Multicultural Students

Resource Spotlight

Things to Consider in Your Job Search

  • As you navigate the job market, recognize your assets in the work space. It is important that you consider your area of expertise and interest, the cultural context of that organization, and how your identities including race and cultural background will shape your experience within the position you seek.
  • Consider an organization’s commitment to equity and inclusion. How diverse is the organization you are interested in specifically in regards to representation? What is the longevity of people of color in the organization? Do you believe this organization is equipped to support your learning and growth as a professional?
  • Look for a diversity and equity statement on the company’s website or position description.
  • Do your research. Who are the leaders of the organization? Do they clearly communicate their DEI philosophy? Is this important to you?  Check company rankings regarding commitment to diversity at DiversityInc.
  • Everyone communicates differently and brings their own background and lived experience to their job search. Consider your individual values and personal communication style. How would you like both of these aspects of yourself to be reflected in your professionalism?

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Career Resources

There are many valuable career resources for multicultural students. Here are some of our favorites:

INROADS “The mission of INROADS is to develop and place talented minority youth in business and industry and prepare them for corporate and community leadership.”

IMDiversity.com  Job bank and resources for specific diverse groups.

DiversityInc  A national job search engine for people of diverse backgrounds.

Connect with Professionals and Peers

Meeting with multicultural professionals or others who work in your career area of interest can be a great way to get career advice and find leads on positions.  Below are a few ways you can find people who might be able to help.

Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of contacting a professional? You’re not alone!  Calling a stranger and asking for advice makes most students a little nervous.  To get some tips to help you through this process, simply call your career center and ask for an appointment with a career staff member.  We will coach you on what to say when you call a professional, what kinds of questions to ask and how to make the best impression.

  • Ask family, friends, advisors, community leaders, or instructors if they know any multicultural professionals who you can speak with for advice on your career plans.
  • Connect with the Minnesota Multicultural Alumni Network (MCAN)
  • Professional associations are groups of people who work in a similar industry that meet to conduct professional development and to network.  Research professional associations related to your field that may also be for multicultural populations. Attending organization meetings can be a way to find professionals eager to help you navigate the world of work.
  • Create an account on the online professional networking site LinkedIn.com and join groups such as the Minority Professional Network or Diversity in Minnesota.  
  • Join student groups that relate to your professional goals.  This is a great way to network with your peers and many groups bring in professionals in the field to speak with students.
  • Attend career fairs, organization information sessions/networking events, and employer panels to expand your professional network.  View campus events at Handshake.

 

Your Legal Rights

According to the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission 33 percent of all workplace discrimination complaints are race-based.  Below you will find some resources to help you understand your rights if you encounter discrimination in a job interview or in the work place: