Conversation with Ana Chuchkova: Psychology as a bridge to success

We have created a platform for millennial women working in the industry who are ready to share their success stories. We launched a series of interviews to highlight their inspiring experiences and achievements, focusing on women who are transforming the world around them. In this edition, we spoke with Ana Chuchkova, Associate Professor in Development and Pedagogical Psychology (International Slavic University).

Can you tell us more about the company where you are working and its objective? 

In Association is a non-governmental organization that provides further education for adults who want to enhance and enrich their competencies in all aspects of life, address violence, and develop emotional intelligence—an essential factor for success in any workplace.

What challenges have you faced as a millennial woman working in your industry, and how have you overcome them?

As a woman from Generation Y, facing numerous challenges throughout my career was inevitable. The first challenge was the low awareness of the psychology profession and the role of psychologists in the workplace. In the past century, when I started my career, the rapid development of technology began, which required quick adaptation and finding ways to provide smart information to students and all learners. The biggest challenge for me was raising awareness about the necessity of psychology in every sphere of life and industry. Another challenge was paving the way for new job opportunities for psychologists. Raising awareness among many women who wanted to pursue education in a specific field but gave up due to various reasons was also a major challenge. Today, many women from this generation recognize that education can still happen even in their 40s. Awakening the desire for self-fulfillment represents a great success for me. Nowadays, psychologists are aware that they can work not only in schools and hospitals but in every industry, and finally, their competencies are receiving the recognition they deserve. Balancing the roles of a working woman who earns for herself and her family, as well as being a mother, is a significant challenge for women in society. Prejudices, undervaluation of one’s achievements, managing work time alongside motherhood—these were enormous challenges that required many sacrifices and a lot of creativity. Economic difficulties were also a significant challenge, which I would have overcome much more slowly and with greater difficulty without the support of my parents.

What competencies or skills do you believe are most valuable for millennial women in the workplace, and why? 

Millennial women face rapid changes and the need for constant adaptation and skill enhancement. Generation Y has experienced all the prejudices associated with women in the workplace. For this reason, self-image, confidence, and emotional intelligence are crucial factors for career advancement.

The life experiences gained across two centuries are invaluable competencies for our generation. The wisdom inherited from older generations, combined with fundamental moral values on one side and technological advancements on the other, has contributed to developing special skills for creatively solving workplace challenges. Rigidity, fear, and lack of assertiveness are detrimental to career advancement.

How can millennial women continue to develop and refine their skills in the industry?

My experience shows that the biggest challenge for this generation of women is overcoming societal prejudices regarding further education, personal development, and workplace capabilities. Working on oneself, continuous education and training, and networking in women’s support groups are the first steps toward professional growth and advancement.

Any woman who is aware of her freedom of choice, abilities, and desire for improvement has excellent opportunities for career advancement in any industry today.

How do you think millennial women bring a unique perspective to the industry compared to previous generations? 

Creativity is key to solving workplace challenges. Creativity means the ability to use past experiences and adapt them to new problem situations. Throughout our development, our generation has faced circumstances that require continuous adaptation and assimilation. This has fostered creative thinking. The uniqueness of this generation lies in its ability to solve problems even in the absence of technology while also knowing how to integrate past experiences into new technological solutions. Stress management in the workplace is another valuable skill that this generation possesses.

How do you see the role of mentorship and support networks playing a part in the advancement and success of millennial women in the workplace? 

In my opinion, mentor support is one of the most significant networking tools. The guidance and encouragement that women receive in the industry strengthen their confidence and motivation for self-realization. Mentorship provides greater security, persistence, and, most importantly, helps avoid unnecessary setbacks and obstacles in professional development.

The Series of interviews are part of the project EMPOWERING – Empowering M-Women in Industry which focuses on millennial women (born between 1980 and 1995) working in manufacturing industries, aiming to support their professional education, skill development, and career advancement. The mission extends beyond individual empowerment to fostering European collaboration and networking, which are essential for success in today’s world.

Ana Chuchkova, Associate Professor in Development

and Pedagogical Psychology (International Slavic University)