The job opportunities for DEI professionals rose over 56 percent between 2019 and 2020, according to Indeed.com. The opportunities continue to grow as companies discover the advantages of diversity, equality, and inclusion and the disadvantages (including lawsuits) of ignoring them.
Adding Value to Companies
DEI professionals help to overcome biases in the workplace that hiring managers might not even be aware of, such as the tendency of men to hire men or for upper management to assume that hiring someone who is disabled will expose the company to prohibitive medical and accommodation expenses.
Yet, across the board, researchers have found that diversity causes increases a company’s profitability, creativity, and applicant pool. In fact, Glassdoor has found that 32 percent of job seekers will not apply to a company that lacks diversity. Moreover, 58 percent of employees polled by Eagle Hill Consulting believe that workplace conversations about race, ethnicity, and bias are productive.
Qualifying for DEI Jobs
As a diversity and inclusion manager, you will be expected to have:
- A clear understanding of the company’s objectives, not only for diversity, but also for its continued success and its brand
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- A history of helping employees to learn, grow, and succeed
- An understanding of the way company cultures develop and change
- A bachelor’s degree in operations management, business, human resources, or a similar field, often with certifications and continuing education credentials.
DEI professionals often transfer to the field from other positions. Sometimes the transition is from areas that are not normally associated with DEI, such as project management or finance. But that experience can help a diversity, equality, and inclusion manager experience first-hand the advantages of DEI efforts.
If you are transitioning into, starting, or growing your career as a DEI professional, Robin’s Resumes® is here to help. Contact us today.