US Labor Department of Labor Seeks HBCU Grads for Federal Government Opportunities
As we enter graduation season, many recent or soon-to-graduates are transitioning from being a student to entering the workforce. While some secure jobs before graduation, many will be applying to positions to start their career. Those job seekers may want to consider working for a federal government agency.
The Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association are making efforts to connect with recent HBCU grads to encourage them to apply for openings within the federal government. As reported by WTOP News, this recruitment is part of the White House’s Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), which aims to “eliminate barriers HBCUs face in providing the highest-quality education to a growing number of students” (U.S. Department of Education).
According to Roxanne Griffith, a regional administrator with the Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau, they’re open to hiring graduates from all specialties. “For example, if someone happens to go to school for women’s studies, that would be beneficial to the Women’s Bureau,” says Griffith (via WTOP News). In addition, Griffith recommends that political science graduates should also consider a career with the federal government but states that they’re open to all degrees, ranging from business to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
“A lot of our minorities who attend HBCUs aren’t aware of the opportunities to work in the federal government,” Griffith said. “Even as a young person, I thought the federal government was a far reach for me and it’s a whole lot closer than a lot of people think” (WTOP News).
This federal agency, alongside many others, is hosting webinars and networking events for graduates to receive resources and other information about careers in the federal government. For those interested in learning more, the Department of Labor hosts multiple career events. Click here to view their events calendar.