A Letter From Our Team

Dear Boston College Students,

At the Boston College Career Center, we embrace and celebrate the diversity you bring to our campus and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where you are welcomed, respected, and supported.

We collectively dedicate ourselves to providing services and resources that will help level the playing field for all 51 students, realizing that not everyone has equal access to career-related opportunities and networks. Regardless of your background or identity, it is our hope that you feel equipped to explore, prepare for, and act on your career goals and contribute your rich ideas, skills, and values to the world. As a staff, we strive to collaborate with you in making those goals a reality.

We welcome you tovisit usearly and often—please visit our website andmake an appointmentor stop by today! Your continuous feedback and engagement with our office is essential to the Career Center's mission of empowering all students to lead meaningful careers and lives, and we look forward to working with you!

On behalf of the Boston College Career Team,

Joseph Du Pont
Associate Vice President, Student Affairs/Career Services

Discover Resources

AHANA

We offer a variety of resources and tools specifically for students of AHANA (African-American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American) heritage. We want to help you prepare to be career ready and acknowledge the background and story that has shaped your career goals.

If you identify as AHANA, you may also encounter unique challenges in the workplace, such as not seeing people that look like you in leadership positions, finding a lack of understanding of your cultural background, or facing racial or cultural stereotypes. Because these issues may occur in the workplace, we encourage you to research the companies for which you would like to work and evaluate their commitment to diversity and inclusion. There are many companies that have expressed a commitment to diversity and value the unique perspective that you would offer to your internship or job. Your multicultural experience is an empowering differentiator to prospective employers.

We hope the resources provided below will help you find a career path that celebrates your heritage. We also invite you to make an appointment with a career coach to discuss your search.

We invite you tomake an appointmentwith a career coach to discuss your search.

Color Blind or Color Brave?

This TED talk by Mellody Hobson discusses the importance of having discussions around race. Hobson says, it's a "conversational third rail," but that's exactly why we need to start talking about it. In this engaging, persuasive talk, Hobson makes the case that speaking openly about race —particularly about diversity in hiring—makes for “better businesses and a better society.”

Resources

There are a variety of diversity resources and opportunities that will help you in your career search.Please visit our office if you have any questions about the opportunities listed below.

Industry-Specific Resources and Opportunities

Scholarships, Internships, and Fellowship Resources


Organizations Around Campus for Support

Take a look at some of the AHANA organizations on campus listed below. Joining campus organizations is a great way to connect with your peers and expose you to leadership and professional development opportunities.For additional AHANA resources please visitThea Bowman AHANA and Intercultural Center.

Organizations:

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Looking for more FAQ’s when it comes to internship and career advice, then visit check out this from for more information.

First Generation Resources

Students who are the first in their families to be in college and plan to receive a college degree typically define themselves as first generation students. If you identify as a first generation college student, we want to help you become career ready and provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to reach your career goals.We hope the resources provided below will give you the information you need to explore career paths that align with your interests, skills, and values.

We also invite you to make an appointment with a career coach to discuss your search.

Resources

  • McNair Scholar Program: Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, the McNair program prepares undergraduates from First Generation, Low-Income and underrepresented backgrounds to pursue and attain an advanced degree to enter careers in research and academia.
  • McNair Exploratory Program: The central purpose of the McNair Exploratory Program (MEP) is to involve first-year students in a conversation with faculty members about professional career, graduate education, and research.
  • Pine Manor Institute: Boston College and Pine Manor College signed an integration agreement that established The Pine Manor Institute for Student Success, featuring four components aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented and first-generation students

First Generation-Foundation

  • is a center dedicated to scholarly discussion, information sharing, networking, and program development for first generation students.
  • provides first generation college students and alum support, leadership development, and fellowship, community, and friendship through Student Clubs, Collegiate Chapters, and Professional Chapters.

Industry Specific-Resources and Opportunities

Scholarship/Financial Resources

Organizations Around Campus Support

  • Graduate Mentor Program: is designed to help participants share experiences around graduate studies, how the choice was made to pursue a particular discipline, and the challenges and rewards of being a graduate student.
  • 51 F1RST Living and Learning Community: is an inclusive living community dedicated to supporting first-year, first-generation, and low-income students in their transition to college.

Looking for a Job? Highlight Your Ability, Not Your Experience

This TED talk by Jason Shen, Co-founder and CEO of Headlight, discusses how few of us hold jobs that line up directly with our past experiences or what we studied in college.In this quick, insightful talk about human potential, Shen shares some new thinking on how job seekers can make themselves more attractive — and why employers should look for ability over credentials.

Career Information for First Generation College Students

Find answers to your career questions. We have identified frequently asked questions and provided answers to assist you with navigating your career journey. Please visit our office to discuss these questions more in-depth.

