How do German Immigrant University Graduates overcome barriers to advancement due to the Glass Ceiling Effect emerging during their career path?

Abstract

Despite having various initiatives tackling diversity and inclusion in the workplace, there is still a prevailing underrepresentation of migrants in top positions in Germany. This observation can be ascribed to the so-called glass ceiling. It's a barrier that systematically prevents migrants and women to ascend to management jobs. Additionally, this research project aims to understand what kind of strategies German university graduates with migration backgrounds undertake to circumvent this impediment. To do so, 15 semi-structured interviews with both university graduates and human resources managers have been conducted. The findings indicate that university graduates consciously cultivate a social network consisting of important people. By networking, they aim to land a management position. Moreover, the individuals tend to strongly compensate for characteristics that are deemed deficits.