From a Novice to an Expert - Finnish Female Leaders’ Eventful Career Developments

Many factors influence leaders’ career development. This article introduces Finnish female leaders’ careers as leaders and the factors that are the most crucial for becoming a leader. The following questions were set for this research: (1) How do female leaders describe their career development? (2) What are the factors enhancing commitment to a leader’s work? (3) What are the critical factors during female leaders’ career development? This was a qualitative study employing a narrative approach and in which ten female leaders were interviewed. The findings showed the factors enhancing commitment to a leader’s work were interest in one’s own field and in self-development. Working in the field of their calling led women into a leader’s position. The beginning of the career appeared as the critical phase of their careers. Leaders perceived adversities merely as a part of their work. The path from a novice to an expert required hard work but is eventually rewarding. The study provided new viewpoints to careers counseling and development.