EOEJOURNAL JUNE/JULY 2024

Iwas eighteen in the mid eighties when I applied for a cashier job at a home design store in Illinois. The store was brand new and they wanted to present a "high-end" vibe. I was super nervous about applying for the job, because even though I had cashier experience, my most recent job was McDonald's and I wasn't sure that would count.

I remember there were a ton of applicants for the handful of positions they had, but I interviewed well and I was hopeful about getting hired. But while I was leaving the office, I overheard two of the interviewers talking about how my weight was not exactly the image they wanted for their store.

I went to my car and cried. I wondered, how does me being overweight affect my customer service or cashiering abilities? After being upset and sad, I got angry. It didn't feel fair.

Surprisingly, I got a call a few days later. The woman who called wasn't particularly excited about calling me it seemed, because she said, "We're going to give you a chance." I was both excited and conflicted about taking the job. I ended up accepting the job, making sure I looked as good as I could with a new dress and new shoes. The first day, I noticed how everyone else who had been hired was quite thin.

After working there a few weeks, I was praised for being very good as a cashier, and was told they were impressed with my level of customer service. I don't know if I helped change their mind about overweight people, but hope I did. Ultimately, I decided they didn't deserve me, and I quit after a couple of months.

Inclusive practices ensure that all employee, regardless of their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or other characteristics, (in this case, size) feel valued and respected. When employees feel their viewpoints are recognized and appreciated, they are more likely to be committed to the organization for which they work.

Lisa Petty, Editor Equal Opportunity Employment Journal

The eoejournal is published bimonthly by EOEJournal, Inc. The ownership and management of EOEJ fully and actively support equal opportunity for and advancement of all people without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sex, pregnancy, citizenship, ancestry, veteran status, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, age, gender identity, and sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.

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Where Can You Work with An Engineering Technology Degree?

Those who prefer a more hands-on experience may find that engineering technology jobs are more suited for them. But what’s the difference between engineering technology and engineering? There is an overlap between the two fields, with both careers using science and math to solve real-world problems.

However, many distinct differences set engineering and engineering technology apart. Engineering programs will generally incorporate higher-level math and theoretical science courses, while engineering technology programs prioritize hands-on laboratory skills such as working through project-based assignments using experimental design.

The Difference Between Engineering Tech and Engineering Degrees

The differences between engineering and engineering technology degrees may be difficult to discern at first, but become much clearer when you examine the educational requirements for the two fields and the different kinds of jobs that graduates of these programs may consider.

Engineering programs focus more on theories and advanced concepts, typically involving the design of new products. An engineer’s job focuses more on problem solving and design and requires scientific and mathematical knowledge.

Engineers may work in research and development, create new products and processes, or work in projects related to process management. Those who graduate from engineering degree programs often consider pursuing graduate school to further hone their skills or narrow their focus.

Our Employees Connect Brilliant Minds Every Day

Engineering technology programs tend to focus on the application and implementation of ideas and emphasize hands-on learning. After earning an associate degree, engineering technology graduates may pursue entry or mid-level employment opportunities. Those who’ve earned a higher-level credential such as a bachelor's degree may pursue more advanced roles.

Engineering Technology Skills

Engineering technologists must have extensive knowledge about the equipment and materials needed to design, create, operate and maintain technical products, and must be collaborative as they work alongside engineers to build or improve mechanical systems, equipment and processes. While working on these, they may handle project management, complete analyses, collect and review data, estimate project costs and suggest ways to improve productivity.

They will also need to develop a range of skills that are less technical but essential to being effective while working in the field. This includes being detail oriented and having good writing and communication skills.

We at IEEE realize how fortunate we are to work with the best and brightest. Our mission is to advance technology for humanity, and we do so from one of the best places to work in New Jersey.

Come Join Us! Visit www.ieee.org to view details about open positions in one of our four offices: Los Alamitos, CA; New York, NY; Piscataway, NJ; and Washington, DC

Our Employees Connect Brilliant Minds Every Day

The IEEE is an affirmative

We at IEEE realize how fortunate we are to work with the best and brightest. Our mission is to advance technology for humanity, and we do so from one of the best places to work in New Jersey.

Come Join Us! Visit www. ieee.org to view details about open positions in one of our four offices: Los Alamitos, CA; New York, NY; Piscataway, NJ; and Washington, DC

Career Outlook for Engineering Technology

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians held about 102,500 jobs in the United States in 2022. The largest employers of these professionals were engineering services, the federal government and semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturers.

