Female panelists discussed the importance of having an organization for professional women during the second annual women’s panel with Ernst & Young Wednesday, which was hosted by the Women in Business club.

Dawn Thompson, an Ernst & Young campus recruiter, said men need to be involved with the professional women’s network, or they won’t understand women’s concerns.

“Learning about people is important for us to be in a team together, and men want to make sure women move up,” she said. “They are supportive.”

Balancing work and domestic life depends greatly on supportive companies, flexible hours and a healthy relationship, according to Thompson.

“You have to let the company know about your needs, it’s all about communication,” Thompson said.

Karen Wu, the manager of the assurance department at Ernst & Young, said workers must know exactly what employers expect of them in order to effectively communicate and manage their schedules.

“You have to take ownership of managing your career and time,” Wu said.

Time management is important for balancing domestic and professional life, according to Stacy Hertz, a senior in the FSO Tax at Ernst & Young.

To excel in the workplace, Thompson said that it helps to be passionate and not overly aggressive.

“Don’t tear people down and make people move away from you,” Thompson said.

Wu said leaders take charge.

“Get involved, attend events like this, go to career fairs, talk to faculty in SOM — put yourself out there,” she said.

Professional success can begin in college, Wu said, and it isn’t limited to students in the School of Management.

Nicole Lau, a sophomore majoring in financial economics, said she appreciated the panelists’ insights.

“The information was very valuable, usually you think that these events will be more about professional life than personal life,” she said.