April 22, 2022

Tips for Navigating the Workforce As A Young Black Professional

For many folx, spring is filled with the bitter-sweet reflections of the past year and the memories created as well as the worry and excitement for what the summer holds. Navigating these feelings can be incredibly challenging, especially when coupled with uncertainty over one’s next steps. While some folx will choose to intern or join the workforce this summer, others may choose to pursue other interests, or take time for themselves in other ways. We understand that COVID has impacted many of us and that now more than ever, students are pursuing all sorts of beautiful and “non-traditional” paths worth celebrating. At the same time, we acknowledge that many of you will be interning or entering the workforce for the first time in just a couple months. With this in mind, we wanted to provide some general quick tips for new Black professionals on navigating the workplace.

Tip 1 - Understanding the “white workplace”

The unfortunate truth is that many workplaces fall into the category of being a “white workplace,” meaning that the norms of that workplace have been defined by white leaders, culture, or expectations. These norms are often coupled with norms of high socio-economic status and cis-genderedness, further cultivating a exclusive bubble that many Black folx fall outside of. Understanding the features and intricacies of a “white workplace” will help folx better navigate these spaces.

Tip 2 - Keep a work diary

Keeping a work diary can help folx track how much their day-to-day tasks reflect their career goals and interests. It can also be useful in examining how you, as a young Black professional, are being treated in the workplace and how the workplace environment makes you feel. For example, consider reflecting on things such as “Did I feel like I was being fairly treated in that work situation? Did I feel like my Blackness was being used in some way?”

Tip 3 - Look for possible resource groups within your workplace, or perhaps consider starting one yourself

Many companies have resource groups for marginalized employees that act as a safe place for employees to connect, share stories, and provide additional support for handling microaggressions and other frustrations in the workplace. If your current place of employment doesn’t have any sort of resource group, consider starting one yourself. Of course it is by no means your responsibility to create a safe space for yourself or other marginalized employees in the workplace, however, it may be beneficial to have some formal or informal cohort of employees with similar lived experiences to lean on in difficult times.

Tip 4 - Know your boundaries

It’s important for everyone, but especially as Black folx, to come into a new work environment with a set of boundaries. It’s easy as Black professionals to be intentionally or unintentionally used for efforts relating to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace as well as for “busy” or “grunt” work tasks due to the pressure to always excel and prove ourselves in the workplace. Setting clear boundaries will help mitigate workplace burnout and feelings of being used or under-appreciated.