How to Own Your Worth in the Midst of Career Challenges with Dr. Pat Sanders
— EPISODE 36 —
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Progressing in your career and reaching your career goals always comes with challenges… but they are challenges you can overcome. So, how do you overcome career challenges while owning your value and unconditional self-worth?
Today’s guest is Dr. Pat Sanders, Chair and Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of North Alabama. Dr. Sanders is also the host of This Prof Life: Women of Color in Higher Education, a podcast that shares the personal stories and experiences of women of color working in the academy. She is passionate about researching audio, social, and digital media as well as women in leadership roles. Her research has evolved to include women’s diversity issues in society and the workplace, particularly in higher education.
In this episode, Dr. Sanders and I talk about her journey through academia as a Black woman and how owning your unconditional self-worth will help you succeed in your career, even in the most challenging times. She highlights the power of acknowledging your skills and accomplishments and knowing you are more than your role, position, or title. Plus, Dr. Sanders shares some powerful affirmations and advice for people, especially black women, who are navigating academia or challenging careers.
How to Own Your Unconditional Worth Throughout Your Career
When you believe in yourself and your abilities, you can own your worth. When you acknowledge your accomplishments, but also the areas in which you can grow and expand, you can own your worth in the midst of the most difficult career obstacles. Look at your journey throughout school and your career… you did that, no one did it for you.
“If I’ve got the same skillset, or even better… If I’ve got the credentials and I’ve got the willfulness to want to do well, I think that helps your self-esteem. I think having a support system… is important too.”
- Dr. Pat Sanders
In the face of new work opportunities or a new career path, you may question yourself or feel some trepidation and that’s normal. You may also feel quite comfortable going into a new challenge and that’s also normal. If the opportunity is for you, trust that it will present itself to you, even if it’s not the easiest path.
Even when life events happen that seem unfair or illogical, like an evaluation that says false things or a position given to another candidate when you believe you’re the best for the role, it’s important to seek out support and release the anger you may feel. Try not to be too attached to the outcomes. Instead, stay connected to your unconditional worth and keep moving forward.
Seeking out mentorships and building supportive relationships are large parts of what helped Dr. Sanders to be successful as a woman of color in academia. Below are some of her top tips and affirmations for people who want to progress in their career.
Dr. Sanders’ Advice & Recommendations for People Facing Career Challenges in Academia:
Build yourself a network and strong relationships with colleagues within your department. If you can’t do that, build relationships with people outside of your department.
Get a mentor, but also have a sponsor. Mentors are going to listen to your issues and try to get somewhere in your career. Sponsors will take you under their wings and ensure you get to the next step in your career.
Do not overservice yourself. Black women do that a lot because we are taught to give, give, give.
BELIEVE IN YOURSELF. Know who you are as a person and as a woman. We all have value and we all have worth. You’ve earned what you have received in life. You’re qualified, credentialed, and you deserve to be where you are.
Work smarter, not harder.
Get a counselor or therapist for additional support and accountability.
If you’re not being respected in your career, start looking elsewhere and go somewhere you are respected or start doing something else that makes you satisfied with work.
Know what your tenure and promotion policies are and keep track of your progress. Know your timeline and become a thought leader in your area of expertise.
Collaborate with your colleagues and make sure your voice is heard in meetings.
Cultivate a feeling of comfort and confidence in your workplace.
Implementing these recommendations will prevent you from shrinking yourself and playing small, negatively comparing yourself to others, and overthinking what other people say about you or how they act towards you.
If you’re interested in listening to my guest appearance on This Prof Life Podcast: Women of Color in Higher Education, visit: www.drpatsanders.com/podcast/episode/1a934037/36-she-left-higher-education-to-pursue-her-true-calling
About Dr. Pat Sanders:
Dr. Pat Sanders, Chair and Professor in the Department of Communication at the University of North Alabama, where her teaching specialty is Journalism and Digital Media Production. Before joining academia in 1999, she worked in broadcast media, primarily as a radio journalist in the commercial and public sectors, as a public speaker, and professional voice-over artist. She launched a podcast that is performing well and was awarded “Best of Competition” by the internationally known Broadcast Education Association. It is entitled This Prof Life: Women of Color in Higher Education and shares the personal stories and experiences of women of color working in the academy. She is a dynamic educator and inspirational speaker in the classroom and for professional and religious organizations.
Dr. Sanders holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of North Alabama and a Ph.D. in Communication from Regent University. She has been fortunate enough to win numerous awards for her journalism work, and has received numerous recognitions on campus and in the community for her work inside and outside the classroom, including the Outstanding Service Award by the UNA Student Government Association, a Faculty Alumni Award at UNA and Advisor of the Year from the National Broadcasting Society, as well as an Excellence in Teaching Award from the UNA Chapter of the National Honor Society for Leadership. Most recently, she served as an Administrative Fellow with the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost Office. She is also the District 2 Representative for the National Broadcast Education Association. In relation to and outside her faculty role at UNA, she enjoys interacting with and providing mentorship to students and leading them on national and international experiential learning travel experiences.
Her research interests center on audio, social, and digital media and women in leadership roles. Her research has also evolved to include women’s diversity issues in society and the workplace, particularly in higher education.
Additionally, the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence presented her with a State Media Award for coverage of services for victims of domestic violence.
To connect further with Dr. Pat Sanders:
Visit her website: www.drpatsanders.com
Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/drpatsanders
Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/DrPatSanders1
Connect with her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/drpatsanders1
Connect with her on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drpatsanders
Listen to the This Prof Life Podcast: www.drpatsanders.com/podcast
Watch the full video interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/XEKNQvDXtHI
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