Creating opportunity: A study of the factors that influence professional advancement for senior-level women administrators from Illinois colleges and universities

The purpose of this study was to examine the career paths, career decisions, opportunities and challenges of senior-level women administrators from Illinois colleges and universities to ascertain the factors that have contributed to or impeded professional advancement.; Fifteen senior-level women administrators from Illinois colleges and universities participated in this study. Qualitative research methodology was used and each informant participated in a ninety-minute interview that examined the complexities of professional environment and personal experience which contributed to career success.; The data and analyses revealed that institutional culture was an important factor contributing to vocational persistence and advancement. Supportive supervisors, institutions with women presidents, and colleges that encouraged professional development were especially beneficial to career progress. Institutions with a male-dominated hierarchy were noted for their lack of sensitivity to females and were sometimes perceived as reluctant to promote women.; Relationships of many types were influential to the ongoing achievement of the women in this study. Workplace affiliations stemmed from their leadership style and were characterized by collaboration and community building. Other significant relationships that supported advancement included mentors, colleagues, networks, family and friends.; The participants offered career strategies to aspiring women administrators that emphasized the importance of proactively seeking out opportunities for professional growth. Obtaining the doctorate was recommended as a credential that signals ability and persistence. Performing beyond job standards was advised to gain recognition, and developing a career plan early in life was suggested to ensure continued upward mobility. Finally, the participants advised maintaining a positive outlook and recognizing the occasional need to relocate in order to promote career development.; Several overarching conclusions emerged from this study. No single career route will guarantee success. Women continue to face subtle discriminatory practices and institutional culture plays a key role in supporting or hindering advancement. A relationship-centered leadership style was inherent and contributed to building workplace community. Various strategies were utilized to overcome professional challenges.; Recommendations suggested that aspiring women administrators must become politically astute about institutional culture, higher education institutions need to promote and implement diversity on campus, and future research should continue to study cohorts of women in higher education.