career planning, better strategic thinking, faster decision-making, and boosted network building. Additionally, valuable insights were afforded through the focus on recognition of personal strengths and values, building empowerment and confidence. Structured access to senior sponsors was also reported to have positive effects. Institutional and sectoral benefits included greater inclusivity leading to improved workplace morale, enhanced inter-institutional collaboration and the sharing of best practice.

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‘VISTA Sistas’: The Personal and Sectoral Transformative Powers of VISTA: A Mid-Career Self-Development Programme for Women in Higher Education

  • Bernadette Brereton,
  • Karen Dunne,
  • Joanne Mulligan

摘要

Systemic inequalities in higher education find many women at mid-career (often having spent time out of the workplace) struggling to find their career identity and pigeon-holed into restrictive roles and self-identities. Facilitated by professional coaches and senior sponsors, a customised, modular programme at higher level fostered a growth mindset to build professional skillsets, career plans and peer networks for participants. A blended delivery method promoted interactivity, reflection, self-reflection, engagement, network building, and collaboration. An online hub and toolkit of resources also supported learning. Reported benefits lay in the areas of autonomy; career; learning and development; networks; organisational support; and self-insight. Participants responded positively to the provision of a safe space encouraging reflection, discussion, and networking with fellow female professionals with relatable career experiences across the sector. They reported enhanced self-awareness, improved goal development, more effective career planning, better strategic thinking, faster decision-making, and boosted network building. Additionally, valuable insights were afforded through the focus on recognition of personal strengths and values, building empowerment and confidence. Structured access to senior sponsors was also reported to have positive effects. Institutional and sectoral benefits included greater inclusivity leading to improved workplace morale, enhanced inter-institutional collaboration and the sharing of best practice.