3 Corporate Career Myths Busted – Does That Degree Really Matter?

Table of Contents

• Corporate Career Myth #1

• Corporate Career Myth #2

• Corporate Career Myth #3

• Why These Myths Are Holding You Back

  • 2 FREE Fire Workshops To Help You With This

All right, Glow-Getters, let’s put some myths to REST.

Corporate isn’t for everyone—I won’t sugarcoat that. It’s not for the weak, chile. But here’s the truth: it’s been good to me. It’s given me the experience, skills, network, and money to do what I love today. And that’s why I’m all about helping you make corporate work for you, on your terms.

If you’ve ever doubted whether you’re qualified enough, hesitated to negotiate your salary, or felt like you had to grind yourself into burnout just to get ahead—this one’s for you.

Too many ambitious women hold themselves back because of outdated, toxic myths that keep them stuck, underpaid, and overworked. And trust me—I see this all the time.

But it’s time to break free.

And as the saying goes: “Make that money, don’t let the money make you.” #namethatmovie

And to do that? You need to drop these myths, own your worth, and step into your unapologetic corporate glow-up.

So, let’s talk about these myths.

Corporate Career Myth #1: “I have to accept the first salary offer, or they might rescind the job.”

Ahhh, the fear of negotiating. So many women hesitate to counter a salary offer because they’re afraid they’ll seem greedy or—even worse—lose the job offer altogether.

But let’s set the record straight: Companies expect you to negotiate.

💡 Reality check: Recruiters almost always have more budget than what they initially offer. The first number they give you? It’s rarely the best they can do. And if they’re excited about hiring you, they’re not going to yank the offer just because you asked for more.

And even if you do ask for more than the budget, trust me—there’s always room to negotiate. I once recruited a Clinical Programmer $10K over budget because I proved the demand was high, the supply was low, and the candidate was stellar. Yes, it took some back-and-forth and higher-level approvals, but guess what? We got it done.

So why do so many women still believe this myth? Because we’ve been taught to be grateful for whatever we’re offered instead of confidently advocating for our worth.

🔥 The truth: Negotiating isn’t risky—not negotiating is. Skipping salary negotiations can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over your career. So do your research, know your market value, and make the ask.

Corporate Career Myth #2: “The only way to grow in my career is to work longer and harder.”

Let’s be real—overworking has been glorified for way too long.

The hustle culture narrative says that if you’re not working overtime, checking emails at midnight, or sacrificing your personal life, you must not really want success.

But NO.

Hard work is important, but working smarter and intentionally—not longer—is the real key to success.

Why do people still believe this? Because we’ve been conditioned to equate exhaustion with ambition.

And honestly? You can thank generational conditioning for that. As a Latina, my mom called me lazy for taking a nap once—and I never napped again until I had kids. Then I threw all of that out the window.

🔥 The truth: Burnout doesn’t get you ahead—it keeps you stuck. You don’t win by running yourself into the ground. You win by playing the game strategically. The people who rise to leadership aren’t just working hard—they’re working smart, making power moves, and protecting their energy.

Career growth isn’t about grinding yourself into the ground. It’s about building relationships, advocating for yourself, and mastering your time like a leader. Boundaries don’t make you less ambitious. They make you unstoppable.

Corporate Career Myth #3: “I need another degree or certification before I can advance.”

Oof. This one hits hard—because we’ve been taught that more credentials = more success. And truthfully? Some industries, like Clinical Research, are strict about degree requirements.

But here’s the truth: More degrees don’t guarantee more opportunities. More action (and an A1 network) does.

I can’t tell you how many smart, capable women I’ve seen delay applying for promotions or pivoting into new roles because they think they need another degree or certification to be taken seriously.

Meanwhile? Less-qualified (but more confident and connected) candidates are landing those same roles.

And if I look at your resume and I see 4 degrees, 35 certifications, 15 courses, but only 5 years of experience… Ma’am??

I’m going to assume you suffer from severe imposter syndrome.

Don’t let your fear of rejection trick you into overcompensating. You don’t need to prove yourself with a laundry list of credentials—you just need to own your worth.

Why do people still believe this? Because we’ve been conditioned to think credentials = competence. And sure, in some fields (medicine, law, engineering, clinical research), extra education is necessary.

But in most corporate careers? Your experience, skills, and confidence and network will get you further than another piece of paper ever will (and this is coming from an M.S. holder).

🔥 The truth: Instead of spending thousands on another degree, start building the kind of experience and network that actually gets you hired. Step into rooms with decision-makers. Put yourself in conversations where opportunities happen. Confidence and strategy will take you further than another certification ever will.

Why These Myths Are Holding You Back

Believing these myths can keep you stuck in a cycle of overworking, under-earning, and second-guessing yourself.

But here’s what I know for sure: You don’t need more credentials. You don’t need to accept the first offer. And you don’t need to work yourself to the bone.

You need confidence, strategy, and the right support to take bold action. Because if you don’t step up and claim what you deserve? Someone else will.

So, let me help me you out! 👇🏽