A hundred years ago, it wasn’t common to see women in the workforce, especially in the world of business. Since then, women have fought their way into the working world and become familiar figures in business.
Carla Dorsey is a 2009 alumna of NSU and co-owner and founder of The Dorsey Group, a specialty-consulting company. The Dorsey Group helps companies improve performance. They work closely with local and smaller companies in the Ft. Lauderdale and Pompano area. In celebration of Business Women’s Day on Sep. 22, Dorsey provided information about what her experience in the world of business has been like.
A bit of background
Dorsey started her company over 20 years ago with her husband after working in the corporate world. Dorsey said that she grew up in a family business, where she helped contribute. Dorsey said that this helped her later in life when she decided to enter the career field.
“It gave me confidence,” said Dorsey.
On the business world
Dorsey said that women do face some inequality in the business world today, but it wasn’t something that was apparent to her at first.
“I never really felt that women didn’t belong in the business world, ” said Dorsey “It wasn’t until I went out into the work world that I realized maybe the females didn’t always belong.”
According to Dorsey, it was at her first job that she noticed men telling side jokes about women.
“I don’t want to generalize and say that all men look down on females, but there are some that still do. And for those some, the more professional you are, it’s very hard for them to do that, then,” she said.
In these cases, Dorsey said that women might be expected to prove themselves more than their male counterparts. She said, however, that the best way to combat this sexism was to keep it professional and focus on her job. No one can deny when you do your job well, Dorsey said.
“I think there are some struggles that women have because you might have to do a little more proving,” she said. “I always kept it professional, and I think you’re able to win their respect.”
Dorsey said that as women in the workplace, female coworkers tend to look out for one another when they encounter these kinds of situations. She defended other females when comments were made about them in the workplace.
Advice for newcomers
For young women who may want to enter the business world, Dorsey said it’s important to have a plan and execute it. She said for her, having a plan always makes attaining her goals easier. She said that no one should hesitate to enter a field that they desire.
“Go for it,” Dorsey said, “You reach for the stars and whatever dream that you have, you go for it.”
Photo Credit: Carla Dorsey
Caption: Carla Dorsey is a 2009 alumna of NSU and co-owner and founder of The Dorsey Group, a specialty-consulting company.
