While Black History Month serves as an important moment for celebration and reflection, true commitment to Black professionals should extend beyond February. Employers, universities, and career centers alike have a responsibility to invest in and champion Black professionals year-round. As some companies pull back on their diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, many others remain dedicated to fostering the growth and advancement of Black professionals. By building sustainable career programs, launching new initiatives, and creating intentional spaces for continuous professional development, universities and employers can have a lasting impact on the success and career trajectories of Black students and graduates.
Why Supporting Black Job Seekers Matters
Despite progress in workplace diversity, Black professionals continue to face disparities in hiring, career progression, and leadership representation. According to McKinsey’s 2023 report on workplace diversity, Black professionals are underrepresented in leadership roles across industries, and barriers to career advancement persist. Black History Month provides a crucial moment to not only recognize these challenges but also to implement programs that create real impact.
Career centers and university partners have a unique opportunity to amplify Black professionals by curating Black History Month career programs that provide networking opportunities, mentorship, and skill-building workshops. These initiatives can help Black students and alumni gain access to career pathways that might otherwise be difficult to navigate.
How Career Centers Can Honor Black History Month with Impactful Initiatives
University career centers play a pivotal role in shaping students’ career journeys. They can:
1. Host Career Fairs and Networking Events Focused on Black Professionals
Career centers can organize career fairs that connect Black students with companies actively hiring diverse talent. The Black Virtual Career Fair is a prime example of an event that helps Black professionals connect with recruiters from Fortune 500 companies. Universities can host similar fairs, either independently or in collaboration with corporate partners.
Example: The University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business has an annual Black Business Student Association Conference that includes career networking opportunities, highlighting employers that value Black professionals.
2. Launch Mentorship and Leadership Development Initiatives
Mentorship is a powerful tool for career success. Universities can facilitate mentor-matching programs that connect Black students with alumni and industry leaders who can offer guidance, support, and networking opportunities.
Example: Howard University’s 21st Century Advantage Program provides mentorship and professional development training for Black students entering the workforce.
Partnering with organizations such as Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT), which has helped thousands of Black professionals advance their careers through mentorship and career coaching, can also enhance career center offerings.
3. Offer Resume Workshops and Personal Branding Sessions
Black students can benefit from targeted career coaching, especially in industries where they are underrepresented. Career centers can offer workshops on resume-building, personal branding, and LinkedIn optimization tailored specifically for Black professionals.
Example: The National Black MBA Association offers career development programs and resume review services for Black MBA candidates looking to break into leadership roles.
4. Feature Employer Spotlights on Companies Committed to DEI
While some organizations have scaled back their DEI initiatives, others remain steadfast in their commitment to Black professionals even throughout a divisive Black History Month. These companies have not issued statements pulling back on their DEI efforts and continue to showcase their commitment through programming that directly supports the Black community. Not only do they invest in these programs, but they also have employees publicly sharing events, writing articles, and reinstating commitments on their websites and social networks. Career centers can host employer panels where these companies discuss their initiatives and hiring efforts.
- JPMorgan Chase’s Advancing Black Pathways program is designed to improve economic opportunities for Black students and professionals by offering career readiness training and leadership development.
- Bank of America’s Black Executive Leadership Program provides mentorship and leadership development opportunities for Black professionals aspiring to executive roles.
- Microsoft’s Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) Employee Resource Group encourages career development via mentoring programs, diversity initiatives, and speaker series. The BAM Minority Student Day provides high school students from underrepresented backgrounds with information on technology career opportunities.
- Morgan Stanley remains committed to advancing racial equity and inclusion, with their “Racial Equity Advancing Change” initiative. The company continues to promote educational events and programs aimed at supporting Black professionals. Their commitment is evident in ongoing public statements, resources, and employee engagement shared across their platforms.
- Kaiser Permanente has long been a leader in promoting diversity and inclusion, and their commitment remains visible through events and programs . Their DEI initiatives include mentorship opportunities, career development programs, and ongoing support for Black professionals in healthcare.
- UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) focuses on celebrating diverse employee reflections and experiences during Black History Month and beyond. Their “UKrewers” initiative brings together a diverse community, highlighting the voices and achievements of Black employees within the organization.
- Hilton’s commitment to diversity is exemplified through the work of their Black Team Member Resource Group (BTMRG), which fosters a sense of belonging and community for Black employees. The company continues hosts events year round that engage employees and highlight Black leaders within their organization.
- The NFL has recommitted to DEI initiatives regardless of public backlash. Through various statements and programs, the NFL highlights its continued dedication to diversity. The organization doubled down in 2025 announcing all team executives are required to participate in unconscious bias and inclusive leadership workshops.
Leveraging University Resources to Support Black Professionals Year-Round
While Black History Month is a focal point for career programming, universities should ensure their support for Black students extends beyond February. Career centers can:
- Create a dedicated Black Career Resource Hub on their website, featuring scholarships, job boards, and professional organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA).
- Develop long-term partnerships with HBCUs and minority-serving institutions to create pipelines for Black professionals.
- Encourage Black students to apply for fellowships like the Robert Toigo Foundation Fellowship, which supports Black and underrepresented professionals in finance and investment careers.
A Commitment Beyond Black History Month
Black History Month career programs are not just about honoring the past—they’re about shaping the future. Universities and career centers must be proactive in their efforts to support Black students and alumni, ensuring that they have the tools, networks, and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s competitive job market.
By amplifying employer initiatives, hosting impactful events, and fostering mentorship and leadership development, career centers can make a lasting impact. While the corporate landscape around DEI continues to shift, many companies remain committed to investing in Black professionals, and it’s crucial to connect students with these opportunities.
As we celebrate Black History Month, let’s ensure that career advancement remains a top priority for Black students—not just in February, but every day of the year.
