Financial Assistance in Career Training for Women
More women are entering the job market now than ever before, and career training is a must-do for those wanting to further their careers and remain competitive. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that in 2008, a record 68 million women were employed either full or part-time, making up 46.5 percent of the total U.S. workforce. The report also stated that of the women employed, the majority of them worked in a management or professionally-related position.
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History
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Historically, women have had more difficulty maintaining a successful career due to societal limitations and inequality. The Civil Rights Act changed women's roles in the workplace significantly, when in 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Title VII into effect, creating the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. While the original intent of the Civil Rights Act was to curb racial discrimination, it also affected women's equality, especially in the workplace, and opened up new avenues for career development.
Benefits
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The 21st Century is seeing new opportunities open up for women in fields that have been traditionally male-dominated. According to the Women's Bureau division of the U.S. Department of Labor, "Generation X and Y women are receiving financial education online and in classroom settings; women with young children are developing new skills online; business owners are developing policies to provide workplace flexibility to their employees; and new horizons are being opened for young women in the field of nanotechnology." These opportunities, and those like it, require diverse levels of financial commitment, and assistance can be the open door to a new or invigorated career.
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Types
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The most accessible financial assistance for women is through the federal government. The best place to begin is the Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers direct financial assistance through loans aimed at increasing the success of women in business. The SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership (OWBO) oversees a nationwide network of local Women's Business Centers (WBC) that provide a variety of training and counseling programs. Federal grants and loans for continuing education and training are accessed by the Grant.gov website, and by filling out the Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) through the U.S. Department of Education.
Considerations
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Women searching for career assistance opportunities must take a few factors into consideration. First, make a plan. Kathryn Hansen, Ph.D., of Quintessential Careers gives this advice: "Decide where you want to be five, 10 and 15 years from now. Build flexibility into your career plans to allow for changing circumstances." After creating a plan, you can decide what type of career training will be most beneficial. Time commitment, financial realities and personal priorities will also play into your decision.
Expert Insight
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Reaching your career potential takes dedication and determination above just a financial commitment. Tina Sung, President of the American Society of Training and Development, has this advice for working women: "Today's female executive needs to possess a skill set comprised of competencies that continues to evolve because of technology, organizational culture, diversity and the changing needs of the workforce." These skills must be learned and acquired, and to get there, receiving financial assistance for training can help.
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References
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