LGBTQ+ Students

The ASCC is here for support and to provide a safe environment to explore how to approach career planning as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Please consider the resources on this page or make an appointment with us to address your concerns, strengthen your application materials, and develop an individualized career plan.

Coming Out to Employers

Sexual orientation, sex, or gender identity are all things that you do not need to disclose in the recruitment and job search process. Our career coaches can help you decide how, when, and in what medium you wish to disclose at a time that is best for you.

  • On Your Resume/Handshake Profile
  • Social Media as an Identity/LinkedIn
  • During Interview – Setting the Tone
  • After accepting that position – testing the waters
  • Resume crafting and Handshake profiles that represent and support your life
  • Interviews: Opening, During, Ending
  • On the Job – HR protected/feeling comfortable with a potential employer is hyper important for your future in the location

LGBTQ Friendly Companies and Organizations

Some key indicators for a Proud company or organization:

  • Same-Sex Partner Benefits as part of Employment Package
  • Gender-Neutral Restrooms
  • Family and Spousal Support
  • Always look for how a company/organization implements its value propositions.

Resources to help identify LGBTQ friendly companies:

The Corporate Equality Index published by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation evaluates and scores companies based on their policies, practices, and benefits that impact lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees. This list of top employers in the most recent list gives a quick reference guide.

Out & Equal is the leading organization dedicated to creating inclusive workplaces for LGBTQ+ people. Working with Fortune 500 companies and other organizations around the world to implement policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ employees and create a culture of belonging for all.

Legal Name Overview

Your resume and cover letter are not legally binding documents. When you meet with the organization’s HR then you can use your legal name there.

The Law

Research the 21 States and the District of Columbia prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity (Washington is one).

The Human Rights Campaign publishes news and updates in gender and sexual orientation laws across the country.

Support in Washington

The Washington State LGBTQ Commission aims to advocate for LGBTQ equity across all aspects of state government by assessing the needs of the community and improving the state’s outreach

Check the Campus Pride Index to see how Washington State University compares to other institutions in their LGBTQ inclusive policies and resources.

The LGBTQ+ Center at WSU supports LGBTQ+ students, faculty, staff, and alumni at Washington State University by providing resources, fostering community, and promoting academic and personal growth.

Getting on Track to Rock Your Semester!

Welcome Back Cougs! I hope you had a wonderful Summer break and had some time to rest and refresh for the Fall Semester!

It’s important to start your semester off right by getting into the groove of your new routine! …

By Morgan Jernigan
Morgan Jernigan G.A: Academic Coach
Read more »

Welcome Back Cougs!

The ASCC is excited to start a new semester with you. For a successful first week, check out some pro tips below.

Do you still need to add a class, are on a waiting list you are not sure you …

By Adrianne Mitchell
Adrianne Mitchell GA: Academic Coach
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Human Rights Campaign Resources for LGBTQ Safety

The Human Rights Campaign is drawing attention, declaring a “state of emergency” to increase awareness of the drastic spike in anti-LGBTQ legislation in recent years; providing facts and figures of the most impactful changes broken down state by state.

Consider …

By Harrison Hughes
Harrison Hughes Career Coach & Academic Advisor
Read more »

Marketing your diversity in a job search

In the article, How to market your diversity in your job search, Adejoke Adeboyejo highlights these tips to highlight the unique aspects of your professional background –

By Melanie Kiel
Melanie Kiel Career Coach
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The Best Choice For You

Trade School or College?

There is debate going on as to whether one choice is better than the other: however, there a lot of pros and cons to both options. It really depends on these variables, Time, Finances, and Job …

By Maureen Summit
Maureen Summit Graduate Staff Assistant
Read more »

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Featured Resources

As a college student, you are a target for scammers. They know that you are young, potentially inexperienced, and may …

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First, choose an industry of interest, then filter for occupation. (If you'd like to see data for a specific location only, filter by state.)

Explore all Labor Market Insights here.

Contact & Location

Phone
(509) 335-6000
Email
Address

Lighty Student Services Rooms 160 - 190
1815 NE Wilson Rd
Pullman, WA

ASCC Hours

Monday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Tuesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Wednesday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Thursday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm