The MU Career Center aims to support Black and African American students through engagement with our services and one-on-one career consultations with Career Specialists. Below are carefully curated referrals and resources designed to support you in defining and pursuing your career goals.
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+ SUPPORT & WELLNESS
- Gaines Oldham Black Culture Center complements academic programs and enriches the quality of campus life for Black students at Mizzou through educational, cultural, and social programming that promotes student persistence and achievement.
- Multicultural Center is a safe and comfortable space for students of all identities and backgrounds. The Center addresses the needs of underrepresented populations, providing a safe outlet and home away from home.
- Center for Academic Success & Excellence supports the academic achievement of underrepresented minority students through personal attention and outreach programs.
- Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling as well as crisis services available 24/7.
- Learning Center offers academic help at no cost to students through The Writing Center, Tiger Tutors and Study Plan Consultants.
- Student Health & Well-Being provides self-care resources and programs (like meditation) to help you stay balanced.
- Office for Financial Success provides free consultations about financial matters such as loans, credit cards, credit scores, budgeting, saving, debt management and more.
- Tiger Pantry allows students to receive non-perishable food and household items monthly as well as eggs, produce, and bread each week.
- Truman’s Closet enables MU students to borrow business attire in an array of sizes free of charge.
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+ CAREER & MAJOR EXPLORATION
- Exploring students can visit the Discovery Center to learn about majors through individualized advising appointments.
- Take the Focus 2 assessment to search for occupations and majors that fit with your interests, values, skills, and personality. Then speak with a Career Specialist about the results.
- Arrange an informational interview, talking with a professional about her/his career path and occupation.
- Watch Candid Career videos to get honest career information and insight from professionals in hundreds of occupations.
- Consider joining an academic club in your School or College, like the Black Business Students Association or National Society of Black Engineers.
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+ INVOLVEMENT & EXPERIENCE
- Create a profile on HireMizzouTigers.com (powered by Handshake) to apply for part-time jobs and internships.
- Get involved on campus and join organizations to meet new people and pursue your interests.
- Participate in residence hall programs, intramurals and campus activities.
- Attend academic lectures and activities to grow your knowledge and explore new subjects.
- Volunteer for one-time or ongoing service opportunities and consider enrolling in a service-learning course or program.
- Seek out research opportunities with faculty members.
- Apply for leadership programs like the Mizzou Black Men’s Initiative and the Mizzou Black Women’s Initiative.
- Look into studying abroad which is available online, in person and for short (1-2 week) and long-term (semester or year-long) programs.
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+ CAREER READINESS
- Discover your home career office and participate in professional development workshops sponsored by career services and employers.
- Search for internships and full-time jobs on HireMizzouTigers.com, powered by Handshake.
- We recommend students create a resume highlighting their strengths and experience and are prepared to draft cover letters and other employer communications.
- Become familiar with employers’ definition of career readiness competencies.
- Carefully read over the Guide to Diversity & Inclusion in the Workplace as you prepare to enter the job market.
- Take CliftonStrengths to learn about your natural talents and become familiar with employer’s definition of career readiness.
- Build your interview skills by watching interview playbook videos and answering practice questions using Big Interview
- Learn about networking and create a LinkedIn profile to make new contacts.
- Find mentors by making meaningful connections with upperclassmen, faculty, staff and alumni.
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+ INCLUSION & EQUITY
- Assess the company’s true commitment to diversity and inclusion by evaluating several key factors using a DEI scorecard.
- Network with industry professionals on LinkedIn and join LinkedIn groups such as Global Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace or Black Enterprise Networked for referrals, job leads and career advice.
- Research inclusive companies by reviewing rankings such as the Inclusion Index, Fortune and Forbes “best workplace diversity” lists, carefully looking at their methodology.
- When interviewing, prepare questions for the employer to inquire about their definition of and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Get employee insights using web sites like Glassdoor or Indeed. Consider making a profile on the career insight platform, Chezie, which provides diverse job seekers with feedback and stories to connect them with workplaces that are a good cultural fit.
- Be prepared to face microaggressions in the workplace and how you might respond to them.
- If you are a student experiencing discrimination or harassment, please report that to the MU Civil Rights & Title IX office. Recent graduates in the workforce should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to file a complaint.