The glass ceiling effect occurs when a person, generally a woman, is unable to advance in their profession due to invisible barriers. The problem is not so much in obtaining employment, but rather in obtaining promotions after landing the job. Oftentimes this discrimination is not obvious, thus, the 'invisible' factors that prevent advancement. Women find themselves advancing at a much slower rate than male peers with equal qualifications. The glass ceiling, in effect, holds them down.

Women are stereotyped as being better at "support," and get driven into human resources or public relations jobs. In these jobs, successful projects are not appreciated in the same way as those that bring in corporate profits, and many times, bonuses for their managers. These types of projects receive very little notice, if any, and rarely receive any recognition or reward. Men, who dominate the executive positions, often stereotype potential leaders as people who look and act like themselves.

The glass ceiling is very powerful because many women lack mentors--successful executives who take an interest in them and teach them the ropes. Some male executives fear gossip and sexual harassment charges if they get close to a woman in a subordinate position. Others don't mentor women because they stereotype women as being weak. Not having a mentor is hardly a trivial matter; it is said all top executives have had a coach or mentor.

The invisible barriers the glass ceiling creates affect everyone. The obvious effects are on the women (and minorities) because of their tendency to only succeed and excel to a certain level. The more hidden effects are on males and on society as a whole. Not allowing women to become top executives limits the variation of control.

Only having men, and the same kind of men, in control is like only eating vanilla ice cream. There are hundreds of other flavors. If we don't try new flavors, how do we know that we are not missing something that we like even more? By not allowing women and minorities into the executive positions, the glass ceiling thus does not permit ending with something better than presently available.

The glass ceiling is cracking, however, and more women are reaching the executive suite. A look at women who have broken through the glass ceiling reveals highly motivated women with fierce competitive spirits, who are willing to give up sleep and family life for the sake of career advancement. These are women who have chosen the fast track. They learn to play by "men's rules" by developing a style that makes men comfortable. Behind about three-fourths of these powerful women is a very understanding husband who contributes to the household chores and adapts his career to the needs of his executive wife.

I look at the glass ceiling a couple of different ways: one, as a barrier to my success, and two, as an opportunity to try just that much harder to surpass the limits set before me. Like many others, I have studied hard in college, networked to find opportunities that will expand my knowledge of my chosen field, and have obtained valuable work experience that will aide my future endeavors. Having the glass ceiling barrier before me is somewhat intimidating; however, it also aides in my determination to try that much more to overcome the obstruction. The glass ceiling can be broken.