Career Resources for Multicultural Students

Color Blind or Color Brave?

This TED talk by DEI Consultant, Mellody Hobson, discusses the importance of having discussions around race. Hobson says it's a "conversational third rail," but that's exactly why we need to start talking about it. In this engaging, persuasive talk, Hobson makes the case that speaking openly about race —particularly about diversity in hiring—makes for “better businesses and a better society.”

Workplace Values

What do I look for on an employer’s website?

What to research about an organization:

• Research the mission and core values. Know what the company stands for, why they do what they do and how they want to impact those around them. You can do this by searching the About Us, HistoryMission/Values sections of an organization website to search for the following.
• Research the reputation of the organization. You can learn about the organization’s historical record by looking in the news and searching for whether the organization has been ranked or awarded by Forbes, Diversity Inc. or other helpful websites. You can also identify the organization’s commitment to diversity by looking at the representation of diversity in senior management and C-suite leadership and the inclusion of Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) in all job postings.
• Research your network. If you have been consistent in building a network of people during the internship/job search you may be able to go through people you know who have had positions or mutual connections who have worked there.
  If there is someone in your network who has worked for the organization you are considering working for, they could be your go-to person for getting tips and an inside scoop on the companies’ commitment to diversity and inclusion and non-discriminatory practices. These employees have great information about the organization’s priorities, work dynamic and future. Moreover, they might be able to speak to whether an organization has not just policies related to discrimination, but consistent and respected protocols for handling discrimination in a transparent and strategic manner.
• Research the work environment and management. This will help you understand what kind of organization you will be working for. One of the best places to start learning more about the work environment is through LinkedIn. Find the organization and city they are working in and look through both current and past employees to get an idea of who works there, their backgrounds and what industries people can go into after leaving a job there.
  For some organizations, you can find videos and more information on a YouTube channel or an Instagram page that will help you get a better idea of the culture. Most large organizations have a “peopleat” type of workplace Instagram account to showcase the people that work there, this would be a great source in learning more about the work environment and culture.

How can professionals who share my identity/identities help me find inclusive workspaces?

Network with diverse professionals and alumni about their experiences with their employers. Set up an informational interview and ask questions such as:

• What was your path into this career, and specifically, to this company?
• Can you describe your organization’s culture and environment?
• How dedicated are your supervisors to your professional job growth since you joined this company?
• Does your employer offer diversity training or workshops?
• Does your organization have policies on religious observances?
• How supported do you feel as a person of color at this company?
• What ways can you build a community within and between underrepresented populations here?
• How does the company address discrimination or act to eliminate it?