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CAREER AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

The Villanova University Career Center is committed to the University’s advancement of diversity, equity and inclusion and recognizes that these principles are integral to our work. It is necessary for Villanova students and alumni to develop intercultural understanding and inclusive communication practices in order to be a positive influence in the global workplace.

OUR COMMITMENT

The Career Center is committed to supporting underrepresented and minoritized students and alumni. We seek to create a welcoming environment in all that we do, ensuring that all identities, perspectives and experiences are heard, respected and valued in conversations about career and professional development. We develop programs and resources to support underrepresented and minoritized students and alumni in achieving personally rewarding careers. We will continue to listen, learn and serve as advocates for all members of the Villanova community as we support individuals on their personal and professional journeys.

   

Guidance for Inclusive Recruiting

The following practices are meant to guide our current and prospective employer partners through the recruiting process using an equity lens.

  • Review your event description and job posting language before your recruiting visit (on-campus or virtual) to consider how it supports diversity, equity and inclusion. 
  • Share information and examples of how your organization celebrates difference and includes people of all identities in your workplace.
  • Ensure inclusion of your organization's employees who self-identify as part of an underrepresented or minoritized population at your event or interview.
  • Discuss proactively how your organization embraces diversity and fosters an inclusive work environment that aligns with the mission and vision of the enterprise. 
  • Engage students and alumni in meaningful discussion about social identity in the workplace, including navigating race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, ability and generational differences in the professional world.  
  • Participate in speaker presentations, resume reviews or practice interviews with diverse student organizations. 

For additional recruitment tips, explore Building A Diversity Recruiting Strategy: Emphasize Commonality, Inclusion Over Differences from the National Association of Colleges & Employers (NACE).

   

Evaluating an Organization's Commitment to DEI

Now more than ever, the ability to bring one’s authentic self to work has become a top priority during the job and internship search. The Career Center seeks to empower students throughout their professional development journey by celebrating their unique identities and preparing them for an ever-changing, diverse and global workforce. We encourage our Wildcats to consider the following when assessing an organization’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion:

  • Research the organization’s diversity statement. What are the organization’s mission, values and goals?
  • How is the organization fulfilling these goals: social responsibility, community engagement or other initiatives?
  • Seek out the diverse representation of the leadership team. This includes the Board, Directors, Vice Presidents and beyond.
  • Does the organization have a Chief Diversity Officer or Diversity Manager?
  • Does the organization offer support or interest groups? This could include LGBTQ+, race, ethnicity, women, first-generation or other identities.
  • Examine which companies are targeting diverse groups during the recruitment process. This includes the diversity of internship recruitment, externships, leadership and exploratory programs for diverse populations.
  • Is the organization participating in any diversity-related events hosted by the Career Center or other University-sponsored events?
  • Interviewing is a two-way street. Inquire about how the organization supports diversity, equity and inclusion. Questions to ask in an interview or at a networking event may include:   
    • How would you describe the office and organizational culture?
    • What diversity, equity and inclusion training is offered?
    • What is your organization's commitment to hiring a diverse workforce?
    • What is your organization doing to make everyone feel included and that all voices are heard?
    • What is your business strategy or strategic plan? How is diversity and inclusion addressed?

   

Identity-Based Resources

The Career Center recognizes that social identities and career experiences often intersect and that Villanovans may face specific challenges navigating the career development process as they explore the world of work.

As part of our work to ensure all identities, perspectives and experiences are heard, respected and valued in conversations about career and professional development, we have curated lists of resources that have been developed and shared with us where career communities are being cultivated for people who hold various social identities. We will continually develop these resources as we become aware of additional opportunities to advance the growth of all members of our community.

   

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