Underrepresented groups have faced barriers to career advancement for many years. This includes limited access to career development resources. These problems will not only hinder their career growth but will also create a deficiency of talent for business organizations in the United States.
Fortunately, many non-profit organizations are now making arrangements for providing proper access to career development resources individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.
In this article, we will discuss about some career development resources and how are they helping to develop underrepresented talent. Let us begin.
Some career development resources for developing underrepresented talent
Some of the key career development resources for developing underrepresented talent are as follows:
Online portals and resource libraries
Online portals and resource libraries can help individuals belonging to underrepresented groups to advance their careers. They will offer resume templates, cover letter guides and industry tips to these individuals, thus enabling them to create professional profiles.
Career development events
Underrepresented individuals can also attend various career development events such as workshops, panels and networking sessions. It will enable you to connect peers, leaders and employers.
Mock interviews and internship programs
Mock interviews and internship programs will give the underrepresented students an opportunity to learn and practice their skills before a real interview. This will give a boost to their confidence during a real interview.
How career development resources help in developing underrepresented talent?
Career development resources play an important role in promoting the growth and development of underrepresented talent by breaking systematic barriers and providing proper support. Here are the ways by which they help in developing underrepresented talent:
Skill building and training
Let us begin with skill building and training. Career development resources like workshops, online courses and mentorship programs will provide underrepresented individuals access to technical and soft skills. These skills are required foe competing in industries where they will face stiff competition. For example, internship programs or leadership training can help in bridging the skill gaps.
Building confidence and increasing visibility
Resources like career coaching, resume workshops and public speaking training can help underrepresented individuals to build their confidence as well as personal branding. These resources will empower underrepresented talent to demonstrate their abilities, countering discrimination which may have reduced their confidence and visibility in workplaces.
Providing access to networks
People belonging to underrepresented groups usually lack proper access to professional networks which facilitates job opportunities and career growth. Various resources like mentorship programs, networking events or affinity groups will enable them to establish connections with industry leaders, peers and sponsors who can give them support and opportunities for career advancement.
Providing opportunities for career advancement
Career development resources like internships, sponsorship programs and scholarships will provide underrepresented groups with the opportunity to make advancements in their career. This will prepare them for leadership roles in future and also be able to manage numerous high-impact projects.
Thus, from this article, we have learnt about some of the career development resources and how they help people belonging to underrepresent groups to develop their skills and find a proper job. They can now use these resources for having a successful career.