LGBTQ+ Students

Information for LGBTQ+ Students

As a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ+) student preparing for entry into the workforce, you may find yourself faced with additional career planning challenges related to your sexual orientation. For the most part, university life has been a supportive environment, with a wonderful LGBTQ+ resource center, active student groups, and university-backed non-discrimination policies. The workplace can be quite different, in terms of the openness of and support for LGBTQ+ employees. The following collection of resources is designed to offer a starting point in considering issues faced by LGBTQ+ people in the workplace. There are no hard and fast rules, so you should feel free to address questions on coming out at work and during the job search to career counselors at Career Services.

All staff members of Career Services are active allies of Penn’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender communities. If you have questions about career planning, concerns about the job search, and are questioning how your sexual orientation might influence your career decisions, we welcome and encourage you to discuss these concerns with a career counselor.

Explore Resources and OpportunitiesCareer Services offers a number of resources related to job searching, interviewing, negotiation and career development, including resources for LGBTQ students. As you investigate various industries, take advantage of opportunities to explore recruitment options promoting diversity and inclusion. Career Services has created a running list of diversity recruitment programs, some of which target the LGBTQ population. Read more about searching for a job or internship. 
Visit Penn’s LGBT CenterThe LGBT Center is a home away from home for Penn students who identify as LGBTQ+, are questioning, or are allies of the community. Get in touch with the LGBT center and explore their  student organizations, events, and resource page for trans students.
Make ConnectionsNetworking is simply talking and building relationships with professionals in careers that interest you to help you learn what it’s like to work in a particular role, field, or industry. In addition to Penn’s LGBTQ Alumni Association, the Penn Faculty Out List, and the resources of the LGBT Center, there are a number of ways to network. Read more about how to make connections. 
Find ResourcesOn this page, we’ve compiled many resources to help you prepare for a career in the life or physical sciences. Of particular interest should be our industry specific job boards, as well as various scientific professional organizations.

What's New?

Job Search Prep: Cleaning Up Your Online Presence

News & Articles
September 9, 2021

This post is part of the Graduate Assistant Blog Series featuring advice and perspectives from graduate students working in Career Services:

Undergraduates cannot underestimate the power of the Google Search button on their job hunt. For years, high school students …

By David Ross

How to Tell If a Company Truly Values Diversity and Inclusion (or Is Just All Talk)

News & Articles
July 28, 2021

Employers talk a lot about diversity and inclusion. In fact, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a company that doesn’t say they’re diverse and inclusive. Companies make these claims on their web sites, in job descriptions, and at career fairs. But how …

By Victorio Duran III - Vault

3 Ways To Network Internationally

News & Articles
July 14, 2021

Have you ever networked with people outside of the U.S.? Whether you’re an international student looking to work in your home country or a domestic student looking for an adventure abroad, it’s always helpful to make connections in your industry …

By Jillian Cener

The Push For Trans-Inclusive Name Change Policies in Academic Publications

News & Articles
June 16, 2021

I recently came across this article from February 2021 in Science Mag that discusses the push for trans-inclusive policies on name changes in academic publications. This article describes the fight led by a group of trans scientists and the publications …

By Kate Lawrence

Making the Most of Your Summer Internship

News & Articles
June 15, 2021

By: David Ross, Senior Associate Director

Now that June is here, you may have started your summer experience (or will be starting soon). For those of you working this summer, here are some things to consider to make the most …

By David Ross

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HandshakeShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Handshake is Career Services’ powerful platform for University of Pennsylvania students, postdocs and alumni served by our office.  Handshake uses …

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NACE: LGBT ResourcesShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Recently, members of the National Association of Colleges & Employers shared a list of resources that they find helpful and …

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MyPennShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Use Penn’s Alumni Directory MyPenn (formerly QuakerNet) to search for fellow classmates or update your contact information.

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Pride at WorkShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
AFL-CIO group that seeks to integrate LGBT concerns into the larger Labor Movement.

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Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource ProfessionalsShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Includes job listings for college and university positions.

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National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical ProfessionalsShare This: Share on TwitterShare on LinkedinShare on Facebook
Providing education, advocacy, professional development, networking, and peer support.

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