Nearly 80% of 170 female financial advisors attending the first-ever Edward Jones Women’s Conference earlier this year say confidence is among the biggest factors impacting leadership, success, and fulfillment in a career. Half of those surveyed also say confidence is the single most important tool in career advancement.
Other survey highlights:
• 25% of the attendees say having a m entor/sponsor is the most im portant tool to advance one’s career, while 15% credit hard work/accomplishment; 9% point to having a professional network (9%); and 1% cite having an advanced degree.
• Age plays a factor in these women’s views on the im portance of confidence. 66% of those over age 64 say confidence is the most empowering tool for career advancement, compared to roughly half of those ages 45 to 63 and 29 to 44. All women in the youngest group, ages 18 to 28, instead cite mentorship/ sponsorship.
• While 85% of respondents agree or strongly agree that strides have been made to advance women in their careers, 77% also agree or strongly agree that barriers to career advancement continue exist for women in the financial services field.
