Career Resources for BIPOC Students

This page offers guidance and resources to help you manage your career exploration as a Black, Indigenous, and Person of Color (BIPOC).

Students and alumni of color can experience unique considerations during the job and internship search and in the workplace. Your identities bring unique assets and strengths into the workplace. Consider the qualities or skills you’ve developed from challenges that you’ve overcome or nuanced understanding you’ve gained by nature of your identity. We (CCEE Career Education Specialists) will work individually with you to help you unpack, identify, and explore your career interests, values, and goals. 

CCEE is committed to Social Justice, Equity, and Inclusion. Interested in learning about our plans and actions around diversity and social justice? Take a look at our  CCEE’s 2021 JEDI Strategic Plan. We are also members of the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and share in their commitment to developing and supporting a robustly diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.

We are committed to supporting you with:

  • one-on-one appointments with your Career Education Specialist (CES)
  • curated resources for navigating the workplace
  • cultivating relationships with employers that have a commitment to social justice, equity, diversity and inclusion in the workplace

Want to talk to someone about this page? Reach out to our team:

 

JOB/INTERNSHIP

To be competitive for the job market or graduate school, every student should complete a practical experience, such as an internship. There are many resources and techniques for searching for an internship and we recommend checking out your specific Career Cluster page for resources, however here are some additional specific resources for students of color.

In order to be competitive for the job market or graduate school, prior to graduation every student should complete a practical experience, such as an internship. There are many techniques for searching for an internship! Many of your questions regarding how to search for a job or internship can be answered by reviewing the module and videos below.

BIPOC Internship and Job Search Websites/Resources

In addition to the resources on your Career Cluster Page, there are a variety of BIPOC-focused websites you can use to search for jobs and internship opportunities:

  • Bilingual Crossing: The largest collection of bilingual jobs on earth
  • Black Enterprise: Black owned multimedia company. Published annual list of largest African-American companies in the country, “B.E. 100’s”
  • Black Career Network: This site uses technology, tools and resources to help you connect with employers that recognize the value of an inclusive and diverse network
  • FirstGenNonProfits: This website provides links to non-profits throughout the United States that are dedicated to helping first generation students excel in their education
  • I’mFirst.org: An online community providing first generation college students with the inspiration, information and support on the road to and through college
  • ImDiversity: A job board focused on diverse job seekers. Includes a blog and additional resources
  • INROADS: Develops and places talented underserved students in businesses and industry while helping applicants prepare for corporate and community leadership
  • Nemnet: Diversity recruitment and consulting firm
  • RI Black Business Association (RIBBA): is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the business opportunities and vitality of Black-owned and minority businesses in Rhode Island. Use the membership directory and our Contacting Placement Sites quick tip sheetto reach out and inquire about internships and/or job opportunities.
  • Top 50 companies for diversity : An article in US News with success tips for first generation college students

Evaluating and researching potential employers

First, make sure to identify what you are looking for in your own job search. You might want to ask yourself the following:

  • What do you want to do for your career?
  • What interests and skills can you contribute to a workplace?
  • What interested or skills would you or do you want to develop?
  • Who do you want around you?
  • Where do you want to be in the world?
  • How does your family or community impact the process?
  • Not sure how to answer any of these questions? Visit our TypeFocus Work Environment Module.

While it may be difficult to determine how truly supportive any organization is, proactively exploring some key indicators can give you a sense of their espoused values:

  • Does their website state a commitment to diversity and non-discrimination?
  • Using LinkedIn or the company’s employee directory, can you see if there is racial/ethnic diversity amongst their employees, senior management, and board of directors?
  • How do others review the company on Glassdoor?
  • How do recruiters and employees respond when asked about diversity, inclusion, and social justice? Can they give you an example of ways the organization promotes diversity and/or combats discrimination?
  • Does the organization actively recruit or collaborate with professional organizations for BIPOC?
  • Are there in-house employee supports or social networks for BIPOC?
  • Did you know: when filling out your profile in Handshake you can add your workplace values and interests?

Gain Even More Experience

students

There are so many ways to gain experience before you graduate! In addition to internships, consider:
 Volunteer Opportunities