Career Through the Lens of LGBTQIA+
As an LGBTQIA+ student, you may be wondering how to find a role that aligns with your interests and what is important to you. You may have questions about how to identify a work setting where your identity is supported and your perspective is valued by your employer and colleagues. We welcome you to connect 1-1 with a Piper Center coach to discuss these and other questions, and to explore your individual strengths, fields of interest, and priorities in terms of career.
Resources
The following resources may also be useful as you explore your career interests and potential next steps.
- Corporate Equality Index (Human Rights Campaign) – research ratings on workplaces in regard to equality for LGBTQ employees
- Human Rights Campaign (HRC) – Corporate, Municipal and Healthcare Equality Indices – search companies, municipalities, and healthcare facilities and learn about their ratings in terms of LGBTQ-inclusive policies, practices and benefits
- National LGBT Chamber of Commerce – identify LGBT-owned businesses
Explore More
Disclosure/Coming Out at Work +
Career resources for transgender and nonbinary students +
- Your Journey: A Career Guide for Trans and Nonbinary Students – a resource with interactive and reflective components from the University of Toronto
- Transitioning in the Workplace: A guide for Trans Employees (Human Rights Campaign)
- Out Front MN Resource Page – includes topics that may be relevant in terms of life and career
- TJobBank Employment – job search site specifically designed to connect transgender job seekers with employers
Connecting with People (Networking) +
Meeting people who share your interests and developing a relationship with them is referred to as networking, and is an important part of any career exploration process. Finding alumni who share aspects of your identity and/or your career interests can take some research, but can be a meaningful part of your career exploration and may even lead to new ideas and opportunities!
For an introduction to networking and ideas about how to identify alumni to reach out to, check out these Piper Center How-to Guides and consider reaching out to a coach for more support:
- Networking Guide – including an introduction to LinkedIn
- Informational Interview Guide
Professional Associations are one way you can connect with other individuals who share your professional/career interests, aspects of identity, geographic region and/or other commonalities. Consider searching for groups on LinkedIn or on Facebook that align with the community/communities you want to learn from and engage with in conversation.
The following resources include a non-exhaustive list of identity-related professional associations:
- Out Professional Network – associated with Professional Diversity Network
- The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals
- Out & Equal | Workplace Advocates
- LGBTQ Professional and Student Associations – HRC
- Pride At Work
- Career Resources for LGBTQ – list of professional associations by industry
Job Search/Job Boards +
- CenterLink LGBT Jobs and Careers Board
- Diversity Working -a job search site specifically focused on connecting employers with candidates from diverse backgrounds.
- Diversity.com – a job search site specifically focused on connecting employers with candidates from diverse backgrounds.
- DiversityJobs.com – A job search site specifically focused on connecting employers with people of color as well as women, veterans, people with disabilities, older workers, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Specific Opportunities +
- Victory Institute Programs – several internship and fellowship programs are offered in Washington, DC to develop and promote congressional and government leadership opportunities for LGBTQ college students and graduates
- National LGBTQ Task Force Internships – opportunities for internships in the fall, spring and summer with focus areas including policy, event management, communications, development, and more
- Campus Pride Internships – part-time and full-time internships for fall, spring, and summer focused on campus organizing and social justice
- Getty Marrow Undergraduate Internship Program – internship program that encourages greater diversity in professions related to museums and the visual arts. February deadline for summer internship.
Highlighted Piper Center Career Resources +
- How-to Guides – check out guides on networking, interviewing, creating resumes and cover letters, and much more!
- What can I do with a major in…? – Explore the paths of previous St. Olaf students by searching the St. Olaf Internship Database and the First Destination Database, each searchable by major and other information.
- Career Guides – Learn more about industries and various career paths by reviewing any career guides of interest to you.
- Graduate and Professional School exploration
St. Olaf Resources for LGBTQIA+ students +
Sample Questions to Ask in an Interview
Why is it important to ask questions about inclusivity in the work place?
- Assessing company culture
- Evaluating commitment to growth
- Personal alignment
Asking questions about LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and DE&I issues in a formal interview showcases a candidate’s genuine interest in promoting an inclusive workplace. It can also help candidates discern and ensure they are joining an organization that aligns with their values and fosters an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees.
Why is it important for allies of the LGBTQIA+ community to also ask these questions?
- Amplifying marginalized voices
- Challenging biases and assumptions
- Influencing change
Normalizing these interview questions takes the burden off of LGBTQIA+ community members to advocate for change and accountability. Ensuring that inclusive environments are the norm means a better work place for everyone. It is an essential step towards creating workplaces that are truly diverse, equitable, and welcoming for all individuals.
Sample Questions
- How does the company demonstrate its commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusivity and diversity in the workplace?
- Can you provide examples of specific initiatives or programs the company has implemented to foster an inclusive environment for LGBTQIA+ employees?
- How does the company handle issues of discrimination or harassment related to sexual orientation or gender identity?
- Can you share any success stories or examples of LGBTQIA+ individuals who have excelled and advanced in their careers within the company?
- How does the company ensure that LGBTQIA+ voices are heard and represented in decision-making processes and leadership positions?
- What steps does the company take to educate and train employees on LGBTQIA+ issues and promote awareness and understanding?
- How does the company address intersectionality and consider the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals from different backgrounds or identities?
- Are there any Employee Resource Groups or affinity groups specifically dedicated to LGBTQIA+ employees, and what role do they play in promoting inclusivity and diversity?
- How does the company engage with external LGBTQIA+ organizations or initiatives to support the community and contribute to broader LGBTQIA+ advocacy efforts?
Share Your Feedback
We recognize that you came to this website looking for information and resources. If there is something specific you were looking for but didn’t find, please let us know via email, piper.center@stolaf.edu or reach out directly to a coach. We will do our best to provide information and help you find resources that meet your needs and add them here. We welcome your suggestions.
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