With Decision Day behind us and graduation rapidly approaching, DEI can impact college and career opportunities. DEI stands for diversity, equity and inclusion and its goal is to have jobs and positions accessible to all demographics and communities to ensure that employers can find the most qualified candidates for the job.
Many high school students face a plethora of struggles when it comes to the transition to college life especially when coming from underrepresented groups. Dean of College Admissions at Michigan State University John Ambrose highlights the programs in place to make the transition more manageable for students.
“Underrepresented groups can face barriers such as limited access to academic resources, feelings of isolation, financial constraints and self-confidence to seek out help,” Ambrose said. “Colleges or universities respond with initiatives like need-based financial aid, mentorship programs, inclusive recruitment efforts that eliminate the unknown and safe spaces that support students’ identities. When institutions actively respond to student experiences, they help build a more supportive and empowering environment for all.”
In college, DEI efforts help students build community by surrounding themselves with people who share similar identities, interests, or life experiences. Something that junior Lauen Loper highlights may have been harder to access before.
“The impact of having diverse study groups and peer networks is that you are able to connect with people that are like you,” Loper said. “You may have felt alone in one of your interests or hobbies in high school but now you are able to meet people who are majoring in the same thing or who have the same interests and who look and think similarly to you. Beyond college, that same sense of inclusion is vital in the workspace. True DEI is not about hiring for diversity alone, but recognizing and valuing unique skills and perspectives that a diverse team can bring to the table.”
As students step into new environments, Loper promotes the idea that DEI can play a key role in helping them feel connected and supported for who they are beyond their resume or backgrounds.
“When you hire people, you shouldn’t have to look for diversity, however you should look for talent and appreciate the diversity,” Loper said. “When workplaces are able to appreciate the diversity along with their talent they are better able to build an environment with talented diverse workers that work together to get things done despite their differing backgrounds and viewpoints.”
DEI can be vital in allowing underrepresented groups into higher education. Black Student Alliance adviser Brent Maynard highlights the difficulty of underrepresented groups to have opportunities in higher education.
“The primary reason groups tend to be underrepresented in higher education is the lack of educational opportunities earlier in life and or financial constraints that limit the ability to pursue further education,” Maynard said. “Subsequently, how this process then impacts employment of various groups that may work on the creation of curriculum and courses of study they may have experience in or perspective on.”
The idea of stronger holistic admissions is promoted with considerations beyond test scores. Maynard wants admissions counselors to understand the struggles of students that can’t be seen in a report card or on a test score.
“Colleges could broaden out their criteria for admission beyond simple standardized test scores, classes previously taken, and GPA earned in order to help alleviate some of this problem,” Maynard said. “There are probably much more intensive solutions that would need to be undertaken across society to truly ensure higher education representation matched the demographic reality.”
DEI looks different in all different parts of the country. It can vary widely in different job sectors, different state cities and from college to college. Ambrose points out that different experiences can change how colleges approach DEI across the country.
“DEI training really does vary from institution to institution,” Ambrose said. “It’s difficult to generalize how each school approaches it. From my own experience, I’ve encountered a mix of online modules, webinars, and in-person sessions at conferences and workshops. These opportunities have helped deepen my awareness of DEI topics and sharpen my understanding of how to foster a more inclusive environment.”
