As you prepare to enter the workforce, we hope you will find careers that align with your interests and values. An important aspect of that process is to explore how employers approach diversity, equity and inclusion.

Additional resources for various groups of students can be found under the following:

• Transfer and Reentry Students
• Student Veterans
• Students with Disabilities
• Undocumented and Immigrant Students
• International Students
• LGBTQIA+ Students

Your Identity at Work

As you consider your research into careers, you may wonder how your identity will affect your search. Is the company you are researching supportive of diversity and inclusion? Is it actively seeking out diverse employees? 

Not all organizations make equal commitments to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Here are some tips on how to find companies that are inclusive:

1. Research online: Start with the company's website and notice what you see in the photos. Read the "About Us" section, looking for metrics on diversity or hiring practices. You can also read employees' reviews on sites such as Glassdoor.
2. Look at the company's employees: Find out who's on the leadership team, on the website or on LinkedIn. Look at the staff directory. If you visit for interviews, make sure to look around.
3. Check the company’s core values: Do they have a mission statement or core values? If so, see if they mention diversity or inclusion as priorities.
4. Check for Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Also known as affinity groups or business network groups, ERGs are groups of employees who join together in their workplace based on shared characteristics or life experiences. For example, at UC Davis there are many groups such as the Latinx Staff and Faculty Association and DiversABILITY Employee Resource Group.
5. Ask questions during your interview: When the interviewer asks if you have any questions for them, try inquiring about diversity. You could ask questions such as: 
   • I see diversity is listed in the company's values. Can you share some examples of how you promote it?
   • What does the organization do to ensure an inclusive workplace?
6. Network: Reach out to your connections or reach out through LinkedIn. Do you know anyone at the company? See if anyone who has worked at the company can share details on diversity and inclusion.
7. Check employee benefits and personnel policies: Policies can reveal a lot. For example, do they provide family leave for all parents? Do they have an inclusive definition of domestic partner? Do they accommodate a variety of work accessibility needs?

The Career Center supports students from marginalized communities in all aspects of the career planning process. We welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss choosing a major or career, talking with loved ones about career choices, making professional contacts, and marketing your unique skills and experiences so you can secure employment and advanced degree opportunities.

Each year the Career Center hosts the "Diversity, Belonging and Inclusion at Work" networking event, where students can network with organizations that have a commitment to diversity and inclusion – usually held in February. View our events page for more information.

We also recommend these resources for further exploration:

• The National Career Development Association (NCDA), under the "Special Populations" tab, has many resources based on identity.

The UC Davis Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion offers events, trainings and resources to further your understanding.