The BLS projects about 9,900 job openings for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians each year, on average, between 2022 and 2032.1 This growth is projected on a national level and local growth will vary by location. BLS projections are not specific to DeVry University students or graduates and may include earners at all stages of their careers and not just entry level.

What Industries Can I Work In?

Engineering technology graduates can prepare to pursue entry-level positions as technicians or technologists. Individuals who study two-year programs may be interested in pursuing roles as technicians and those who study four-year programs may be interested in pursuing roles as technologists. The BLS states that electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate degree to pursue a career in the field, but exact requirements may vary between employers. Different industries or sectors may also have specific requirements and may require advanced education or experience.

According to the BLS, electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians work closely with electrical engineers and work primarily in manufacturing settings, engineering services, the federal government, research-and-development laboratories, and the utilities industry.

Various technical operations, computer engineering or supervisory roles for engineering technology graduates can be found in various industries, including but not limited to:

• Medical Technology and Healthcare Systems

• Machine Learning and Design Techniques

•

• Sustainable Power

• Nanotechnology

• Product Design

What Jobs Can I Pursue After Graduation?

Graduates can typically pursue engineering technology jobs in the four main branches of professional engineering: chemical, civil, electrical and mechanical. They can also look for opportunities in the smaller branches of the practice of engineering, such as aerospace engineering, agricultural engineering, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, or environmental, nano or vehicular engineering.

Here are examples of the types of jobs graduates of our Associate Degree in Engineering Technology can consider:

• Electrical Engineering Technician

• Field Service Technician

• Engineering Technologist (General)

Graduates of our Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology may consider jobs like:

• Electrical Engineering Technologist

• Manufacturing Engineering Technologist

• Engineering Technologist (General)

Interested in Engineering Technology?

When deciding on where to pursue an engineering technology degree, look for a higher education institution that is

UR TEAM!

accredited. This will ensure that the program meets the quality standards for a particular profession, if accredited by an industry-related body, and that future employers know that the education you received meets the standards needed to succeed in the global workforce.

DeVry University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) https://www.hlcommission.org/,2 and both our Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology and our Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology are accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET, www.abet.org, a global mark of quality that is respected by employers and professional associations within the field.

At DeVry, our curriculum is designed with input from industry experts to strive to ensure that our students are learning the most up-to-date skills and technologies that many employers are looking for.

Our faculty members are experienced professionals with extensive experience in their respective fields, and are dedicated to providing personalized guidance, mentorship and support to students throughout their academic journey.

percent in 2022, the report showed. But the unemployment rate for this group was still twice as high as it was for people without a disability.

Why the Employment Rate Keeps Climbing

Economic Innovation Group, a Washington, D.C.-based public-policy organization, assessed past BLS reports and noted that the employment rate for people with disabilities has been rising since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

They attributed this positive trend to the “gradual tightening of labor markets,” which has created job opportunities for this group of workers that have continued into the pandemic.

“With wage growth and job openings high, the data suggests that labor demand has outstripped labor supply for at least the last year, creating labor shortages,” the Economic Innovation Group researchers stated. “This appears to have been a boon to employment rates [disabled people].”

When deciding on where to pursue an engineering technology degree, look for a higher education institution that is accredited.

The ubiquity of remote work has also helped individuals with disabilities secure employment.

“The increase in labor force participation during the pandemic is largely attributed to the widespread availability of remote work, which tends to increase workforce participation for both individuals with disabilities and caregivers ,” Leen said.

He added that remote work has also led to increased use of more accessible technologies, such as web conferencing with captions, and accessible websites, which have made it possible for individuals with disabilities to work from home more easily.

Making remote work available to individuals with disabilities also helps federal contractors retain experienced workers and make progress toward their Rehabilitation Act of 1973 affirmative-action goals.

But some employers have begun requiring employees to come back to the office, which could negatively affect workforce participation gains among those with disabilities, Leen noted.

“Businesses should look at this empirical data and find ways to increase and retain individuals with disabilities in their workforces,” he said. “Continuing to make telework available is an effective way to do this, whether provided individually as an accommodation or more generally as a matter of universal design.”

Do Your Benefits Packages Support Workers with Disabilities?

Jessica Tuman, head of the Voya Cares and Voya Enterprise ESG Centers of Excellence for Voya Financial in Atlanta, said the rise in workers with disabilities landing jobs is encouraging, but companies must not rest on their laurels.

