LGBTQ Students

The MU Career Center aims to support the LGBTQ community through engagement with our services and one-on-one career consultations with Career Specialists. Below are carefully curated referrals and resources designed to support LGBTQ students in defining and pursuing career goals.

• + SUPPORT & WELLNESS
  • The LGBTQ Resource Center works to foster a welcoming and inclusive environment for Mizzou community members with a focus on queer and transgender students offering healthy communities, strategic partnerships, and leadership and identity development within a culture of celebration and inclusion.
  • Join one of several LGBTQ-related student organizations to find a supportive network and community.
  • Visit The Center Project, a community organization that provides resources and programs for LGBTQIA+ youth and transgender and non-binary adults.  
  • Apply to be part of the Proud Tigers Mentorship Program to get additional guidance and support.
  • Career Counseling provides students the opportunity to discuss career, academic, and personal/social concerns.  
  • Counseling Center offers individual and group counseling as well as crisis services available 24/7. 
  • Student Health & Well-Being provides self-care resources and programs (like meditation) to help you stay balanced. 
  • Learning Center offers academic help at no cost to students through The Writing Center, Tiger Tutors and Study Plan Consultants. 
  • 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. 
• + CAREER & MAJOR EXPLORATION
  • 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.
  • To search MU majors, minors, and certificates, visit the Majors@Mizzou webpage.  
  • Exploring students can visit the Discovery Center to learn about majors through individualized advising appointments. 
  • Arrange an informational interview, learning about the real-life experience of someone working in a field or company that interests you. 
  • Watch Candid Career videos to get honest career information and insight from professionals in hundreds of occupations.
• + 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. Schedule a consultation with an Involvement Ambassador to learn more. 

  • 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. 
  • Look into studying abroad which is available online, in person and for short and long-term programs. 
• + CAREER READINESS
  • Consult the Job Search Tips for LGBTQ Students handout to weigh the considerations of coming out in your application process.
  • Create an account on the employment website HireMizzouTigers.com, powered by Handshake, to search for internships and full-time jobs. 
  • Discover your home career office and participate in professional development workshops sponsored by career services and employers.
  • We recommend students create a resume highlighting their strengths and experience and are prepared to draft cover letters and other employer communications. 
  • Take CliftonStrengths to learn about your natural talents and talk with a Career Specialist about how to leverage your strengths in and out of the classroom. 
  • Become familiar with employers’ definition of career readiness competencies. 
  • 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
  • Review the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index for rankings of the most inclusive and LGBTQ-friendly employers.
  • Consult equality maps to learn about non-discrimination laws and policies by state and locality.
  • Network with industry professionals on LinkedIn and join LinkedIn groups such as Global Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace or OutBüro for referrals, job leads and career advice.
  • 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 Chezie which provide 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.