From Grad to Groundbreaker: LGBTQ+ Career Journeys & Advice - webinar recap

The final webinar of myGwork's WorkFair event, 'From Grad to Groundbreaker: LGBTQ+ Career Journeys & Advice,' provided invaluable firsthand advice and inspiration for LGBTQ+ people navigating the early stages of their careers. The panel featured recent graduates from leading companies who shared their personal experiences, offering insights on overcoming obstacles and building confidence in workplaces that weren't always designed with them in mind.

The panelists emphasized the importance of authenticity and representation in the workplace. Gabriela Imbert from Intidex encouraged attendees to show their full selves, stating, “Right now, you have to show yourself more than ever, and being authentic means sharing that personal part. It’s really important to show different minorities within the community that have been feeling underrepresented.”

Building a strong support system emerged as a key theme. Maru Sosa of Warner Bros. Discovery shared her experience of finding confidence through allies and fellow queer team members. “Having that support system and those friends who were going through similar experiences helped me realize the importance of focusing on the value I bring with my skills, rather than on others' biases," she explained.

Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) were highlighted as powerful tools for fostering community and creating a sense of belonging. David Donohoe from Pfizer recalled his initial uncertainty about acceptance, saying, "When I first joined the company, I was unsure if I would be accepted for who I am. But when I heard about the Pfizer employee network group for LGBTQ+ people, I immediately felt settled, and thought 'I can be myself; I'm in a safe space'."

Rachel Strickland from GSK echoed this sentiment, noting, "ERGs can be really wonderful. It's a group of people showing up, trying to put their best foot forward, and really creating that sense of community so that you do feel like you can be yourself."

Janal Rajput from Marsh McLennan offered a unique perspective on challenging biases, suggesting that allowing one's work to speak for itself can be a powerful strategy. “It can really change someone's perspective when they've gotten to know your work before they've actually dug into the person at all," Rajput stated. "They can make a new connection, and maybe unlearn a bias in that process."