How does Kamala Harris becoming the presumptive Democratic nominee for President change the job prospects for college students and recent graduates who are diverse?

Yesterday’s surprise announcement by U.S. President Joe Biden that he was ending his re-election campaign and second announcement that he was fully endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris’ candidacy sent shockwaves through the news media, political junkies, and others.

The twin announcements got us here at College Recruiter to thinking about whether it might also impact the job prospects for college and university students who consider themselves to be diverse for any number of reasons, including that they’re LGBTQ+, first-generation, Black or African American, Latinx, economically disadvantaged, women, international students, Students with Disabilities, Veterans, Neurodiverse Students, Student Athletes, Native American & Indigenous, Asian American & Pacific Islander, or a member of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) community.

Our conclusion? Absolutely her candidacy may impact diverse students and, if she becomes President, will almost certainly have a significant impact. Here are some potential changes and benefits:

• Increased Emphasis on Diversity and Inclusion: Harris has a long-standing commitment to diversity and inclusion. Her nomination could lead to greater emphasis on these values in both public and private sectors, encouraging companies to adopt more inclusive hiring practices.
• Policy Initiatives and Support Programs: Harris might introduce or advocate for policies aimed at supporting diverse groups in education and employment. This could include increased funding for minority-serving institutions, internships, mentorship programs, and initiatives aimed at reducing student debt.
• Representation and Role Models: Having a woman of color as a presidential nominee can inspire and motivate diverse students and graduates. Representation matters, and seeing someone who looks like them in a high position can encourage them to pursue ambitious career goals.
• Focus on Education and Workforce Development: Harris could push for policies that enhance education and workforce development, such as expanding access to higher education, increasing funding for STEM programs, and promoting apprenticeships and vocational training.
• Corporate Accountability and Transparency: There could be a push for greater corporate accountability and transparency regarding diversity in hiring and promotion practices. Companies may be encouraged to report on diversity metrics and take actionable steps to improve them.
• Economic Policies Favoring Young Workers: Harris might advocate for economic policies that benefit young workers, such as raising the minimum wage, ensuring fair labor practices, and providing support for small businesses and startups, which can create more job opportunities.
• Support for Women and Minorities in Tech: With a focus on closing the gender and racial gap in technology and other high-growth industries, policies may be introduced to support women and minorities entering these fields through scholarships, training programs, and partnerships with tech companies.
• Enhanced Civil Rights Protections: Strengthening civil rights protections can help ensure that diverse individuals are not discriminated against in the workplace. Harris’s legal background and advocacy for civil rights could lead to more robust enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.

Overall, Kamala Harris’s nomination could lead to a more inclusive job market with increased opportunities and support for diverse college students and recent graduates. Her policies and initiatives may foster an environment where diversity is not only valued but actively promoted in various sectors.