Empowering LGBTIQ+ Students and Professionals: Queericulum Vitae Prepares the Next Generation for the Workforce

Pictured L-R: Jakub Poluszynski, Veronique Klaassen, Alexandre El Aiba and the moderator Joost Kremer

Amsterdam, Netherlands – Queericulum Vitae, an empowering event aimed at helping LGBTIQ+ individuals navigate the job market with confidence, took place at the Workplace Pride office on Purple Friday, December 13th. The event, designed for LGBTIQ+ students and young professionals, combined practical training, career advice, and networking opportunities to help attendees stand out in the competitive job market.

Organized by Academia@WorkplacePride, Young@WorkplacePride, and Student Pride, Queericulum Vitae focused on equipping participants with the tools they need to successfully transition into the workforce while remaining true to their authentic selves. The afternoon program featured a job market preparation workshop, an inspiring panel discussion, and a chance for participants to update their LinkedIn profiles with professional photos.

Preparing for the Job Market: A Workshop for Empowerment

Job market workshop led by Chantal van der Putten Director,
Breda University of Applied Sciences
The LinkedIn photo shoot was conducted by Akos Tar
from Studio Uppix

The day began with a light lunch and a LinkedIn photoshoot, giving attendees the opportunity to enhance their professional online presence. At 13:30, the first session—Job Market Preparation—kicked off, aimed specifically at LGBTIQ+ students and young professionals. Led by Chantal van der Putten (Director, Breda University of Applied Sciences) , the workshop provided practical insights on how to approach job applications, interviews, and career development.

The session addressed key questions, such as: Should you highlight your involvement in queer student associations on your CV? and How should you evaluate an organization’s LGBTIQ+ policies when considering job opportunities? It also explored the importance of being your authentic self in the workplace and the impact that could have on mental health and resilience.

One of the standout moments was a Kahoot quiz that encouraged participants to reflect on why authenticity at work matters. Answers ranged from “building genuine relationships” to “increasing creativity and resilience.” The session emphasized that being open about one’s identity is not just a personal choice but can have a significant impact on career success and personal well-being.

Panel Discussion: Navigating the Early Stages of Your Career

At 14:15, a panel discussion delved deeper into the realities of navigating the beginning of one’s career as part of the LGBTIQ+ community. Moderated by Joost Kremer, the panel featured diverse voices, including:

  • Jakub Poluszynski , a psychology student and Talent Acquisition Manager at Studocu
  • Alexandre El Aiba , Associate Corporate Sustainability Aegon
  • Veronique Klaassen, Policy Officer, Digital Economy,  Province Zuid-Holland

The panelists shared their experiences, offering advice on what to look for in a potential employer, the importance of Diversity & Inclusion (D&I) support, and the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in fostering an inclusive work environment.

Veronique, a panelist, noted that while her organization wasn’t fully developed in terms of D&I, she saw it as an opportunity to shape the company’s future. Alexandre, from Aegon, emphasized the importance of ERGs and how they have provided a supportive network throughout his career.

The discussion also touched on the importance of researching companies’ D&I policies and practices. Panelists encouraged participants to look beyond statements and policies, focusing on tangible commitments, targets, and actual progress. They also highlighted how allies and executive sponsorship can strengthen organizational inclusivity.

Key Takeaways: Authenticity, Allyship, and Representation

One of the most valuable pieces of advice from the event was the emphasis on balancing authenticity and professional presentation. Panelists advised that CVs should reflect volunteer work, activism, and other personal experiences, as these can be powerful indicators of resilience and commitment to social causes.

Participants were also encouraged to ask questions about workplace culture during interviews and to be proactive in advocating for inclusivity. The panelists highlighted the importance of allies, noting that when senior leadership is open to discussing LGBTIQ+ issues, it fosters a culture of support for everyone.

The event concluded with a final call to action: Be open about who you are, seek workplaces that align with your values, and leverage the power of networks to advance in your career.

Join the Young@Workplace Pride Mentorship Program!

[Only open to Workplace Pride Members]

We are excited to invite you to take part in the Young@Workplace Pride Mentorship Program—a unique initiative designed to support and empower young professionals as they navigate their careers. Our goal is to make LGBTIQ+ mentors more accessible, fostering an environment of mutual learning and growth.

Why join?
Our mentorship program is open to individuals of all age groups, combining the insights of experienced professionals with the fresh perspectives of young talent. Whether you’re looking to offer guidance as a mentor or seeking support as a mentee, this program provides the tools and community to help both sides grow. In addition to one-on-one mentorship, we’ll be hosting training sessions and social events to further enrich the experience.

We are looking for:

  • Mentors: LGBTIQ+ professionals with life and work experience, who are willing to share their insights, support, and guidance with others.
  • Mentees: Individuals with personal or professional goals who believe that mentorship can help them achieve growth and success.

