# LGBTQA+ Students
**Source**: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/lgbtq/
**Parent**: https://careernetwork.msu.edu/channels/international-student/
##
Career Services is committed to helping students who identify as LGBTQA+, and all students who support the advancement of students who identify as LGBTQA+, in all aspects of career exploration. We understand you may face some additional challenges or questions related to the job search and your sexual orientation or gender identity. There often aren’t defined rules to answer these questions, so we encourage you to talk through potential scenarios with a [career advisor](https://msucareertools.campuscareerinnovations.com/appointments/) to find the best solution for you.
**Common Questions:**
- How can I figure out if an employer will be supportive and suit my needs and values?
- If and when should I come out during the job search process?
- How do I use my preferred name in the job search process?
- What are my options for professional attire?
- How can I determine if an employer is safe?
- What strengths might I bring to the workplace?
Schedule an advising appointment through [Handshake](https://msucareertools.campuscareerinnovations.com/resources/handshake/) to discuss these and other questions with one of our career advisors.
## Career Advising
Connect with a career advisor to learn more about:
- Assessing your skills and professional interests
- Including your **experience and preferred name** on your professional documents (resume, cover letters)
- Gaining additional experience through internships, part-time work, and other professional development opportunities
- Developing a job search strategy, including **identifying safe and inclusive employers**
- Building a professional network that utilizes **LGBTQA+ mentors**
- Preparing for interviews by **highlighting your unique skills and discussing [professional attire](https://cdn.uconnectlabs.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/53/2020/06/professional-dress-guide.pdf)**
- Applying to graduate/professional school
Appointments can be made via [Handshake](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/handshake/), where you can schedule time with a general or discipline-specific career advisor from the [Career Services Network](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/career-advisors/).
## Connect with Professional Organizations and Resources
LGBTQA+ students and job seekers have a number of ways to seek out guidance and support.
- Connect with [LGBTQA+ professional organizations](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/?ctag%5B%5D=professional-organizations&shared_category=lgbtq) to network, connect with potential mentors, obtain resources and learn about specific career pathways and industries.
- Explore [job search engines](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/?ctag%5B%5D=job-search&shared_category=lgbtq) that promote employment opportunities with organizations who are actively working to diversifying their workforce.
- Attend [career fairs](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/events/?ctag%5B%5D=career-fairs) to connect with employers who value having a diverse workforce and hire in a range of fields.
## Evaluating Workplace Culture and Fit
Assessing an organization for its commitment to diversity and inclusion is, more than ever, an important part of the job search process. If you’re a jobseeker committed to working in an inclusive environment, how can you know if a company will meet your needs?
**(1) Do Online Research:** Visit the company’s website and examine everything from the “about us” section and any shared metrics on diversity or hiring practices used to represent the organization. Do advisory committees, resource groups, or social communities exist for LGBTQA+ staff? Are mentorship opportunities available? Don’t forget to check out reviews on sites like [Glassdoor](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/glassdoor-com/), too.
**(2) Review the Company’s Core Values:** Are diversity and/or inclusion mentioned as priorities in the company’s mission statement or core values? Do statements exist affirming that the company values differences in sexual orientation and gender identity/expression?
**(3) Examine Benefit Packages and Policies****:** Will the company offer domestic partner benefits? Are gender confirmation related medical costs covered? Does the company have a written non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression?
**(4) Ask Questions During Your Interview:**Try inquiring directly about diversity if you get a chance to pose questions during your interview.
**(5) Reach Out to Connections:**If you know anyone at the organization, see what details you can gather from them about the company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.
## Disclosure Advice
LGBTQ+ job seekers must inevitably consider, **“Should I or shouldn’t I come out at work?”** Ultimately, the decision is very personal and entirely up to you.
As you weigh your choices, consider:
- Why might you want to disclose in the workplace?
- When is the best time to disclose?
- Does the workplace climate support inclusion? Are any of your coworkers openly LGBTQ+?
- How would disclosing impact relationships with coworkers? Would coming out allow you to break down barriers, feel more comfortable, and develop deeper professional relationships?
- Does your employer have disclosure protections such as a non-discrimination policy that includes sexual orientation and gender identity/expression?
Consider disclosure advice from the [Human Rights Campaign](https://www.hrc.org/resources/coming-out-at-work) as you weigh your options and discuss with a career advisor.
## The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center
A student-centered [campus resource](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/msu-lbgt-resource-center/) that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQA+ members of the Michigan State University community. Through education, engagement, advocacy, and student support, they work to create an inclusive campus culture for people of all genders and sexual identities.
## Featured Articles
[#### Your Journey to Career Success: Expanding Cultural Horizons](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/blog/2024/04/08/your-journey-to-career-success-expanding-cultural-horizons/)
[#### Your Journey to Career Success: Stress Management](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/blog/2024/03/11/your-journey-to-career-success-stress-management/)
[#### Your Journey to Career Success: Cultural Identity & Learning](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/blog/2024/01/24/your-journey-to-career-success-cultural-identity-learning/)
Slide 1Slide 2
[View All](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/blog/?stag%5B%5D=lgbtq)
## Videos
[### Your Journey to Career Success: Expanding Cultural Horizons Video post](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/videos/your-journey-to-career-success-expanding-cultural-horizons/)
[### Your Journey to Career Success: Physical Health Video post](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/videos/your-journey-to-career-success-physical-health/)
[### Your Journey to Career Success: Stress Management Video post](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/videos/your-journey-to-career-success-stress-management/)
Slide 1Slide 2
[View All Videos](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/videos/?shared_category=lgbtq)
**26%**
Bachelor's degree graduates continue education.