Resources for International Students

International students seeking jobs or internships in the United States have much to offer by enhancing workplace diversity by bringing an array of different perspectives. With an increased emphasis on globalization across all industries, employers are seeking students with proficiency in multiple languages as well as familiarity with other cultures.

International students may come across unique challenges during the job search. Some of these challenges and questions may be regarding work eligibility in the U.S., employer commitment to hiring international students, and trying to find the right words to express their professional experiences. In order to ease some of these challenges and begin answering some of these questions, the Career Center at Boston College provides resources to help you with your job search and connect you to additional resources.

Along with the Career Center, it is important that International Students work with the Office of International Students and Scholars (OISS) to understand the rules and requirements around Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) and how it applied to each individual visa type.

We invite you to make an appointment with a career coach to discuss your search.

We recognize the additional challenges our international students face when seeking a job or internship, and we want to work with you to help you understand and overcome these challenges whether you are looking for a position in the U.S. or elsewhere.

As you go through your search, please feel free to schedule anappointmentwith a career coach to discuss your specific plans.

A new resource, designed for international students

Interstride empowers International students to thrive. They simplify career opportunities, provide Visa and immigration support, and allow for networking and mentorship opportunities right on the platform.

International Student Perspectives

FAQs

Scholarships

If you are looking for financial aid, check out:

Organizations and Offices Around Campus

LGBTQ+ Resources

As a student identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ+), you may face unique challenges within your job search. For many, it is important to find an employer that provides an open and supportive workplace culture.

You may also be contemplating whether you want to come out in the workplace and, if so, how to come out or how to discuss this on your resume or in an interview. The Career Center provides resources to help you with your job search and connect you to additional resources. We hope the resources provided below will help you with your search.

We invite you to make an appointment with a career coach to discuss your search.


A variety of resources are available to support individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ as they search for jobs and advance their careers

  • Explore an array of resources, including lists of best places to work for the LGBTQ+ community and advice on coming out in the workplace as transgender.
  • : Out & Equal Workplace Advocates lists many programs and resources dedicated to creating safe and equitable workplaces for the LGBTQ+ community.
  • : Out For Undergrad helps prepare students for different careers and offers annual conferences related to business, marketing, technology, and engineering.
  • : This LGBTQ+ nonprofit network offers a free job bank that lists companies who value diversity.
  • : This site features companies with policies that cater to the LGBTQ+ community.
  • : This site provides professional development opportunities for future LGBTQ+ leaders.
  • An organization tha trepresents LGBTQ+ union members and their allies.
  • An organization that helps LGBTQ+ profesionals and allied businesses drive positive change in the workplace.
  • A community of speakers working to rid the world of homo-bi-transphobia and other forms of prejudice.
  • : This series of short videos discusses managing the intersection of your gender identity or sexual orientation with your identity as a professional. You will learn how to redirect questions from an interviewer that may be probing to prompt a candidate to self-disclose, how to research inclusive companies, how to generalize one's LGBTQIA+ work and volunteer experience, and how to feature diversity on your resume.
  • : This press release will help you further understand employment protections for people who identify as LGBTQIA+.


Additional Resources & Organizations

Below are some additional resources for LGBTQ+ students on campus, as well as campus organizations with which you may want to get involved.Joining campus organizations is a great way to connect with your peers and expose you to additional professional development opportunities.

LGBT@51

Resources for Student Athletes

If you are a student athlete preparing to enter the job market, it is important to remember that the skills and values you have gained over a lifetime of competing and mastering a sport are applicable and marketable in your search for a career. You are part of a unique group of people who had the opportunity to be student-ambassadors for Boston College while at school and these experiences and responsibilities will prove vital in finding a job where your skills and interests are able to align.

We invite you tomake an appointmentwith a career coach to discuss your search.

Student-Athlete Resumes

  • Athletic experience is best listed in the “experience” section if you didn’t hold a job or summer internship while during your time as a student-athelete, otherwise it belongs in the “activities” section.
  • Include sport, years played, accomplishments, time devoted to training, and academic honors/awards
  • If you received a full athletic scholarship, you may list it as one of your accomplishments.
  • Use action words to describe the skills you’ve gained from participating in collegiate athletics (leadership skills, teamwork, time management, communication skills, commitment, and etc.).
    • Strong ability to manage time and priorities; balanced varsity athletics and school
    • Teamwork skills developed through varsity sports
    • Excellent leadership and communication skills as a team captain
    • Disciplined and responsible – demonstrated through athletic and academic success

What Does Being an Athlete Say About You as a Job Candidate?

  • You’re accountable for yourself and your goals, but you are also used to working as part of a team.
  • You can balance academics and sports, and you’re used to managing your time.
  • You have a strong work ethic and are dedicated to your goals.
  • You’re used to the public spotlight, as well as the pressure and scrutiny that come with it.
  • You have good mentoring and leadership skills, especially as a captain.
  • You’re proficient with team dynamics and dealing with different personality types.
  • You have mental toughness and are able to handle let-down and defeat.

