Resources for LGBTQQIA Students
Career Development recognizes that LGBTQQIA students often have different challenges and specific questions relating to navigating their career exploration and planning, or internship and job searches. There are no hard or fast rules to deciding when, how, and if to come out at work or during the job search - it is a personal decision. Career Development is open to assisting with these questions. Call (507-933-7575) or stop in to schedule an appointment with a Career Development Specialist.
Choosing to be Out in the Workplace
You may need or want to decide whether, when, and how to be out in your job search or your workplace. Again, this is a personal decision and only you know the right answers for your beliefs, situation, and values. Here are a couple of quick tips to consider as you are thinking about your decision:
- Seek out and talk to professionals you trust who have experience with the coming-out decision-making process.
- Be aware of the laws of the cities, states and countries in which you're applying. Some interview questions and workplace behaviors are illegal. For state and federal policies related to LGBTQ people on the job, see the Lambda Legal Defense Web Site.
- Call a company's Human Resources office from an anonymous number to discuss hypotheticals that may apply to you to get a sense where the company stands. It won't be connected to your application and you'll be able to decide if it is somewhere you want to apply to, interview at, or work for.
Finding Job Openings
Most students utilize job search strategies such as online job search tools and networking, another helpful strategy is to target organizations that are known to be LGBTQ friendly and inquire about opportunities directly. Here are a couple of tips for searching the LGBTQ-friendliness of an organization:
- Look at and read the diversity statements and human resources policies posted on companies' websites.
- Search to see if they have any LGBTQ-friendly benefits, workplace cultures, or LGBTQ employee affiliation groups.
- Seek out organizations advertising on LGBTQ related sites.
- Review the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index. This rates organizations based on how their policies and practices support and protect LGBTQ Individuals and families.
Connecting with LGBTQ Professionals
In addition to the suggestions in the Networking website, here are a few tips to find LGBTQ friendly connections:
- Quorum, Twin Cities GLBT Chamber of Commerce: Member directory allows you to find professionals by industry area.
- GLBT Professional and Student Associations: View a national listing of organizations created by the Human Rights Campaign.
General Resources
Big Interview LGBTQIA+ Playbook (From the Learn Page, go to Interview Playbooks)
Corporate Equality Index Report\
Transitioning in the Workplace: A Guide for Trans Employees
HRC Coming Out at Work Toolkit
Legal Advocates and Defenders for the LGBTQ Community
List of Businesses with Transgender Inclusive Health Insurance Benefits
National Center for Transgender Equality
Navigating Gender Identity and Expression During a Job Search
Transgender Law Center: Employment Section
Workplace Guide for Transgender Students
By Career Interest Cluster
Arts and Communication
- Historical Association: Committee on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender History
- The Association of LGBTQ Journalists
- Writers Mentoring Program (CBS)
Business
Education
Government and Social Services
- Montgomery Summer Research Diversity Fellowships
- GLIFFA -- lgbt + pride in foreign affairs agencies
- Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Congressional Staff Association
Health Professions
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math
- National Organization of Gay and Lesbian Scientists and Technical Professionals
- Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics
Updated 7/7/2021 JV