Does the hiring of students, grads, and other early career candidates boost workplace diversity?

Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB) was all the rage in the world of hiring for a few years…until it wasn’t. For decades, employers were either forced through legislation to diversify their hiring or were convinced by study after study proving that the more diverse a workplace, the more productive the workplace.

A massive turning point occurred on May 25, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. By chance, that’s where College Recruiter is headquartered. What happened on that day would ignite the world: the murder of George Floyd, a defenseless black man, by the Minneapolis Police Department. Suddenly, the world woke up and started to come to grips with the vastly different system of justice administered to those with and without privilege, to those in the majority versus those in the minority. And by “justice”, society wasn’t just thinking about the police, the courts, and the prisons. It was also thinking about other systems, including the world of work.

Employers who had previously created diversity hiring initiatives gave even more emphasis to those, and employers who had previously done little to nothing to improve their diversity suddenly embraced it. Depending on who you talk to, some went to far and the legal backlash began. Many believe that the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to limit the use of affirmative action in college admissions will soon spread to its use in hiring, and so many employers have scaled back their diversity hiring efforts while others, probably the eventual winners, are just being more thoughtful.

Employers who understand the value of DEIB largely want to continue their efforts, but in a law-abiding manner. One way of accomplishing that goal is to embrace the hiring of college and university students, recent graduates, and other early career candidates. Why? Because early career hiring presents a unique and potent opportunity to infuse diversity into the workplace. Let’s explore how.

Understanding the Impact of Early Career Hiring on Diversity

• A Fresh Perspective: Graduates and young professionals bring with them a blend of new ideas, perspectives, and approaches. This influx of fresh talent can challenge the status quo and foster an environment of innovation and creativity.
• Technology-Savvy Talent: Younger generations are typically more tech-savvy, having grown up in a digital world. They are quick to adapt to new technologies and can drive a company’s digital transformation efforts.
• Cultural Diversity: Early career professionals often represent a wide range of cultural backgrounds. This diversity can enhance a company’s ability to connect with a broader customer base and understand diverse markets.

Implementing Early Career Hiring Strategies

• Targeted Recruitment: To attract diverse early career talent, companies should consider partnering with a variety of educational institutions, including minority-serving institutions, and advertising their job openings on sites that primarily target early career candidates, including College Recruiter. This approach helps reach a broader spectrum of candidates.
• Internship Programs: Offering internships is a great way to engage with early-career individuals. Internship programs not only provide valuable experience for the interns but also allow companies to evaluate potential future employees.
• Inclusive Work Environment: It’s crucial to foster an inclusive work culture where all employees feel valued and respected. This includes providing mentorship programs and professional development opportunities for young professionals.

Challenges and Considerations

• Balancing Experience Levels: While focusing on early career hiring, it’s important to maintain a balance with experienced professionals. A diverse range of experience levels contributes to a well-rounded team.
• Avoiding Stereotypes: Companies must be cautious not to make assumptions about the abilities or preferences of young professionals based on stereotypes.
• Long-Term Commitment: Building a diverse workforce through early career hiring is a long-term strategy. It requires continuous effort and commitment to see significant results.

Early career hiring is a strategic approach to boosting workplace diversity. It brings fresh perspectives, fosters innovation, and helps companies stay competitive in a global market. By embracing this approach, organizations can build a workforce that reflects the diversity of the world we live in. As we move forward, let’s remember that diversity is more than just a goal; it’s the foundation for a dynamic, successful, and forward-thinking workplace.