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LGBTQ Student Resources

LGBTQ students face unique challenges in their career search. Below are links and resources that will be helpful for students to begin job and internship searches.

Job Search Research

One of the easiest things to do to begin your job or internship search is research if a company or organization is inclusive and accepting to LGBTQ applicants and employees.

Some places you can search include:

Company diversity policy: Does the company/organization policy specifically include LGBTQ employees?
Equal Employment Opportunity statements: Is sexual orientation or gender identity included?
Business Research Groups/Employee Research Groups: Does the company have any groups listed?

Other resources to check:

Finding Companies That Are LGBTQ+ Friendly: A guide that outlines how to identify companies with LGBTQ-friendly policies and practices to help job-seekers find an inclusive work environment.
Zippia LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide: Information on understanding LGBTQ policies and tips for finding inclusive companies.
Human Rights Campaign Corporate Equity Index Report: The national benchmarking tool on corporate policies and practices pertinent to LGBTQAI employees.
LGBTQ Map Equity Maps: State by state data on several LGBTQ issues including marriage recognition, health and safety and more.

Interview Attire

LGBTQ students can struggle with choosing interview attire that fits their personality and gender identity while also fitting into a conservative professional corporate culture.

While it is important to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident, it is also important to match the atmosphere and culture of the organization you are interviewing with. Speaking to someone in the organization’s human resources department may be necessary to help prevent any misunderstandings.

This article from The Balance has several gender-neutral interview attire tips and recommendations.

LGBTQ Job Boards

There are several online job listing sites that post positions with companies who want to intentionally recruit LGBTQ students.

TJob Bank: Employment resources for the LGBTQ community
Out Professional Network: Explore job opportunities at companies recruiting talented LGBT professionals
Pink Jobs: LGBT friendly job vacancies
Funders for LGBTQ issues job board
Campus Pride job listings
LGBTQ in Higher Education job board

Many metropolitan areas also host LGBTQ themed career fairs throughout the year.

There are also several professional associations in a variety of industries for LGBTQIA individuals and allies to join. The Human Rights Campaign has a list of several national groups.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources

Several unique scholarships and financial aid options exist for LGBTQ students. Here are a few links to places to seek them out.

Online Guide to Scholarships & Resources for LGBTQIA+ College Students: A list of scholarship awards, advocacy groups, and professional networks that are making college more affordable and inclusive for the LGBTQIA+ community
5 Best Scholarships for LGBTQ StudentsA collection on scholarships for LGBTQ students
Scholarships & Resources for Transgender College Students: An online guide that offers key resources and top scholarships for college students who are transgender.
STEPS Scholarships and Resources for LGBTQIA+ Students: Guide with lots of links for LGBTQ resources
College Scholarships.org: Search engine for scholarships listing both national and regional programs
LGBTQ Student Scholarship Database: State by state list of LGBTQ scholarships from the Human Rights Campaign
Scholarships for Gay or Lesbian Students: Listing of LGBTQ scholarships from Scholarships.com
Pride Foundation Scholarship Funds: Large list of LGBTQ scholarships broken down into several categories
GoGrad.org LGBTQ Scholarships: List of LGBTQ-friendly universities and scholarships for LGBTQ students
College Scholarships for LGTBQ Students: Designed to help students look for financial aid and scholarship opportunities
Scholarships for LGBTQ Students: Online list of special college scholarships targeting LGBTQ youth in particular that can make the process of paying tuition a little bit easier.
Study.com Scholarships for LGBTQ College Students: Comprehensive guide covers everything from common questions about the application process to Title IX and LGBTQ-friendly colleges.
CreditDonkey Financial Resources for LGBTQ Students: Large collection of links of LGBTQ resources.
LGBT Scholarships: Equal Possibilities for High-Quality Education: A list of popular LGBTQ scholarship options in the USA and Canada.

This is a small sample of the options you have, there are many others out there. For more information on scholarship and financial aid options, contact the Northwest Financial Assistance office.

Transgender Student Resources

Transgender students often have many questions and hurdles in their job and internship search.

National Center for Transgender Equality: Comprehensive website with several resources on employment, healthcare, ID documents and more
Transgender in the Workplace A Career & Resource Guide for Employees & Employers: Tips for job hunting and interviewing, legal support and assistance and more
Coming Out in the Workplace as Transgender: Article from HRC including links to resources and tips for disclosing in job interviews
Trans Employment Program: Collaborative program designed to help create inclusive workplaces and jobs for trans and gender non-conforming people

Additional Information

For additional information on LGBTQ student career resources and options please contact:
Travis

Travis Kline
Assistant Director of Career Services
Northwest Missouri State University
130 Administration Building
tkline@nwmissouri.edu
660.562.1455