The answer to all these questions is yes, and within the pages of Vault's View from the Top Guide: Advice from Top Minority Executives, we interviewed 86 men and women from diverse backgrounds who shared their secrets to success. They serve as presidents and vice presidents, directors and other senior-level managers throughout various industries across the United States. We asked them about their experiences on the way to the top echelon of their respective fields, how they balance work/life issues, and what it means to not only be an excellent minority in the field, but an excellent individual. Each of them shared experiences and offered wisdom that will benefit the next generation of leaders.

Steps towards building a meaningful career

Educational background is but the first step on the road to success. All of the professionals we interviewed earned a BA, and many went on to acquire an MBA and PhD in order to advance within their respective fields. But classroom knowledge was only the beginning of their journey. The professionals we spoke with urged newcomers to learn all they could about their organization as well as the industry as a whole. As one individual noted, "Everything starts with a great game plan, and I don't know if you necessarily learn that in school. A game plan really means a series of actions you take to accomplish an outcome. It's very important to not just go through the motions as you build a career, but to do so with specific outcomes in place."

To achieve such a plan, our interviewees advised future candidates to read industry guides, go to conferences and events, join professional organizations and meet with individuals within their field who can teach them more about the work and what is involved.

Volunteering for challenging assignments, listening to others and standing up for their ideas and projects also contributed to our professionals advancing through the ranks of their respective companies. They advise you to take on assignments that will move you towards your goal, and be willing to travel, move or even change organizations, if that will help you achieve success.

Relationship building is another key towards achieving a well-rounded career. Building consensus within and outside of their department, listening to others, sharing ideas and learning the roles that people play within the organization will help people advance up the corporate ladder. It is important to treat everyone with respect, from the CEO to the administrative staff, because people watch what you do and move within organizations, and they may be able to help you along your path. Said one of our responders, "I think the most important lessons I've learned on the job and outside the classroom center on relationship building with people. You can learn the mechanics of how to lead, how to manage, and how to do a specific job; but there's nothing like the relationships you build by being in a professional environment." Our leaders stressed that many speak but few listen, and good listeners are an asset to any organization.

The glass ceiling: myth or reality? Many new hires worry that a glass ceiling may keep them from advancing as far as their minority counterparts, but it is not as clearly defined as the media may make it out to be. It depends, said many of our professionals, on factors such as the industry, the particular company and even the particular department where one works. Some industries may be more prone to ceilings than others, due to the historical nature of the business. Some of our interviewees believe that glass ceilings are self-imposed by individuals and that one should focus not on gender or race but the job at hand. And still others contend that it is not the glass ceiling one must look out for, but the "sticky floor," positions or companies that do not encourage or somehow lack the ability to advance.