How PinkNews Futures helps LGBT+ jobseekers: ‘I got a job during a pandemic from this careers fair’

Sep 28 2021
Written by Hilary Mitchell

A jobseeker chats to an employer at the PinkNews Futures event.

Securing the right job or career is an important goal for the majority of people, but for LGBT+ jobseekers, finding an inclusive and supportive employer is easier said than done.

That’s where PinkNews Futures comes in. It’s a vital LGBT+ careers event bridging the gap between inclusive employers and queer talent, and the good news is that it’s returning this October and November.

Many graduates and new talent struggle to figure out which employers genuinely value inclusion and can be unsure of how to connect with those that do, or even what LGBT+ jobs are available. PinkNews Futures can help. And don’t just take our word for it, we spoke to a previous attendee, Ella, who came along to a recent event and secured a job – right in the midst of a pandemic.

Here’s Ella’s story:

Hi Ella! How did PinkNews Futures help you?

“PinkNews Futures gave me the reassurance to explore a selection of reputable and exciting companies within a range of sectors, as well as the confidence to truly be myself when speaking with their representatives.

“Knowing that each business had chosen to be there and show their support for LGBT+ applicants gave me the courage I was lacking to ask questions that I wouldn’t normally ask – like what their diversity and inclusion policies are and what the environment is actually like for LGBT+ people.

Would you recommend the conference to other LGBT+ students, and if so, why?

“I would 100% recommend this conference to anyone LGBT+, and I already do (to most of my friends). The conference is both fun and professional. And, even though it was only online last year I felt that I built genuine connections with friendly and encouraging LGBT+ employers.

“I even got a job during a pandemic from this careers fair and met my current mentor at Grayling.”

If, like Ella, you’d like to meet a mentor and find out about job opportunities that are right for you, there are two conferences planned for 2021 – in London on 2 October and in Manchester on 13 November – and they’re an absolutely invaluable way to foster genuine connections between progressive employers and young LGBT+ people looking for their first step in industries such as media, professional services, finance, business consultancy, recruitment, security and more.

Both PinkNews Futures events will include workshops, panel discussions and keynote addresses, followed by a careers fair and networking drinks.

The educational sessions during the day will cover issues including LGBT+ representation in the media, mental health and mindfulness, and making an impact through work.

The event will also cover vital, practical topics including transitioning at work and making yourself employable. There will also be workshops for CVs, interviews and cover letters.

The careers fair will feature inspirational speakers and companies from a variety of industries who are genuinely committed to fostering a diverse workforce, with many of them looking to hire now.

Confirmed attendees include Gilead Sciences, Sony Music, the Financial Times, Accenture, Macquarie, BCG, Hertfordshire County Council, GCHQ, EY, JLL, Major Players, Baillie Gifford, and Spire Healthcare.

The ticket is only £5, which includes full access to all talks and workshops, lunch and refreshments throughout the day, access to the careers fair and drinks at the networking reception.

There are only 100 spaces for each conference, so get your tickets here while they’re still available. Visit the PinkNews Futures website for more information, and maybe (like Ella) you’ll find your next big opportunity.