“More still is needed to close the employment gap between individuals with disabilities and their nondisabled colleagues,” she said.

Make a real difference!

At Segal, our mission is to provide trusted advice that improves lives. How? With diverse teams delivering innovative solutions that help organizations provide health and financial peace of mind to their people.

Our differences make us stronger

We’re one of the largest independent human resources and employee benefits consulting firms today. We’re team-oriented with deeply held values, proud to be making a difference in the lives of so many.

Become a part of something bigger

Segal is actively recruiting top talent. See our job openings on LinkedIn. And visit us at segalco.com/about-us/careers to learn how you can become a part of our team.

To further support workers with disabilities , employers should take a hard look at their employee benefits packages and evaluate whether they intentionally support the wellbeing of employees with disabilities, Tuman said.

A special-needs planning service can connect disabled employees to experienced consultants who can answer questions about:

• Government benefits rules.

• Company benefits.

• Financial considerations for caregivers

“Employers that are recruiting and hiring individuals with disabilities need to do more than provide a competitive workplace benefits package to retain them,” Tuman said. “Creating a supportive and inclusive culture is the ‘secret sauce’ that will make an organization an employer of choice for people with disabilities.”

Launching an employee resource group for employees with disabilities can help new hires feel welcome through shared experiences. Workforce training initiatives also can help dispel stigmas surrounding disabilities and prepare managers to interview, onboard and work with people with disabilities.

“Providing educational opportunities for employees with disabilities helps recognize and meet their unique needs, such as an introduction to special-needs planning, the ins and outs of ABLE accounts , the basics about government benefits and how-to sessions on family meetings,” Tuman said. “All these efforts help solidify a culture of inclusion.”

professional with the knowledge, resources, skills, and support to make a true, lasting impact—creating a world of work that works for all.

The Phoenix Union High School District is searching for the best-qualified applicants in all fields , but particularly in mathematics , science , special education, and ELD (English Language Development)

Come join one of the most progressive portfolio districts in the country. Fill out an application on our website at phoenixunion.org or contact us at (602) 764-1101

The Phoenix Union High School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PUSD_2308_2310_2312_2404_12V_700

MINORITY RECRUITMENT

The Kentucky Educational Development Corporation (KEDC), a cooperative of school districts is actively seeking certified minority teachers and administrators for elementary, middle, and secondary positions. KEDC’s Districts are located across Kentucky. Visit www.kedc.org for a list of participating school districts.

Individuals interested in obtaining an application should send a letter or postcard to: KEDC • 904 ROSE ROAD • ASHLAND, KY 41102-7104

You’ll find we offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits, and a chance to learn and grow. But when you join the Philadelphia Fed, you’ll also contribute to our shared mission to strengthen the economy and help communities thrive.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia offers its employees competitive salaries, a comprehensive benefits package, and a work environment conducive to career advancement and personal development.

We seek individuals who will support the Bank’s high standards for quality, integrity, and premier customer service. View and apply online for current opportunities www.philadelphiafed.org/careers

WHY CHOOSE US?

Here in the First Community family (First National Bank Texas, First Convenience Bank, First Heroes National Bank, First Community Mortgage and First Community Servi ces), we are fiercely proud of our past and excited about our bright future. Independently owned, with more than 300 locations in Texas, Arizona, Arkansas and New Mexico, we offer growth and advancement in a fun and fast-paced environment. Our company provides an educational atmosphere, enabling employees to achieve their highest career potential. We are pleased you have considered advancing your career with us.

POSITIOns dlldlldBLE

No matter what your specialty is, chances are there is a position for you in the First Community family of banks. Positions range from frontline sales to customer service, clerical, support services and managerial positions. Our account holders are very diverse, and we are proud to accommodate them with a diverse workforce that includes bilingual employees. Competitive pay I Professional T r aining I Tuition Assistance Program I Health, Dental, Prescription Drug, and V ision Plan I Personal and Vacation Pay I 401 (K) Plan

Why Federal? 5 Benefits of a Government Career

by DCAA Staff Writer

Every day, members of the federal workforce do important work that helps our nation move forward—from public health to agriculture to transportation—while providing solutions for the challenges our Nation faces. Some people, however, may not consider a federal career in their field, or even know that career opportunities exist for them in the government. Next time you look for a new job, remember these five great benefits of a federal career:

A Career with a Mission - As public servants, we hold a special trust from the Nation that we work hard to uphold. At DCAA , and as an agency in DoD, our contract audits help protect the American taxpayers’ dollars and support our military service members. Your work has significant impact and serves the greater good.

