From the course: Career Advice from Some of the Biggest Names in Business

Mary Barra on going for it

From the course: Career Advice from Some of the Biggest Names in Business

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Mary Barra on going for it

“

- Can you give some words of advice to young women? You are a role model with so many people, especially young women who are saying, Mary's in a job that no one's ever held before that no woman has ever held before. How do I get to her level? What kind of advice do you give? - Well, the advice I was raised with, with my my mother and father, if they just said hard work, you know, there's no substitute for hard work. So that's one element. But specifically for women, I would say, take some chances. You know, there's research that's been done and this is not just GM, but it's across industry. But if there is a job requirement that says here's 10 things you need to have a woman will look at it and say, oh well I've only got nine out of 10, I can't apply. Where a man will look at it and have five, six you know, and say, I'm going to go for it. And my message is go for it. Make sure you're not holding yourself back and also actively seek input. Talk to people. I have found in my career virtually everyone will want to tell you about what they do. I mean, they're passionate about it. It's their careers, it's their jobs. So learning from others, asking for advice I think is very important. But it's hard work distinguishes people is really what I believe. But for women specifically, don't take yourself out of the running before you're even in it. (soft music)

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