Career Services, a division of Student Affairs, is bringing students and employers together to engage the Penn State community in dialogue to advance greater equity and inclusion for students, faculty, and staff from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups.
Diversity Dialogues, scheduled for Monday, Sept. 14, is designed to connect students with employers to discuss important topics prior to Fall Career Days. This virtual event will include an interactive diversity in the workplace discussion and employer panel discussion.
Students and employers will participate in a virtual educational workshop in which they will be divided into small breakout groups for the first hour, from 11 a.m. - noon. Scenarios discussed during the educational portion of the event will pertain to diversity in the workplace, job search, interview process, and more.
Following the interactive diversity in the workplace discussion, students will have the opportunity to ask panelists questions such as their company policies, how to navigate the hiring process as a diverse individual, and how students might best showcase their skills and talent to be considered for a position.
“Students will be able to get a really good idea of how organizations approach diversity directly from employers. They can also ask questions about diversity in an environment that is safe and supportive,” said Lesley Jackson, career services student outreach coordinator and event coordinator.
Diversity Dialogues will give students the opportunity to understand the company's policies and approaches towards diversity. Students come away from the event with a better understanding of how to both protect themselves and also advocate for others in a professional environment.