Stability and Security - A federal career affords you peace of mind regarding your job security. As one of the largest employers in the Nation, government careers remain stable, with salaries that are established according to the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. And if you change locations or even federal agencies, your retirement, leave, and other benefits move with you.

Career Growth Opportunities - Through the GS pay scale, opportunities for advancement in GS level and salary occur at recurring intervals. At DCAA, entry-level employees who meet required performance standards can be reviewed for potential advancement every 52 weeks. Good job performance is key for this fast track to career advancement!

Generous Benefits Packages - Federal employment means that you have choices among exceptional benefits programs to assist you in many aspects and stages of your life. Learn about your options for health insurance, retirement plans, transportation subsidies, financial support for education, and more on our website

Work-Life Balance - Working for the government affords you the opportunity to thrive in your professional and personal life. With significant paid leave, flexible scheduling, and health and wellness programs available through both federal and DCAAwide programs, you can avoid burn-out and balance all you do.

O5 of The Best Jobs in Healthcare

ften we equate best with most highly paid. But that’s not what everyone looks for in a job–and remember, in healthcare, the most highly paid jobs require years and years of education and training. But, here are five of the best jobs at all different levels.

1. Physicians and Surgeons

Median National Salary:

$229,300/year

Education Required: Medical Doctor (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO), plus internship and residency.

Number of Jobs: 816,900

Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 3%

(As fast as average)

by Michael Gardon

Job Duties: Physicians and surgeons take the lead in patient healthcare. With their intensive training, they are the experts in their particular field. They perform surgeries, minor procedures, diagnose, treat, and look out for the general welfare of their patients. Training is intense and, depending on the specialty, may last for a decade after finishing school.

2. Physical Therapist

Median National Salary: $97.720/year

Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree

Number of Jobs: 246,800

Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 15% (Much faster than average)

Job Duties: A physical therapist is responsible for assessing patients’ physical conditions, developing personalized treatment plans, and providing rehabilitation services to help patients regain mobility, manage pain, and improve physical function. They use their expertise in anatomy, physiology, and therapeutic techniques to deliver hands-on care, prescribe exercises, and educate patients to promote recovery and improve their overall well-being.

3. Nursing Assistants and Orderlies

Median National Salary: $35,740/year

Education Required: None, although many jobs may require a high school diploma and a certification issued by the state.

Number of Jobs: 1,406,800

Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 4% (As fast as average)

Job Duties: Nursing assistants and orderlies are responsible

for providing basic care to patients, such as bathing, feeding, and assisting with daily activities, under the supervision of nursing staff. They use their compassion, patience, and attention to detail to ensure the comfort and well-being of patients, while also maintaining a clean and organized healthcare environment.

4. Respiratory Therapists

Median National Salary: $70,540/year

Education Required: Associate’s Degree (2 years)

Number of Jobs: 133,100

Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 13% (Much faster than average)

Job Duties: A respiratory therapist is responsible for assessing and treating patients with breathing disorders, such as asthma, emphysema, or chronic respiratory conditions. They use their expertise in respiratory care, diagnostic techniques, and therapeutic interventions to administer treatments, monitor patients’ respiratory functions, and educate patients on managing their breathing conditions, aiming to improve their lung function and overall quality of life.

5. Medical Sonographers & Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians

Median National Salary: $78,210/year

Education Required: Associate’s Degree (2 years)

Number of Jobs: 142,800

Job Growth 2022 – 2032: 10% (Much faster than average)

Job Duties: Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians are responsible for operating imaging equipment to create images or conduct tests that help physicians assess and diagnose medical conditions. They use their expertise in imaging technology, patient care, and anatomy to perform diagnostic procedures, interpret images, and provide accurate and detailed information to assist in patient diagnosis and treatment.

BENEFITS OF WORKING IN HEALTHCARE

Healthcare jobs may fluctuate, but overall they aren’t going away until someone invents Star Trek-style machines that automatically fix any problems. There are some complicated

things about working in healthcare–people get sick on nights, weekends, and holidays–for instance, but overall, the good can outweigh the bad. If you want to get a job in healthcare , these benefits are sure to inspire you.

