15 November 2008

Brass and Glass Ceilings


When Gen. Ann Dunwoody was named a 4-star general in 2008, she headlined most news reports. That is because she was the first woman to reach this level in the U.S. Army. Her promotion is commonly referred to as "breaking the brass ceiling."

The phrase is derived from the more familiar "glass ceiling," which describes an expectation of the top position a woman can reach in an organization or an industry. Students in internships may not be familiar with all of these phrases but their mentors in the workplace will almost surely know them:
  • Glass ceiling
  • Brass ceiling
  • Glass cliff
  • Sticky ladder
  • Reverse glass ceiling

The content on this blog is not offered as legal advice or guidance. Consult your college, advisor, or internship supervisor for help with issues surrounding internships. © 2008 Mary Bold, PhD, CFLE. Dr. Bold is a co-author of the book Reflections: Preparing for your Practicum or Internship, geared to college interns in the child, education, and family fields. More about Dr. Bold can be learned at www.marybold.com

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