Resources for Students with Disabilities

As a student with hearing or visual impairments, or who has cognitive, physical, or psychological disabilities, you may face a series of unique challenges during your job search. It is necessary to find an employer that provides a supportive workplace with reasonable accommodations for your individual disability.

You may also wonder if and when you should disclose the specifics of your disability to an employer, what rights you have in the workplace, and how to request reasonable accommodations. The Boston College Career Center provides resources to help you with your job search and connect you to additional resources.

We invite you tomake an appointmentwith a career coach to discuss your search.

Resources

  • : Resources for students regarding ETS accommodations for test taking (GRE, TOEFL etc.)
  • : Search for job opportunities across the country
  • : This consulting firm provides information on job accommodation, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and employment opportunities.
  • : A guide for people with disabilities seeking employment
  • A resource for top talent in the disability space that prepares and connects highly accomplished individuals with disabilities for careers with the world’s leading corporations
  • :A statewide network of engaged employers and innovative, collaborative partners that aims to increase employment among individuals with disabilities.
  • :AAPD is a national cross-disability civil rights organization that works to increase the political and economic power of people with disabilities.
  • A recruitment and referral program that connects federal and private-sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to demonstrate their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs


Additional Resources

Joining campus organizations is a great way to connect with your peers and expose you to additional professional development opportunities.

Veterans Resources

As a Veteran of any branch of the armed forces, you bring unique skills to the workplace. However, you may face unique challenges during your job search after reintegrating into civilian life.

The Boston College Career Center can help you translate your military skills into a resume for the civilian workplace. It offers a variety of resources to support you as you start your job search and advance your career.We invite you tomake an appointmentwith a career coach to discuss your search.

Campus Resources

Boston College Veterans

Additional Job Search Resources

: This website is aimed at helping veterans transition into civilian life by providing job opportunities as well as career tips, sample resumes, and other resume resources.

:A nation-wide community of veterans and employers dedicated to transforming the veteran transition process.

:An organization that helps connect employers and veterans.

:An interview preparation tool. Big Interview has a specific practice session for veterans.

Women's Resources

As a woman entering the workforce, you may find yourself dealing with a unique set of challenges in your job search. Wondering how to research employers who are dedicated to gender equality within workplace interactions, pay, and promotions? The Boston College Career Center offers a variety of resources to support women as they start their job searches and advance their careers.

We invite you tomake an appointmentwith a career coach to discuss your search.

A variety of resources are available to support women as they search for jobs and advance their careers

  • : Women for Hire offers signature career fairs, an exceptional professional online network, speeches and seminars, customized marketing programs, an online job board, and more.
  • : The AAUW advances equality for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.
  • : Workplace Fairness provides legal information about sexual and gender discrimination.
  • : WITI works to empower women worldwide to achieve unimagined possibilities and transformations through technology, leadership, and economic prosperity.

Resources & Organizations

Joining campus organizations is a great way to connect with your peers and expose you to additional professional development opportunities.

Resources for Undocumented/DACAmented Students

Undocumented and DACAmented students are able to adapt, eager to learn, and determined to succeed because of their perseverance through the many unique circumstances that they face.

As an undocumented student, you may encounter legal and financial struggles that may make it difficult to access career-related opportunities. We are here to walk with you throughout your career journey and will do our best to help you navigate the resources and opportunities available at 51 and beyond. To speak with a coach we invite you to make an appointment.

While the undocumented experience is a diverse one and students’ experiences may vary, we are also aware that some undocumented students may also be low-income, first-generation, and/or students of color. These intersectional identities may result in more challenges, but also in new opportunities.


Employment


Alternatives to Employment

There are other options for professional growth, skill development, and revenue-generating to consider as an undocumented student. Some options below are highlighted by TheDreamUs through their webinar, which covers these topics more in depth.


Funding

A fellowship is typically a monetary award given to a student to pay for their academic, research, or professional pursuits.


Additional Resources

Diversity & Leadership Programs

The document is arranged by career cluster. Each of our 6 industry-focused career clusters has its own tab within this document. You can see all tabs by using the arrows at the bottom of the screen.You can use this list as a reference to research up to date programs at these organizations


Handshake Logo

Did You Know?

The Career Center has developed a label system to help you identify inclusive employers in Handshake. You can now filter for:

  • Inclusive workplace: BIPOC (AHANA)
  • Inclusive workplace: LGBTQ+
  • Inclusive workplace: People with Disabilities
  • Inclusive workplace: Women
  • Inclusive workplace: Forbes100

Visit our Handshake Guide to learn how

Quick Links

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