You Make A Difference

Whether you perform surgery or clean the floors in a hospital, your job saves lives and helps people live more comfortably. There aren’t many jobs where you can walk out every day, saying “I made a difference,” today.

When It’s Boring, It’s A Relief

Some jobs are repetitive, and you can get bored quickly. There will always be new patients, new problems, and new things to do in healthcare. A boring shift comes only once in a while and is a relief for everyone. Most of the time, you’ll be busy the whole day–which makes time fly and helps you have a fulfilling job.

don’t have to meet face to face with patients. There are many places in healthcare for introverts.

You Can Work Almost Anywhere and Remotely For Some Roles

Everyone needs healthcare. Sure, if you want to be a trauma surgeon, you’ll need to live in a city with a level one trauma center. But, if you’d like to be a certified nurses aid (CNA), there is undoubtedly a nearby hospital, nursing home, or clinic that needs your experience.

Whether you perform surgery or clean the floors in a hospital, your job saves lives and helps people live more comfortably. There aren’t many jobs where you can walk out every day, saying “I made a difference,” today.

There Is Lots of People Interaction

If you like working with people, there are plenty of healthcare jobs that involve regular patient and people contact. It’s an extrovert’s dream job.

There’s Also Behind-The-Scenes Roles

Did you know that some radiologists work from home? They review MRI, CT, and X-rays over computers and advise doctors on site. Public health employees can perform complex analyses without dealing directly with patients. Laboratory scientists

Remote healthcare positions are also becoming more popular. Check out the best work from home nursing jobs to learn more.

There Is Lots of Variety

If you get bored in your job, there is

another branch of healthcare that you can transfer to. You can work as a social worker who helps new parents learn how to care for their babies, or you can take your social work skills and work with a hospice that helps people transition out of this life. You can be a security guard in a busy hospital where you’re called on often to defuse situations and keep people safe. Or you can be a night security guard in a quiet nursing home where you’ll rarely talk with other people. You can work as an OR tech helping with heart transplants or in an outpatient clinic, helping with cataract surgery. There’s always another option.

A passion for INCLUSION AND EMPOWERMENT

At UCLA Health, it takes people from all backgrounds and varied perspectives to make our world-renowned care possible. That’s why we foster a culture where all are welcome, valued, and inspired to be their authentic selves. We’re proud to be one of Forbes’ “Best Employers for Diversity” as well as one of U.S. News & World Report’s top hospitals in the country.

If you’d like to contribute to a world-class health provider within a setting that inspires and empowers great achievements, explore our openings in:

• Nursing

• Allied Health

• Research

• Nutrition

• Administrative/Clerical/Float Pool

• Managerial/Executive

• Hospital & Facilities Support

• IT

• Professional

To learn more and apply online, visit us at UCLAHealthCareers.org

Choosing A Healthcare Career

by Andrea Clement Santiago

Healthcare careers can be a great choice for people who love helping others and are interested in science, technology, medicine, and math. The demand for health services is expected to grow in the coming years, making healthcare an excellent career path for people who want stable, secure jobs.

While these jobs are in high demand and can pay very well, it is also important to be aware of some of the potential drawbacks as well. These jobs can also involve a lot of stress . Burnout is a risk. And the educational and training requirements can be costly and time-consuming.

Before you decide on a healthcare career, consider whether these types of jobs are a good fit for your temperament and experiences. With many opportunities to choose from, you can zero in on the area of healthcare and the role that suits you best.

Benefits of Healthcare Careers

A career in healthcare offers many advantages. An ageing society means the outlook for jobs in this field is very good. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that job opportunities in health care will grow 16% from 2020 to 2030, which is much faster than average and translates to about 2.6 million new jobs.2 This also means that salaries in the field are often higher than average, and come with good benefits.

A healthcare career is not limited to being a physician or nurse. There is a huge variety of jobs in healthcare, from athletic trainer to pharmacist to veterinary technician, not to mention supporting roles in areas such as finance, maintenance, research, or communications.

In healthcare, you have the opportunity to specialize in a field that is meaningful to you. But all involve helping people, which makes the work fulfilling. And the environment tends to be fast-paced, which is a plus for many people.

Educational and Training Requirements

The degrees, diplomas, and training required for various healthcare jobs can run the gamut from a high-school diploma to a medical degree plus advanced specialization. Being a doctor or a high-level nurse can be a significant investment of time and money.