Commitment: We ask for just 2 hours per month of your time over the course of 6 months, starting from the end of October 2024.

Key Details:

  • Application Deadline: 13 October 2024
  • Program Kickoff Event: 31 October 2024 (late afternoon, CEST)
  • Format: Hybrid (In-person and online)

At the kickoff event, you will:

  1. Be introduced to the program
  2. Get to know your fellow participants
  3. Receive tools and inspiration to build a strong mentor/mentee relationship

If you identify as LGBTIQ+ and are eager to commit to this program, sign up now via this form. Please note that spaces are limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee a spot.

Let’s come together to make a positive change in each other’s lives!

We look forward to seeing you there.

Warm regards,
The Young@Workplace Pride Team

Exciting Opportunity: Join the Board of Young@Workplace Pride!

Are you a dynamic individual aged 18-35, employed by a Workplace Pride member, and deeply committed to advancing LGBTIQ+ inclusion in professional environments? Young@Workplace Pride invites you to join our team as a Board Member! Please note that this is a voluntary position.

Young@Workplace Pride is a vibrant community within Workplace Pride dedicated to empowering young LGBTIQ+ professionals. Through a series of engaging events and initiatives, we foster connection and provide crucial support to individuals navigating their authentic selves within workplace settings.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Participate in approximately half an hour of board-related activities per week, with additional engagement during event periods.
  • Contribute to the organization and execution of events, fostering an inclusive environment for all participants.
  • Facilitate our mentorship program, offering guidance and support to fellow young professionals.
  • Leverage networking opportunities to enhance personal and professional growth.

Why Join Us?

As a Board Member, you’ll gain invaluable experience in event coordination, mentorship facilitation, and networking within the LGBTIQ+ professional community. This role offers a platform to make a tangible impact on workplace inclusion while honing your leadership skills.

How to Apply:

If you’re passionate about driving positive change and possess relevant experience, we encourage you to submit a brief motivation to young@workplacepride.org. Share why you’re motivated to join our board, outline your relevant skills and perspectives, and highlight how you’ll contribute to our mission.

Deadline for Applications: March 4th, 2024.

Please note that this is a voluntary position. Learn more about Young@Workplace Pride at https://workplacepride.org/youngwp/. We eagerly anticipate your application!

KLM and Young@Workplace Pride Co-Host Successful IDAHOTBIT Event Focused on Role Models

Powerful stories of inspiration and inclusivity showcased during remarkable event

In a resounding success at Schiphol, KLM and Young@Workplace Pride joined forces to host a highly impactful event centred around the influential concept of role models. The event delved into the significance of embracing one’s authentic self and unveiled awe-inspiring examples of individuals unintentionally becoming beacons of inspiration by staying true to their identities.

“IDAHOBIT is one of the most important days for our community, and this year we are focusing on role models and mentoring with Young@Workplace Pride. In addition, KLM recently launched the reverse mentoring program on Diversity & Inclusion, which gave us valuable insights that we wanted to share with a global community. Diversity & Inclusion is a joint journey where Workplace Pride unites and inspires us!” expressed Thom Widdershoven, AirFrance KLM HR & Sustainability executive and Board Member of KLM Over the Rainbow.

The event’s highlight was undoubtedly KLM’s groundbreaking reverse mentorship program, creating a platform for individuals to connect across the organisation. This pioneering initiative fostered an environment of knowledge exchange, promoting a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives and the exploration of invaluable ideas.

The event served as a powerful platform to recognize and celebrate the exceptional role models who ignite inspiration, empowering others to embrace their true identities. By fostering an environment where personal growth is nurtured through shared experiences, KLM further cements its commitment to cultivating diversity, authenticity, and a strong sense of belonging.

Guest speaker Yuli Kim, Program Director of Workplace Pride, engaged the attendees by discussing vital topics such as queer mentoring, pronouns, and the pivotal role of positive role models within the LGBTIQI+ community. Kim urged participants to reflect upon their personal journeys, the challenges they have overcome, and the individuals who have inspired them along the way.

“Today, we give a voice to embracing diversity and shed light on topics not often discussed in daily business. We need to create a sense of belonging, especially with a new generation entering the workforce. With Workplace Pride, we stand together and understand that a collective message is vital to drive change and create impact,” emphasised Maral Arikan, Board Member and Lead of the Young@Workplace Community.

Let us continue to celebrate diversity, inclusivity, and the profound influence of role models as we strive to create a world that embraces everyone’s authentic selves, free from discrimination or prejudice. ❤️?????  

#RoleModels #DiversityandInclusion #KLM #WorkplacePride  #idahobit2023 #mentoring #storytelling #community #pride #overtherainbow  #empowerment

Photos Ruud Rozevink & Joost van der Sande