Couching for real working life
The committee survey on equality made at Helsinki University of Technology has proven that an institute of higher learning as a school is experienced equal, but working life is another world. For this purpose, TiNA has put together a training kit for young women moving into working life. The package includes also guidance on applying for a job. When applying for a job, women may be modest about their own know-how. Occasionally women underestimate their own know-how and achievements and have lower salary request compared with men. As a group, women cannot either propose a woman to managerial positions, if they do not know one another. Also language between men and women is different. Women tend to phrase their points more discreetly and therefore, men do not always understand.
TiNA organised a couching for real working life period for women studying technology first at the beginning of 2004. That period included four sessions, where themes covered were drawing up a job application and curriculum vitae, mixing career and family, working abroad and working in a manly environment as a woman. Twenty female students at final stage in their studies are chosen to the couching for real working life. The couching period was considered very useful and therefore, it was organised again in spring 2005. The Finnish Association of Graduate Engineers, TEK participated in the planning of the couching for real working life. The future of the couching period was discussed with the Career Services Department at Helsinki University of Technology.