UNIVERSITY WOMEN AND BUSINESS

Evening Star, Issue 19387, 22 October 1926, Page 11

UNIVERSITY WOMEN AND BUSINESS

OLD IMPRESSIONS DYING. The rapidity with which tho highly-edu-cated woman is laking part in largo business is recognised in England by the formation recently of si representative body of women into tho “Business and University Committee ” for tho purpose of studying the situation and of acting as a link between tho university-trained woman and those who are large employers of labor or engaged in commerce on a largo scale (states tho London correspondent of tho ‘Christian Science Monitor’). Commerce, as this committee points out, now requires a wide general knowledge of people and affairs. Knowledge onco thought necessary only for those who were in the professions or in diplomatic service is now essentia! to those engaged in modern business. Who can expect to bo entrusted with world affairs in commerce who has no facility in any foreign language P Economics, geography, and sociology ere all required in tho complex world of to-day. How has tho modern woman trained at a university boon equipped for business affairs? She has gone through a school of mental discipline. Sho thinks quickly, clearly, and connectedly, and is thus able to grasp letters, documents, and any other matters which may como within the scope of her work. There is ample proof that the old impression of a. university woman as a. person of purely aendenro culture, a little aloof from tho world, and with an intelligence that looks down on tho ordinary everyday necessities, is remoto from the actual university woman of the present day. And it is this actual well-educated woman of to-day who is rapidly taking part in largo business. Naturally tho woman fresh from tho university is well aware that uftlil sho has a practical knowledge of any particular inrlhstry she has much to learn, therefore she is not so foolish as to expect a large salary. Sho is ready to servo an apprenticeship. Advancement sho knows depends on present efficiency, not on laurels gained in her academic career. Inasmuch as tho work o! the world requires tho joint activity of both men and women it is felt that many of tho social difficulties which have cropped up in tho factory might have been more easy of solution bad the woman’s point of view been represented by a person of education and wide experience. There is reason to feel that 'these problems in tho future should bo more adequately met. Tho committee has undertaken to act as a link between tho employer and the highly-educated woman who is desirous of entering tho ranks of business. Their venture is already attracting a largo measure of attention. he committee has invited tho opinion of business men on tho work it has undertaken, and in this way hopes to perform the double task of helping both tho university and tho business world.