​This year's International Women's Day theme #ChooseToChallenge represents the idea of challenging norms related to gender equality to create change. At EPM Scientific, we choose to challenge and promote gender diversity and inclusion.
Alexandria Boyer, Principal Consultant - Medical Communications at EPM Scientific, shares her thoughts on this year's theme, and how she chooses to challenge in her role.
What does the #ChooseToChallenge message mean to you?
#ChooseToChallenge means really holding each other accountable and lifting each other up. If you see someone being treated poorly or unfairly, challenge the situation and support the person being mistreated. Make sure that you're not only looking out for yourself but also supporting others so they too can spread that confidence.
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What sort of conversations around gender equality do you have with your clients in your role? Has Covid-19 had an impact on gender equality?
From what I've noticed in my field, there is actually a strong female presence, but not as much on the executive level - on both the client and candidate side. As the life science industry continues to become more gender-diverse, we are hoping to see much more equality and diversity on this level. It may take some time, but we're seeing the industry move in the right direction. In regards to the COVID-19 changes, we saw a lot more women taking time off or staying home to care for anyone who is sick or ensuring their children continue with remote learning. Not to discredit the men who are also doing this, but we've seen a higher percentage of women taking on this responsibility.
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What role can recruiters play in challenging norms and creating change?
As recruiters, we can advocate for equal hiring and challenging field that is dominated one way or another. Providing relevant, high level, diverse candidates will encourage companies to look for the "right fit" out of a range of different people.
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What advice would you give to a company trying to create a diverse hiring strategy?
Expand your search and look beyond the resume. Not all paths for candidates are linear, including education, job history, etc. Take time to look at those "out of the box" candidates because they may be able to bring more to the table than a "traditionally" good candidate.
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As a female leader, what advice would you give to other aspiring leaders in overcoming potential gender biases and achieving career success?
Don't let anyone tell you or make you feel like you're not worthy of the success you've accomplished. You've earned your success because of how hard you have worked and the effort that you've put in. If someone challenges that or makes you feel as though you don't deserve it, they are not worth your time, and you haven't more important things to focus on.
About Alexandria Boyer
Alexandria joined EPM Scientific as a fresh grad almost three years ago, taking on the role as Junior Consultant with EPM Scientific on our Medical Communications brand. Since then, she has earned the position as Principal Recruiter and is managing a team of three amazing recruiters. She specifically partners with Medical Communications agencies all across the country and specialize in the Scientific Services side of the business, placing everything from Medical Writers up to Chief Medical Officers in these organizations.
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