**77%**
Undergraduate students complete an internship.
**93%**
Bachelor's degree graduates work or continue education.
\*Data Source: Post-graduation [outcomes](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/outcomes/) and experiences of bachelor’s degree recipients (2021-2025).
## CAREER RESOURCES
[Clear](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/)
Filter:
Filters
See More Filters
Resource Categories:After the Offer Career Fairs Career Paths Cover Letters Dress for Success Grad School Interests Internships Job Search Majors Networking Other Experiences Part-Time Jobs Prepare for Interviews Professional Organizations Resumes Scholarships
Close
[Clear Filters](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/)
### [Your Journey to Career Success](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/your-journey-to-career-success/)
- Share This: [Share Your Journey to Career Success on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fyour-journey-to-career-success%2F "Click to share on Facebook")[Share Your Journey to Career Success on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fyour-journey-to-career-success%2F "Click to share on LinkedIn")[Share Your Journey to Career Success on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Your+Journey+to+Career+Success&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2F%3Fp%3D201703 "Click to share on Twitter")
- Copy Link
Welcome to [**Your Journey to Career Success**](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/videos/your-journey-to-career-success-promo-video/). This is a series of [blog posts](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/blog/?ctag%5B%5D=your-journey-to-career-success) and [videos](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/videos/?ctag%5B%5D=your-journey-to-career-success) that are designed to …
### [NLGJA – The Association of LGBTQ Journalists](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/nlgja-the-association-of-lgbtq-journalists/)
- Share This: [Share NLGJA – The Association of LGBTQ Journalists on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fnlgja-the-association-of-lgbtq-journalists%2F "Click to share on Facebook")[Share NLGJA – The Association of LGBTQ Journalists on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fnlgja-the-association-of-lgbtq-journalists%2F "Click to share on LinkedIn")[Share NLGJA – The Association of LGBTQ Journalists on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=NLGJA+%26%238211%3B+The+Association+of+LGBTQ+Journalists&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2F%3Fp%3D51039 "Click to share on Twitter")
- Copy Link
We are a journalist-led association working within the news media to advance fair and accurate coverage of LGBTQ communities and …
### [Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN)](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/gay-lesbian-and-straight-education-network-glsen/)
- Share This: [Share Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fgay-lesbian-and-straight-education-network-glsen%2F "Click to share on Facebook")[Share Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fgay-lesbian-and-straight-education-network-glsen%2F "Click to share on LinkedIn")[Share Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Gay%2C+Lesbian%2C+and+Straight+Education+Network+%28GLSEN%29&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2F%3Fp%3D51033 "Click to share on Twitter")
- Copy Link
Every day GLSEN works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free …
### [Diversity Working](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/diversity-working/)
- Share This: [Share Diversity Working on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fdiversity-working%2F "Click to share on Facebook")[Share Diversity Working on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fdiversity-working%2F "Click to share on LinkedIn")[Share Diversity Working on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Diversity+Working&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2F%3Fp%3D49416 "Click to share on Twitter")
- Copy Link
We are the career opportunity resource and job search engine for the cultural diversity marketplace. Our employer members use our …
### [The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/msu-lbgt-resource-center/)
- Share This: [Share The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fmsu-lbgt-resource-center%2F "Click to share on Facebook")[Share The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Fmsu-lbgt-resource-center%2F "Click to share on LinkedIn")[Share The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The+Gender+and+Sexuality+Campus+Center&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2F%3Fp%3D49348 "Click to share on Twitter")
- Copy Link
The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center (GSCC) is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQA+ …
### [LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/lgbtq-workplace-resource-guide/)
- Share This: [Share LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Flgbtq-workplace-resource-guide%2F "Click to share on Facebook")[Share LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide on LinkedIn](http://www.linkedin.com/cws/share?token&isFramed=false&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2Fresources%2Flgbtq-workplace-resource-guide%2F "Click to share on LinkedIn")[Share LGBTQ Workplace Resource Guide on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=LGBTQ+Workplace+Resource+Guide&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcareernetwork.msu.edu%2F%3Fp%3D39355 "Click to share on Twitter")
- Copy Link
Resource guide that provides information on inclusive companies, getting comfortable with the interview process, coming out at work, and LGBT …
[View All Resources](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/resources/?shared_category=lgbtq)
## EMPLOYER PARTNERS AND SPONSORS
- [GreenStone Farm Credit Services](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/greenstone-farm-credit-services/)
- [Echo Global Logistics](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/echo-global-logistics/)
- [Arthrex](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/arthrex/)
- [UWM (United Wholesale Mortgage)](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/uwm-united-wholesale-mortgage/)
- [Aldi](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/aldi/)
- [Clark Schaefer Hackett](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/clark-schaefer-hackett/)
- [Jackson](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/jackson/)
- [Oakland County Government](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/oakland-county-government/)
[View All](https://careernetwork.msu.edu/companies/?ctag%5B%5D=unity-partner&ctag%5B%5D=employer-partner&ctag%5B%5D=career-handbook-sponsor&ctag%5B%5D=career-fair-sponsor)