Identity-Based Career Resources
The Office of Career and Professional Development is committed to supporting every Gies student as they pursue meaningful careers. We recognize that students' identities and lived experiences can shape their career journeys, and we've compiled resources to help you navigate your search with confidence. Explore the sections below for identity-specific guidance, campus resources, and professional organizations.
Career resources for everyone
Many career questions are common across identities. Start here for guidance that applies broadly to all students.
Research Inclusive Employers
Before accepting a position, consider whether an employer's values align with your own. Look for:
- Diversity and inclusion statements
- Employee resource groups (ERGs)
- Diverse leadership
- Mentorship opportunities
- Employee reviews and alumni perspectives
Know Your Rights
Federal and state laws prohibit discrimination in many aspects of employment. Familiarize yourself with:
- Illegal interview questions
- Workplace discrimination protections
- Requesting workplace accommodations
- Reporting concerns
Build Your Professional Network
Networking can help you:
- Learn about career paths
- Find mentors
- Discover internship and job opportunities
- Better understand workplace culture
Connect with: Illinois alumni, faculty, employers, student organizations, and professional associations
Present Yourself Authentically
Professional appearance looks different across industries. Focus on dressing in a way that is polished, comfortable, and authentic while considering your workplace environment.
LGBTQ+ Students
Your career journey may include questions about workplace culture, identity disclosure, and finding employers that support LGBTQ+ employees. Career advisors are available to help you navigate these conversations and identify organizations where you can thrive.
Common Career Considerations
- Identifying LGBTQ+-inclusive employers: Research organizations that demonstrate a commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion through inclusive policies, employee resource groups (ERGs), benefits, and workplace culture.
- Deciding whether to disclose your identity: Consider if, when, and how to share aspects of your identity during the job search or after being hired based on your personal comfort and workplace environment.
- Understanding workplace protections: Learn about federal, state, and local laws, as well as employer policies, that protect LGBTQ+ employees from discrimination.
- Navigating name changes and documentation: Understand how to manage resumes, applications, background checks, and workplace records if your legal name differs from your chosen name.
- Finding supportive professional communities: Build connections with LGBTQ+ professionals, mentors, and affinity organizations that can provide guidance and networking opportunities.
Featured Resources
- Gender & Sexuality Resource Center (Illinois): Provides campus resources, educational programs, advocacy, and community support for LGBTQ+ students at Illinois.
- Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equality Index: Evaluates employers on LGBTQ+ workplace policies, benefits, and inclusive practices to help you identify supportive organizations.
- Out for Undergrad: Offers conferences, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help LGBTQ+ students connect with employers and professionals.
First-Generation Students
Being a first-generation college student brings valuable strengths, including resilience, initiative, and determination. We're here to help you translate those strengths into career success.
Common Career Considerations
- Exploring career options: Learn about different industries, career paths, and opportunities that align with your interests, strengths, and long-term goals.
- Building a professional network: Develop relationships with alumni, faculty, employers, and peers who can provide career advice, mentorship, and professional connections.
- Understanding workplace expectations: Become familiar with professional norms, workplace communication, and organizational culture to ease the transition into internships and full-time roles.
- Preparing professional documents: Create strong resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn profiles that effectively communicate your experiences and accomplishments.
- Building confidence throughout the job search: Recognize the value of your unique experiences and develop confidence in presenting your skills and qualifications to employers.
Featured Resources
- PathwayU: Helps you explore careers based on your interests, values, personality, and strengths while connecting those insights to majors and occupations.
- First Generation Programs at Illinois: Provides academic support, mentoring, community-building, and resources specifically for first-generation students throughout their college journey.
Students of Color
Your cultural identity and lived experiences are valuable strengths. We are committed to helping you find organizations where you can thrive while supporting you through every stage of your career journey.
Common Career Considerations
- Evaluating employer culture: Research employers to understand their commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging through their policies, leadership, and employee experiences.
- Building professional networks: Connect with alumni, mentors, and professionals who can offer career advice, industry insights, and networking opportunities.
- Navigating workplace bias: Prepare strategies for responding to and addressing bias while identifying workplaces that foster inclusive and respectful environments.
- Finding affinity groups: Explore employee resource groups and professional associations that offer community, mentorship, and support throughout your career.
- Exploring diversity recruitment programs: Take advantage of internships, leadership programs, scholarships, and recruiting initiatives designed to support diverse talent.
Featured Resources
- Gies Office of Access & Engagement: Supports student success through programs, mentoring, leadership development, and initiatives that foster an inclusive learning environment.
- Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT): Prepares high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds for careers through coaching, professional development, and employer connections.
- DiversityJobs: A job board featuring employers committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion across a variety of industries.
Neurodiverse Students & Students with Disabilities
Whether you're considering accommodations, disclosure, or identifying accessible employers, we're here to support your career planning and job search.
Common Career Considerations
- Requesting accommodations: Learn about workplace accommodations and how to request them when they will help you perform your job successfully.
