A student’s journey of career exploration is influenced by a variety of factors, including skills, interests, and goals. Another central element in career development is knowing oneself. This is now often referred to as recognizing one’s identity. Things like a student’s background, lived experiences, impact they hope to make with their life, and values play an integral role in shaping one’s professional aspirations and workplace expectations, which is why every student’s identities are absolutely important to take into consideration.

Being complex human beings, most of us have numerous identities that combine in ways that make us unique. Today, the term used for this is intersectionality. The word highlights how various aspects of a person’s identity interact to shape their experiences, opportunities, aspirations, and challenges. Intersectionality refers to the interconnected nature of social identities, such as race, gender, sexuality, disability, socioeconomic status, and more, and how these overlapping experiences shape opportunities and challenges in life, including career exploration. Recognizing intersectionality can help students acknowledge how multiple aspects of their identity influence their professional journey and career goals. By considering intersectionality, a student can understand how different aspects of themselves contribute to their career aspirations. At the UC Davis Career Center, we encourage students to embrace and consider their identities as they navigate career exploration and job/internship searching. 

Students can dive deeper into Identity-Based Career Resources and explore opportunities that fit their unique needs through resources on the UC Davis Career Center website. Some of the resources offered include LGBTQIA+ Resources,  International Student Resources, Veteran Resources, and many more! These resources are designed to support the unique needs of people within these communities. The way a student veteran, or a re-entry student approaches the job search is quite different from that of a student who started at UCD directly after high school. The UCD Career Center is here to help each student whoever and wherever they are in their journey. Finding time to explore resources can be challenging for students, so we encourage them to use opportunities like Spring Break to engage in activities beyond academics. 

Career exploration is not just about finding a job, internship, etc.; it’s also about finding meaningful work that aligns with a student’s values, aspirations, and lived experiences. Recognizing how identity influences career decisions allows a student to:

• Find Alignment: Seek roles and organizations that align with personal values and lived experiences. 
• Recognize Strengths: Leverage unique perspectives and skills as assets in the workplace. 
• Navigate Challenges: Identify potential obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.
•  Enhance Career Satisfaction: Choose environments where one feels valued, respected, able to make the impact they hope to, and empowered to grow.

Steps to Integrate Identity into Career Planning

Knowing oneself has always been the cornerstone of career development. Navigating career exploration through the lens of identity can empower a student to find workplaces where they feel valued and supported. Here are steps that can help guide career planning:

1. Self-Reflection: Consider how identity influences career choices, work values, and professional goals. What really matters to you? 
2. Research Employers: Investigate company diversity initiatives, employee resource groups, and inclusion policies to ensure an equitable work environment. 
3. Utilize Career Center Services: Engage in career advising, workshops, and access online resources that help clarify identity, values, skills and how to apply them in the unique combination they are combined.
4. Build Your Network: Connect with professionals and alumni who share similar identities and experiences for mentorship and career insights.

By embracing identity, and who they truly are in career exploration, a student can not only build a path towards meaningful work but also contribute to the world in an authentic and satisfying way in their career. The UC Davis Career Center is here to support your student at every stage of their journey. We encourage students to explore the resources available and take proactive steps toward a career that honors who they are and achieve their potential.

For more information and to schedule an appointment with a career advisor, visit the  UC Davis Career Center.