MVCC’s Career Development Center is committed to supporting LGBTQIA+ students and alumni throughout their career journey. LGBTQIA+ students and alumni often experience unique challenges in the job market and within different work cultures. As an LGBTQIA+ student, professional, and potential employee, your collective experiences bring unique assets and strengths into the work culture. How have challenges you’ve overcome or your nuanced understanding of your identity resulted in skills or qualities you can offer to your future employer?
The Career Development Center provides support through:
- creating a safe and inclusive career resource center to support LGBTQ+ students and alumni throughout their career journey
- one-one-one career counseling, mock interviews, and resume/LinkedIn development
- curated resources for navigating the workplace
Some unique concerns that LGBTQIA+ students and alumni have conveyed include:
- hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity at work
- expectations with respect to attire and expression at work
- being the only or one of a few LGBTQIA+ employees
- state and local laws which may or may not prohibit discrimination
- transgender healthcare coverage and medical benefits for same-sex partners
- how to deal with unconscious bias and stereotyping or hostile work environments throughout their career
Resources
Read on to learn how to address these concerns and how to navigate the job market as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
Employment Trends
: Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index is the national benchmarking tool on corporate policies, practices and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer employees.
Career Development Resources
- : Help navigating the world of work as a member of the LGBTQ+ community — from assistance with the interview process to finding a welcoming, inclusive work culture, information on discrimination on the job, and more.
- : Help choosing the right outfit to feel like your best, genuine and most confident self.
- : What to consider before coming out at work.
Trans-Specific Resources
- : Legal information help desk.
- Creating a culture where gender diverse people can thrive on the job.
Job Search Platforms
Professional Organizations and other resources:
More MVCC LGBTQ+ Resources:
At Mohawk Valley Community College, we strive to make our college community welcoming, affirming, and inclusive for all. Here you will find a wide variety of resources, including information on housing, restrooms, trainings, allies on campus, and local/off-campus resources.