When considering a career in healthcare, think about how to finance and make time for the necessary education. If a medical degree doesn’t seem feasible, consider alternatives such as physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner programs. Educational requirements for healthcare jobs vary considerably.

In healthcare,

have the opportunity to specialize in a field that is meaningful to you.

With a high-school diploma or equivalent, you could become a home health aide, orderly, optician, pharmacy technician, psychiatric aide, veterinary assistant, or lab animal caretaker.

With an associate degree or postsecondary training certificate, you could qualify to be a dental hygienist, emergency medical technician, medical sonographer, cardiovascular technologist, licensed practical nurse, massage therapist, medical assistant, medical records specialist, medical transcriptionist, nuclear medicine technologist, certified nursing assistant, psychiatric technician , occupational or physical therapy assistant, occupational health and safety technician, paramedic, phlebotomist, radiation

Page 18 equal opportunity employment journal July 2024

therapist, radiologic or MRI technologist, respiratory therapist, surgical technologist, or veterinary technician.

With a bachelor’s degree , you could become an athletic trainer, lab technician, dietitian or nutritionist, exercise physiologist, recreational therapist, or registered nurse.

With a master’s degree , you could pursue a career as a genetic counselor, mental health counselor , nurse anesthetist, nurse midwife, nurse practitioner, occupational therapist, orthotist, prosthetist, physician assistant, or speech-language pathologist.

With a doctoral or professional degree, you could be an audiologist, chiropractor, dentist, optometrist, pharmacist, physical therapist, physician, psychologist, surgeon, or podiatrist.

Skills You Will Need

Each health career requires different skill sets and personality traits. However, there are a few common attributes. Most roles require excellent interpersonal

and communication skills, some level of technical or mathematic capacity, and a strong work ethic. Additionally, most healthcare careers entail a great deal of responsibility and maturity. Your patients’ well-being and even their lives could depend on the quality of your work.

Your Interests

What is your passion? No matter what drives you, there is a role for you in the medical field. You may have already considered being a nurse or a doctor. However, allied health care offers a world of opportunity.

If you love to learn new things, that will serve you well as a healthcare professional. The healthcare field changes constantly with the development of

For example, if cardiology (heart health) is a cause that moves you, you could be a cardiologist, a cardiovascular technician, a cardiac nurse, or cardiac perfusionist. If you love working with kids, pediatrics could be the field for you—as a medical assistant, occupational therapist, physician, psychologist, or registered nurse.

Within each option in the

Everything we do is driven by the goal of helping our patients and communities improve their health and well-being. It’s our people who make that goal possible. Together, we combine expert knowledge with compassion and kindness. Our Head + Heart, Together philosophy drives our care decisions and helps us make a difference in our patients’ lives. If you’re ready to make a difference, we’re ready for you to join our team.

medical specialty, jobs are available for any level of education or area of interest. If you love statistics and math, maybe medical research is appealing, for example. If you are into sports and fitness, you might consider a career in athletic training, exercise physiology, physical therapy, or sports psychology

The Work Environment

In which type of environment would you be most comfortable, and most successful? For example, if hospitals seem too cold or too large, you probably should not be a surgeon or a hospital nurse. If you love being around people and working hands-on with patients, a career in research or pathology may not be satisfying. Remember that there are healthcare jobs in many settings other than hospitals, doctors’ offices, and care facilities. Healthcare providers work on military bases and cruise ships, at schools and factories, and in clinics serving remote communities.

Work-Life Balance

Be sure to consider how your life and family will be affected while you are in school, completing training, and after you get a job in healthcare. For example, doctors, nurses, and many other healthcare providers may be required to work nights or weekends, work long shifts, and be on call.

Additionally, investigate whether jobs and training programs are available in your area, or whether you may have to relocate. Is this feasible for you? How will the financial requirements of education and training affect your family? It is crucial to think about all of this before you begin to invest energy, time, and money towards pursuing a career in the healthcare field.

Though it will take an upfront investment of time and money for training, a job in health care offers many rewards, both financial and intangible. Planning ahead can help you achieve your goals.

A Word From Verywell

With such a wide range of opportunities in the healthcare field, you have many choices if you are interested in a healthcare career. Though it will take an upfront investment of time and money for training, a job in health care offers many rewards, both financial and intangible. Planning ahead can help you achieve your goals.

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956-365-1004

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956-969-5102

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Looking for an exciting place to work where you have the opportunity to help others? Look to Harlingen, Knapp or Mission Regional Medical Centers.

