Will Kamala Harris’ nomination for President of the USA impact the hiring of female students, grads?

Kamala Harris, currently serving as the Vice President of the United States, represents a significant figure in American politics. Last week, the Democratic Party nominated her to be its candidate for the Presidency. Although she wasn’t the first female to be nominated by a major party — that was Hillary Clinton in 2016 — last week’s nomination of Harris was notable as she was the first female who was also a person of color.

Tthe implications of such a historic nomination extend beyond the political arena. One of the areas where her candidacy could have a notable impact is in the hiring of female students and recent graduates by employers.

Harris’s nomination would symbolize a significant milestone for women, particularly women of color, in leadership roles. Her rise to the highest office in the country would send a powerful message about the potential and capabilities of women in leadership positions. This, in turn, could inspire employers to place a greater emphasis on gender diversity in their hiring practices, recognizing the value that women bring to the workforce.

For female students and recent graduates, seeing a woman in the highest office in the land could serve as a motivational force, encouraging them to pursue careers in fields where women have historically been underrepresented. The increased visibility of female leadership could lead to greater confidence among young women entering the job market, empowering them to seek out and secure roles that align with their ambitions.

From an employer’s perspective, Harris’s nomination might prompt a re-evaluation of hiring practices and workplace culture. Companies may feel increased pressure to ensure that their hiring processes are inclusive and equitable, providing equal opportunities for female candidates. This could lead to a shift in how employers approach recruitment, with a stronger focus on identifying and supporting women who are early in their careers and search for part-time, seasonal, internship, apprenticeship, or other entry-level job opportunities.

Harris’s candidacy could influence corporate policies related to gender equality. Employers might be more inclined to implement or strengthen programs that support the professional development of women, such as mentorship initiatives, leadership training, and flexible work arrangements. These efforts could make a meaningful difference in attracting and retaining female talent, particularly among students and recent graduates who are just beginning their careers.

For those of us who want to see more equity in the workplace, that all sounds great. However, there could be some unintended consequences that could actually set women’s rights back. After Barack Obama became the first person of color to be elected as President, some argued that laws and policies meant to encourage or even require the diversification of the workplace were no longer needed as America had become post-racial. In other words, if an African American were President, how could the country still have any racism that needed to be corrected? Although we have no doubt that some believed this in good faith, we also believe that many used the argument in bad faith as they understood that the ascent of one person to a position of leadership — even such a high position of leadership — did not mean that everyone else was no longer impacted by racism. So, while the potential presidency of Harris might catalyze positive change when it comes to discrimination based on sex, the extent of its influence will largely depend on how employers choose to respond. Some organizations may take proactive steps to enhance gender diversity, others might not see her candidacy as relevant to their hiring decisions, while still others might use it as a reason to dismantle some or even all of their diversity hiring efforts.

Kamala Harris’s nomination as the Democratic candidate for President has the potential to impact the hiring of female students and recent graduates positively. Her rise to the presidency could inspire both young women entering the workforce and employers looking to diversify their teams. Yet, the degree to which this impact is felt will ultimately depend on the actions taken by employers to embrace and support gender diversity in their hiring practices.