LGBTQ+ Career Series Prepares Students for Life After College

The LGBTQ+ Career Series launched in the 2022–2023 academic year in response to feedback from LGBTQ+ students. “Many students were unaware that we could help with some of the unique career needs of LGBTQ+ students entering the workforce,” says Victoria DiMonica. She’s the Wasserman Center’s associate director of undergraduate career development.

“Our series focuses on two areas of unique career needs,” DiMonica says. “The first is the risk of disclosure.” For example, many students wonder: Should I share my identity in a workplace or a professional environment? Should I not? How can I do that?

The second focus is how to find LGBTQ+ friendly positions across all industries. “We explore questions like, ‘Is there representation in this industry? Or at this organization?’” says DiMonica. “‘Are there resources or support for me? Are there networks of support and mentorship? Or benefits, like HR policies, that support my particular needs?’”

In a typical semester, the series features three events with a mix of virtual and in-person offerings. For example, some events include a traditional networking mixer. Meanwhile, others feature panel discussions with alumni or visiting professionals that explore issues like LGBTQ+ advocacy. Moreover, single-lecturer chats with a moderated Q and A focus on specific issues relevant to the community. These topics might include honoring your authentic self as a trans or nonbinary individual in a conservative industry or deconstructing professional work attire expectations.

In-person events are typically held at the LGBTQ+ Center in the Kimmel Center for University Life on Washington Square. What’s more, online events allow options for students who wish to participate anonymously. Finally, all events are facilitated by an LGBTQ+ student, alumni, or staff member.

Andrea Scioli, who grew up in Honduras, is a Liberal Arts major with a concentration in English at the School of Professional Studies. He says the LGBTQ+ Career Series was especially helpful in addressing the myriad challenges of a diverse cross section of students who identify as LGBTQ+. “A lot of students are from different countries or different backgrounds,” Andrea says. “Specifically, we were fascinated with listening to experiences of people in the LGBTQ+ community who are also working as immigrants in different industries.”

Andrea also began to understand the importance of fostering a professional persona as he prepared for the workforce. “I never thought of myself as a brand,” he says. “But as a person, you are a business. Your persona is your brand. That was my big takeaway.”

Since many students aren’t aware of the myriad resources available at the Wasserman Center, Andrea encourages them, whether interested in the series or not, to explore its offerings. “There are just so many resources that most people don’t even know about,” he says.