We’re always on the lookout for professionals who are as committed to excellence as we are.

956-323-1050 www.missionrmc.org

Diversity in The Workplace: Why It Matters and How To Increase Inclusion

by Christina Pavlou

Diversity in the workplace refers to the coexistence of individuals with varying characteristics, skills, and traits. It's crucial to pair diversity with inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities throughout the employee lifecycle. A diverse workforce brings unique perspectives, fostering creativity, innovation, and better product development.

We live in interesting times. The Black Lives Matter and #MeToo movements, the global rise of immigration, and largescale political changes such as Brexit and the election of Trump, shed light on – previously overlooked – minority groups and draw our attention toward equal rights, racism, feminism and socio-economic disparities.

The workplace is not unaffected by all this. Calls for greater diversity in the workplace have increased exponentially. Now is the time for HR professionals to focus on diversity in the workplace and reinforcing inclusion not just in words, but in practice. Many are expecting to see results.

Team players Forward thinkers Game changers

In June 2024, Getinge welcomed 30 interns and co-ops into the Internship Experience Program. Main offerings include professional development workshops, on the job training, and engaging activities during the 10week program.

The program includes a variety of engaging activities designed to foster a collaborative environment and enhance technical and practical skills. Interns participate in specialized professional development workshops, gaining valuable industry insights and hands-on experience. Networking opportunities; allowing interns to connect with seasoned professionals and peers, building relationships that extend beyond the program. Through this holistic approach, Getinge ensures that interns not only contribute meaningfully to essential projects but also advance their career prospects.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level?

At Getinge, we are always on the lookout for talented and passionate individuals to join our dynamic teams in Sales, Service, Quality and Regulatory, Manufacturing, R&D, DHS, and many more. Join our Team: Exciting New Opportunities Await! careers.getinge.com/

But what exactly is diversity in the workplace?

Diversity is the coexistence of people with different characteristics (e.g. race, age, gender, sexual orientation), skills and personality traits. For example, at work, we can talk about a diverse team when employees come from various cultural, academic and professional backgrounds and when there’s a balance in gender, age and race. You can find more examples in our diversity in the workplace definition.

You can’t build diverse teams, though, without pairing diversity with inclusion. Nor have you “won” if you now have a diverse team, because equity and inclusion are where the real work begins. Employees feel included in their workplace when they have equal opportunities during the entire employee lifecycle: from the way they’re treated during the hiring process to how they’re being managed, trained, evaluated and promoted.

The

in the Boise, Idaho area, in its main medical center, and in five community-based outpatient clinics.

VA offers a wide range of career fields and opportunities.

Visit www.va.gov/boise-health-care/work-with-us/ to view and apply for current open positions.

BOISE VA MEDICAL CENTER

500 West Fort Street | Boise, Idaho 83702

We stand in support of equality for and advancement of all people based on their qualifications and actions alone without regard to color, gender, age, religion, national origin or disability.

But this can’t happen automatically. To build an inclusive workplace, employers must provide those equal opportunities to all potential and existing employees. They should also revisit and improve their procedures as needed to ensure they’re respectful to all people regardless of protected characteristics. For an inclusive workplace, employers must provide equal opportunities to all potential & existing employees. They should also improve procedures as needed to ensure they’re respectful to all regardless of protected characteristics.

The importance of diversity and inclusion

Why do we care so much about DEI in the workplace, though? And why should we care? Is it simply the right thing to do or are there business gains associated with diversity?

It’s both. When you try to build diverse teams, you fight discrimination in the workplace. You aim to give equal opportunities to all employees – even those (or especially those) in underrepresented groups.

We can better understand the value of diversity in the workplace with some examples of what happens when companies don’t take into account diverse voices. Two diversity in the workplace articles talk about the importance of a diverse workforce when building and testing products:

• A Black person struggles to use an automatic soap dispenser because the light sensor doesn’t detect a darkskinned hand

• Black women speak up about the extensive hair searches they have to undertake at airports, as body scanners give false alarms due to their natural Afro.

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These examples prove that diversity, equity and inclusion is not just about the moral aspect of it; when you add diverse voices in your teams, you learn things you wouldn’t have known otherwise, you build better products and you increase equity in the workplace and beyond.

There are financial benefits, too, that motivate employers to boost their DEI efforts. Diverse companies:

• Reflect societies more accurately. Societies are by default diverse in age, race, gender and socio-economic class. Therefore, organizations with diverse employees are better aligned with the demographics of the area (or areas) where they operate. On a macroeconomics scope, this means that they can better predict – and adjust to –changes in the market and local consumer behavior.

