Question

Interview a person who is employed in a sex-atypical occupation (e.g., a male dental hygienist or female professor of business in a tenure-track position). What factors affected his or her career decision? What background experiences and/or educational requirements were needed to qualify for this particular job? What were the reactions of families, friends, and coworkers? What diversity-related experiences have stood out for this person at work?

Answer 1

Name: Michelle Master

Occupation: Firefighter

She was influenced to take up a job in the firefighting department after her house got burned down when she was a child. She saw first hand the dedication and commitment of firefighters. When it came time to choose her career path, she chose to become a firefighter.

She studied fire science and also enrolled in EMT classes. Both of these courses helped her in her chosen career. She also had to undergo rigorous physical training to build up strength and stamina.

Her family and circle of friends were not surprised when she announced her decision to become a firefighter. All of them were well-aware of her fascination with the job since childhood and were half expecting her to become one.

She says she was a bit apprehensive when it came to join the actual workplace and start her job. The team mostly comprised of males and she was the lone woman in the team. However, all of them were very welcoming which eased her nerves and helped her in adjusting well into her dream job. She agrees that people do tend to get surprised when they encounter her on-duty doing a male-oriented job but her competence and skills soon helps her in overcoming any apprehensions.