The EWU Career Center is dedicated to supporting African American and Black students in your career search and professional development. There are many resources available that provide networking opportunities, development guidance, and job resources to support you in your professional growth. We have compiled a list of resources that will assist you with finding support and options as well as resources for your job and internship search. While the list is not exhaustive, it will help you get started. If you need further assistance, and would like to meet with someone, please feel free to make an appointment with a career advisor.
Know Your Employment Rights
It is important to know your legal rights in the workplace. These cover topics like illegal interview questions, discrimination and bullying. These issues can be challenging to figure out on your own. Below are a few resources to help you understand your legal rights in your career. As always, if something is unclear, we’re happy to discuss and help you understand these resources.
- U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
- Workers Rights – Washington State
- Washington State Human Rights Commission – File a Complaint
Getting Experience
If you are finding that you lack experience for the opportunities you are interested in, consider building experience in different ways. The following page has some ideas:
Job & Internship Search Resources
In addition to this list, see our Online Search page for general online job boards. Also, see our Professional Networking page to learn about finding opportunities through your relationships.
- HBCU Career Center – The Historically Black College and University Career Center
- Black Career Network
- Blackjobs.com
- Diversity Inc.
- IMDiversity
- DiversityJobs.com
Fellowship, Internship, and Professional Scholar Programs
These programs are funded opportunities that help you gain experience in your future career. They look great on your resume and show your commitment to your field. You can also access important professional networks that will help you with your job search when the fellowship or program is over.
Here are some, but not all, opportunities available for Black and African American students:
- BECU Black Entrepreneur Opportunity Fellows Program Application – EWU students will receive coaching and mentorship while participating in experiential learning, immersion activities and entrepreneurship-related conferences. Fellows will also be eligible for up to $4,000 in funding, as well as support for conference travel.
- EWU McNair Scholars’ Program
- Thurgood Marshall College Fund
- The Jackie Robinson Foundation – Provides generous multi-year scholarships and support services to accepted scholars
- Lagrant Foundation – LA-based nonprofit focused on providing support in media, PR, and advertising to African American and other minority student groups
- Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Internships
- Ron Brown Scholar Program – scholarship program for public service-minded African American students
- Inroads – Internship program that provides preparation and placement for minority students in business sectors.
- Seizing Every Opportunity (SEO)
Educational Articles/Resources
These resources will help you learn how to direct your college experience toward specific goals. They also provide general information about identity and the workplace.
- BIPOC in Higher Education: Cultivating Healthy Students From Application to Enrollment
- 10 Interview Questions to Ask – Company Inclusivity
- Black EOE Journal – Business and Career Magazine for African Americans
- Black Enterprise – Top list of Black-owned enterprises, career and business advice
Organizations/Associations
Join or research a few professional organizations. You’ll meet other people in your community and field who can share their knowledge and perspective. This will give you a better understanding of your identity in the workplace.
This is not a comprehensive list. We encourage you to search for associations in relation to your field of interest.
- National Black Chamber of Commerce
- National Association of Black Accountants, Inc. (NABA)
- National Society of Black Engineers
- National Bar Association – nation’s oldest network of predominantly African American lawyers and judges
- National Black MBA Association – largest business organization serving Black professionals in the U.S.
- Black Career Women’s Network (BCWN) – national career development network dedicated to fostering professional development of African American women
- National Association of Black Social Workers
Washington Organizations
You can find more resources and assistance in your region. Also, getting involved locally is a good way to build your connections while you are still in school.
- Spokane Coalition of Color
- Black Heritage Society of Washington State
- NAACP – Spokane Chapter
- Black Lens News Independent community publication focused on news and information important to the African American community
- Seattle Urban League of Young Professionals – Seattle branch of the National Urban League, Young Professionals
- Central District Forum for Arts & Ideas – Seattle-based org dedicated to encouraging discussion around the role of African Americans in the arts
- Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle – Seattle affiliate of the National Urban League focusing on advocacy and community outreach in education, workforce development, housing, health & policy
Other EWU Resources
EWU also provides other organizations and resources to help support you. Visit the following connections and make friends. Reach out to a career advisor if you need help.
