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 Opportunities
Career 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 Center
The 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 Connections
Networking 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.
