Careers Service

Equality, diversity & inclusion

Our commitment to supporting equality, diversity and inclusion

At the Careers Service we’re committed to our vision: “To inspire and empower every University of Edinburgh student to be the best they can be, to fully develop their potential and to achieve satisfying and rewarding futures”.   

We know the labour market isn’t fair.  We know that Black graduates are more likely to be unemployed and have lower career satisfaction. We know disabled graduates are less likely to be in full-time employment, that the gender pay gap exists immediately on graduation, and that graduates from lower socio-economic backgrounds are underrepresented in post-graduate study and graduate level employment. We want to do something about this.     

We know that some students are disadvantaged because of their personal characteristics, and that it is up to all of us to work towards achieving the inclusive environment which, at university and in the workplace, will reduce this disadvantage and give everyone the opportunity to be the best they can be. 

We offer an impartial service which allows all students to make informed choices about their futures through having access to employer partners and professional networks offering legal opportunities. 

Intersectionality and privilege  

Equality, diversity and inclusion in the workplace  (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development)

What does this mean for you?   

Events and workshops

We hold specialist events and workshops, and advertise those offered by external organisations, to promote diversity and inclusion in recruitment and in the workplace. These include EmployAbility Insight Days into different employers and sectors, and panel events about the importance of diversity.  You can search or follow #EdEDI and #EdInclusiveCareers on MyCareerHub and our socials to help you find these kind of events.

Events and workshops (MyCareerHub)

Online resources

We provide access to information and advice on e.g. finding LGBTQ-friendly employers,  Careers for ADHD Minds,  and being your true self at work and more, via a suite of e-learning resources. 

Culture and Diversity e-learning  (University of Edinburgh login required) 

Individual support 

We offer confidential, one-to-one appointments with professionally qualified careers consultants, all of whom have undergone training in unconscious bias, and are committed to impartiality and inclusivity.  These are bookable via MyCareerHub. 

Book an appointment  (MyCareerHub)

Support for employers

Many employers are working to meet their goals relating to social mobility and diversity in their workforce. We support them to target diverse students as part of their attraction and recruitment activities.  

 

Age

Information and advice for our mature students

Disability and mental health

Information and advice for our students with a disability or mental health condition 

Gender

Information and advice for our students regarding gender

LGBTQ+

Information and advice for our LGBTQ+ students

Race and ethnicity

Information and advice for our students, relating to race

Socio-economic factors

Information and advice for our Widening Participation students