Identity in Job Searching and Networking

Career exploration and advancement are closely tied to one’s intersections of identity. The best Northeastern resource for career-related topics will be the Office of Employer Engagement and Career Design. Reach out to them for support in coaching groups and the Career Studio, which can provide one-on-one support to questions and tailored resources. They also offer many different coaching labs, which you can RSVP for here or on NUworks.
To research inclusive workspaces and cultures, we recommend you evaluate the mission and values of organizations for statements of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Explore Diversity Inc’s. Top 50 Companies for Diversity to get started.

Download Below -> Beyond Borders: Addressing Unconscious Bias in International Student Engagement​

Beyond Borders

Frequently Asked Questions

Search the About Us, History, and Mission or Values sections of a company website and keep an eye out for the following:

  • Commitment to diversity, inclusion, and non-discrimination policies
  • Involvement with publications and events surrounding issues of diversity and inclusion
  • Rankings or awards by Forbes, Diversity Inc., and/or other websites
  • Employee Resource Groups for multicultural populations
  • Representation of diversity in senior management and C-suite leadership

Networking with diverse professionals and alumni sharing your identities can help you learn more about their experiences with their employers. Reach out and request an informational interview to ask questions such as:

  • What was your path into this career, and specifically, this company?
  • Can you describe your organization’s culture and environment?
  • How dedicated are your supervisors to professional job growth since you joined your 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?

Professional associations are networks of professionals that share a common industry, identity, location, or a combination of these factors. They are a highly recommended resource for job search tools, education, professional advancement, and building a network. You can attend events, access virtual resources and education materials, and view job postings through most professional associations. Search for professional organizations by identity and/or industry for networks of professionals.

For example, Northeastern has chapters of the following professional associations:

  • Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA)
  • Black Engineering Student Society (BESS) which is a chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)
  • Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers (SASE)
  • Society of Hispanic Professionals and Engineers (SHPE)

Search additional organizations by identity and industry for networking, job searching, and career advancement resources.

The perfect time to start networking is NOW! You can never be too early to network. A great place to start is by utilizing NUsource and LinkedIn to connect with your Northeastern network. As a husky student and alumni, you have access to NUsource, a platform designed specifically for Northeastern alumni and community members around the globe! In addition to connecting with alumni, there are project opportunities where you can gain more skills and experiences while being mentored by alumni.

Employer Engagement and Career Design has several tools for networking including a coaching lab on Networking through LinkedIn and an article.

Career and Professional Development Resources

  • Diversity Employers – Career opportunities targeting new college graduates of diverse backgrounds across industries.
  • Equal Opportunity Publications: Diversity and Inclusion Career Center – “Premier diversity online job board.”
  • IMDiversity.com – One-stop career site/job board to serve career-related needs of underrepresented groups with access to the largest database of equal opportunity employers.
  • INROADS – Internship program with year-round professional and personal coaching from a corporate mentor.
  • Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) – Non-profit organization that equips the next generation of African American, Hispanic, and Native American leaders in business, education, and the social sector.
  • SEO Career – Internship program with coaching, training, exposure, and a lifelong alumni network.
  • The Partnership – Offers leadership programs to support multicultural professionals in reaching their full potential in the increasingly diverse and global workforce.
  • Workplace Diversity.com – Job board for opportunities at companies that strive for a multicultural work environment.
  • Top 50 Companies for Diversity
  • Diversity Jobs – Connects African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Hispanic people, and members of the LGBT community with companies that are known for being especially diversity friendly. Includes job fairs, job search features, and helpful tips.

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