• Speak to a broader audience. People usually relate to those from a similar background. So, when your employees come from various backgrounds, they can understand the needs, interests and pain points of diverse audiences, too. This gives you the opportunity to expand your messaging and promote your products and services to a larger customer base.

• Get more creative and profitable. Diversity doesn’t only refer to protected characteristics. There’s also diversity of thought – that may or may not be a result of different protected characteristics. Employees with different experiences and perspectives can bring fresh ideas and innovative solutions to the table which, in turn, benefit the entire organization.

You can start building a business case for diverse teams for your organization with studies and interesting stats.

The Role of Recruiters and HR

While increasing DEI is not one person’s (or one department’s) responsibility, the HR experts can take many actions to build a truly inclusive workplace. That’s because they’re in charge of everything that has to do with the human aspect of the company: from attracting and recruiting diverse candidates to setting the guidelines for fair treatment, management and compensation of all employees to ensure a fully inclusive workplace.

Here’s how recruiters and HR professionals can foster workplace diversity:

Remove biases from hiring. From gender-neutral job descriptions to targeted, skill-based interview questions, your hiring process should be built in a way that helps you find the best people for the job – not the ones you like the most. Here are some examples from companies that are taking actions to reduce bias in recruiting, plus a few tips to get you started when you aim to create an inclusive work environment.

Look for areas of improvement. Diversity might not always be tangible, but you can still set some goals and track your progress. For example, what’s the gender ratio at your company and by department? How many of your female employees have a leadership role? If those numbers are not close to your goals, you might want to invest your energy into increasing diversity specifically in these areas. Rachel Bates, who was SVP of Sales & Marketing at Workable until spring 2020, describes how she successfully built a more gender-balanced sales team, while recruitment expert Matt Buckland, at one point Workable’s VP of Customer Advocacy, advises on how to hire more women in tech, a traditionally male-dominated field.

At the Charles George VAMC, we strive to hire only the best! Working with and for America’s veterans is a privilege, and we pride ourselves on the quality of care we provide. If you have what it takes, please consider applying for one of our available positions. www.asheville.va.gov/careers www.usajobs.gov POC 828-296-4419

July 2024 equal opportunity employment journal

Consider the overlooked types of diversity. When we talk about diversity, we mostly refer to race and gender. But there’s more than that. Some examples include age discrimination, bias against employees with disabilities, and rejection of candidates with non-traditional career paths. You should also keep in mind that there’s intersectionality in the workplace, i.e. overlapping biases such as age and gender discrimination. Your DEI efforts should take into account all different types of diversity that exist in your workplace – or that you’d like them to exist.

Involve all of your team members. A recruiter alone can’t build a diverse company. Picture this: As a recruiter at your company, you might be diversifying your candidate sources and screening resumes with strictly job-related criteria. But if those who’re making the final hiring decision are biased, they could still reject good candidates because, for example, some candidates don’t have a degree from a prestigious school. It’s essential that all employees, no matter their seniority level, understand the importance of diversity in the workplace. Whether it’s through bias trainings or official anti-discrimination company policies, everyone should be aware of expectations, values and appropriate behaviors in terms of mutual respect and acceptance. For example, those who’re involved in recruiting should know how to document interview feedback to help their teams make well-rounded hiring decisions and all colleagues should know what constitutes unacceptable work behavior.

Why oppose diversity in the workplace?

“I want to hire people I get along with because I know we’ll collaborate better.”

“When I’m actively looking to increase the number of female employees at my company, don’t I discriminate against male candidates?”

“Things like religious beliefs and sexual preferences have no place in a professional setting – they only bring controversy and distractions from work.”

These are valid concerns, but not strong enough to dismiss DEI efforts from the workplace. In fact, it’s quite the opposite; it goes back to building an inclusive environment where all employees feel safe and respected no matter their protected characteristics, personal opinions, backgrounds, etc.

You fight the challenges of diversity in the workplace by structuring your interview process in a way that helps you hire on merit (rather than make decisions that lead to homogeneous teams) by implementing affirmative action programs to support underrepresented groups when needed, and by setting the framework for approaching controversial topics at work.

Ultimately, you want to create a place where employees are treated equally and there are no privileged and underprivileged groups, and everyone feels included.