Finding Inclusive Professional Settings

Inclusion Means Everyone

It is important to find professional settings that affirm all of your identities including race, nationality, gender, sexuality, religion, and ability status to name a few. These types of inclusive work environments create a culture where all employees can thrive and produce their best work.

Full Time Jobs & Internships

Begin by thoroughly researching the company. Look for indicators that the company may value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), such as:

  • Mission and vision statements that address DEI
  • Diverse leadership team and board of directors
  • Employee Resource Groups (ERGs: e.g., LGBTQ+, Women, BIPOC). These groups foster a sense of community and demonstrate the company's support.
  • DEI internship or leadership development programs
  • Fair policies and practices related to recruitment, advancement, accessibility accommodations, complaint investigations, benefits, etc.
  • Diverse representation on company website, recruitment materials, and social media
  • Philanthropic giving or community outreach

Be sure to utilize multiple sources of information to make sure that you have an accurate understanding of the company’s culture and commitment to DEI. These sources could include:

  • Company websites
  • Rankings, surveys, and/or lists of the top diversity companies
  • News articles focused on the organization (ex: lawsuits, complaints, etc.)
  • Past employee reviews through sites like Glassdoor
  • Informational interviews with people (family, peers, alumni, mentors, etc.) connected to the company or industry
  • Ask questions during the interview process to learn about DEI initiatives, mentorship opportunities, employee resource groups, etc.
Graduate and Professional School

Begin by thoroughly researching the graduate or professional school and specific program. Below are some possible indicators that the graduate program may value diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI):

  • Mission, vision, and diversity statements
  • Diverse representation of university leadership and faculty
  • Faculty research and involvement in DEI scholarship or initiatives
  • Diversity initiatives promoted on school’s websites or social media platforms
  • DEI pipeline programs to encourage graduate study
  • Recruitment materials and admission applications that reflect commitment to holistic admissions and diverse student representation
  • Comprehensive student support services including mentorship, cultural spaces, and affinity groups that cater to minoritized and underrepresented student communities

It is important to utilize multiple sources of information to make sure that you have an accurate understanding of the university and program culture. These sources could be:

  • University websites and social media platforms
  • Informational interviews with current students, alumni, or faculty
  • In person visits through open houses, planned campus events, or admission tours
  • News articles focused on the university (ex: lawsuits, complaints, etc.)
  • If there are interviews in the admission process, ask about the universities initiatives and commitment to inclusivity and belonging.
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