Even though Pride Month may be coming to a close, Career Services is always here to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGTBQ+) students and alumni navigate their own professional development and the job search. You may find that the workplace can feel different than a college campus in terms of openness, resources, and support for employees who identify as LGBTQ+. Below are some resources that you can use as a starting point when thinking about your identity in the workplace.
Note: All Career Services staff members are allies of Penn’s LGBTQ+ communities and welcome you to speak with them about any thoughts, questions, or concerns you may have on how your gender identity or sexual orientation may play a role in your job search.
1. Diversity Recruitment Programs
The above list is a great resource to find companies who have specific programs that are designed for diverse populations. You’ll see programs on there for LGTBQ+ students, students who identify as female, DACA students, students of color, and more.
2. The Penn Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Alumni Association
Networking is a great tool to use at any time while you’re at Penn or beyond, but it can sometimes feel intimidating! Consider reaching out to PennGALA to learn from alumni who have already been through the internship/job search.
3. The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ List of LGBT Resources
This crowdsourced list is comprehensive and includes resources for both current students, alumni, and employers.
4. Out & Equal
This organization partners with companies across industries to provide leadership development, diversity training, and other support to help members of the LGBTQ community thrive. Their many resources help to achieve their goal of helping organizations build a “culture of belonging for all.”
5. Trans Job Seeker Guide
Trans folks may face additional challenges during the job search, such as having to use their legal name in the application and navigating company dress codes. This all-encompassing guide offers great advice for trans job seekers and for companies looking to become more trans friendly.
Finally, don’t forget to check out our LGBTQ+ Students community page, where you can find many more resources and sign up for our curated newsletter!
