Hire and Rental News - February 2018

19 HIRE AND RENTAL NEWS • FEBRUARY 2018 Christie McCormack MBA HRIA Queensland President National Manager Titan Hoarding Systems Continued on p20... Admin, Developing High Performing Teams and Cultural Awareness. I regularly attend external events held by organisations such as AICD and Griffith Alumni events such as the Integrity 20 to stay abreast of current topics. Q: What are the challenges for women in the hire industry? A: Getting your foot in the door in terms of the opportunities and then once you do, the biggest challenge is to be taken seriously, especially as a leader. There is a presumption all females in hire are administrative based and have no technical knowledge which is not correct. Men tend to be promoted quicker due to a perceived advantage on technical ability even if they are lacking in all other required areas. There is an unconscious bias towards giving a man a job over a woman in our industry, even if the woman is more qualified. It’s also more difficult for females to effectively network and build up confidence and resilience because there are fewer females to network with. Realising you are not ‘one of the boys’ and will always be in the minority is a major issue for women in hire, but women can still be as successful. We just have to be more determined. Q: Are these issues being addressed? A: I can’t comment on individual organisations although I hope they are addressing the issue. From an Association perspective,Women in Hire is a focus for 2018 so hopefully we can start to educate the industry on how to address some of the issues that exist for women working in such a male dominated market. Q: Does the ‘glass ceiling’ exist for women in the hire industry? A: Unfortunately at the moment yes. Until there are more females in the industry it is going to be awfully difficult to break through. Q: Does this affect your effectiveness in your role? A: I don’t believe it affects my current role but it has definitely had an impact on previous roles. Q: You’ve now taken on the challenge of the QLD President’s role: why? A: I’ve been involved with the Queensland Committee since 2011 and I am passionate about the industry. I’ve stopped studying for the moment so I have some free time. But seriously, I love a challenge and have a thirst for knowledge and need to continue to push myself out of my comfort zone. I have been very lucky in I have had some great mentors during my career and I hope by stepping into this role I can encourage more people to become involved with the Association and I can give something back. I want my name on the life member roll one day. Q: What are you keen to explore in this position? And what will you bring to the role? A: I am really keen to bring attention to the hire industry as a career path. There are some fantastic opportunities available, especially if you are willing to work hard. My ultimate goal though is to increase female participation and support young professionals. The industry has evolved "There is an unconscious bias towards giving a man a job over a woman in our industry, even if the woman is more qualified..." WOMEN in HIRE