[9] Bmw Schererville In Monthly Gallery

Barbara Oen | Business Manager, BMW of Schererville

On the challenges she’s faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry: I had to take a step backward from being a salesperson and took a role as a finance secretary in order to get this position; I don’t know of any men that have ever done that. It was a difficult journey and it wasn’t until I quit that they called me back and gave me the opportunity to "prove" I was capable of handling this position. Still to this day, however, I feel I am considered second to my male colleagues. People often think I’m a secretary or expect I won’t be as knowledgeable to be able to help with their needs—not from lack of experience, but simply due to the fact that I am a woman working in a predominantly male field.

On the skills and characteristics that have helped her succeed: My job demands the need for creativity, finesse and problem solving. It helps that I am good at math and customer relations. I am headstrong, determined, tenacious and I don’t take "no" for an answer. I love my job and have a great passion for what I do.