- Deciding when to disclose: Consider whether, when, and how to discuss your disability or neurodiversity during the hiring process or after accepting a position.
- Understanding ADA protections: Become familiar with the rights and protections provided under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related legislation.
- Finding disability-inclusive employers: Research organizations with demonstrated commitments to accessibility, disability inclusion, and supportive workplace practices.
- Preparing for interviews: Practice discussing your strengths, experiences, and accommodation needs confidently, if applicable.
Featured Resources
- Accessibility at Illinois: Coordinates academic accommodations and provides accessibility resources to support student success.
- Job Accommodation Network: Offers free guidance on workplace accommodations, disability employment issues, and ADA compliance.
- Lime Connect: Connects students and professionals with disabilities to internships, scholarships, leadership development, and employer partners.
Veteran Students
Your military experience provides leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills that employers value. We can help you translate those experiences into civilian career opportunities.
Common Career Considerations
- Building civilian networks: Expand your professional network by connecting with alumni, employers, and organizations that support veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
- Resume development: Tailor your resume to highlight transferable leadership, teamwork, technical, and problem-solving skills gained through military service.
- Career transitions: Explore career paths that align with your military experience while preparing for differences between military and civilian workplace cultures.
- Finding veteran-friendly employers: Identify organizations that actively recruit, hire, and support veterans through dedicated programs and resources.
Featured Resources
- Chez Veterans Center: Provides academic, career, and transition support for student veterans and military-connected students at Illinois.
- Hire Heroes USA: Offers free career coaching, resume assistance, interview preparation, and job search support for veterans and military spouses.
- RecruitMilitary: Connects veterans with employers through job boards, virtual hiring events, and career fairs focused on military talent.
Women
Women may encounter unique workplace considerations, including negotiation, representation, and career advancement. We provide resources to help you navigate these challenges confidently.
Common Career Considerations
- Salary negotiation: Prepare to confidently negotiate compensation and benefits by researching market salaries and practicing negotiation strategies.
- Workplace equity: Learn about workplace policies, resources, and practices that promote equity, inclusion, and career advancement.
- Representation in underrepresented industries: Explore strategies for succeeding in fields where women may be underrepresented and connect with role models and mentors.
- Interview questions: Understand which interview questions are appropriate and know how to respond if you encounter questions that may be unlawful or inappropriate.
- Professional networking: Build relationships with mentors, sponsors, and professional organizations that can support your career growth and leadership development.
Featured Resources
- Society of Women in Business: A student organization that provides networking, professional development, and leadership opportunities for women pursuing business careers.
- American Association of University Women (AAUW): Advances gender equity through scholarships, advocacy, leadership development, and professional resources.
- Women in Finance Academy: Provides mentorship, career preparation, and networking opportunities for students interested in finance careers.
International Students
International students often balance career planning with work authorization and immigration considerations. Our office partners with ISSS to help you navigate these processes.
Common Career Considerations
- CPT/OPT and work authorization: Understand employment authorization options and timelines so you can plan your internship and job search effectively.
- Visa sponsorship: Learn how employer sponsorship works and identify organizations with a history of hiring and sponsoring international talent.
- U.S. recruiting practices: Become familiar with recruiting timelines, hiring expectations, and workplace norms commonly used by U.S. employers.
- Networking: Develop professional relationships with alumni, employers, faculty, and peers to strengthen your career opportunities in the United States.
- U.S.-style resumes and interviewing: Adapt your application materials and interview approach to meet the expectations of U.S. employers.
Featured Resources
- Illinois International Students and Scholars Service (ISSS): Advises international students and scholars on immigration, employment authorization, cultural adjustment, and campus resources.
- Careernomics: Helps international students identify employers that sponsor work visas, explore H-1B data, and find OPT/CPT-friendly opportunities.
- GoinGlobal: Provides country- and city-specific career guides, international job postings, and H-1B employer information to support global job searches.
DACA & Undocumented Students
Students with DACA or undocumented status may have unique questions about employment authorization and career pathways. Career advisors can help you explore opportunities and resources that align with your goals.
Common Career Considerations
- Employment authorization: Understand the employment options and legal considerations that may apply to your individual circumstances.
- Building experience: Gain relevant skills through internships, research, campus employment, volunteer work, or other experiential learning opportunities whenever possible.
- Disclosure decisions: Consider whether, when, and how to discuss your status during the hiring process based on your personal circumstances and applicable requirements.
- Entrepreneurship: Explore self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities that may align with your career goals and circumstances.
- Graduate school planning: Evaluate graduate or professional education as part of your long-term career strategy while considering funding and future career pathways.
Featured Resources
- Office of Academic Inclusive Excellence: Provides support, resources, and guidance for undocumented and DACA members of the University of Illinois community.
- National Immigration Law Center: Offers reliable information about immigration policy, employment rights, DACA, and legal resources.
- Idealist: Connects students with nonprofit organizations, internships, volunteer opportunities, and mission-driven careers.