We are in the news again.
“Minnesota’s gap between white and black employment is one of the largest in the United States,” the Twin Cities Business Journal reports.
It’s not good news, but it is true. And the more newspaper articles and TV stories there are about our state’s economic disparities, the harder it is to ignore.
The Problem
According to the Minneapolis Foundation and data from the U.S. Department of Labor, people of color make up 40 percent of the population but hold only 17 percent of the jobs.
The Minneapolis Foundation study did not look at the types of jobs people of color have. But most of us have seen our loved ones and neighbors accept part-time jobs when they want fulltime, or taking positions that are lower than their education level or experiences. Underemployment is as big of a problem in our communities as unemployment.
As the nation recovers from The Great Recession all workers and job seekers — not just people of color — are struggling to regain economic and career success. However, this road to recovery is much harder for ethnic minorities.
One Solution
This ongoing struggle is one of the reasons why the Multicultural Forum on Workplace Diversity (MCF) hosts an annual multicultural Career Fair and Career Services Center. This year’s Career Fair is Tuesday, April 10, 2013 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Job seekers who are tired of going to job fairs and not getting results should attend this Career Fair. More than 50 companies and community organizations are coming together to connect qualified job seekers with livable wage jobs.
Companies such as Cargill, Medtronic, Hennepin County, U.S. Bank, Target and others are looking for college students and candidates with college degrees to interview for positions in finance, health care, information technology and other career areas.
One-On-One Support
How often do you have access to free career help?
The Career Services Center on April 9 and 10, 2013 offers job seekers one-on-one help with experienced career coaches. Use this time to prep for the Multicultural Career Fair or to help strengthen your job search and prepare for future job interviews.
The Career Services Center has volunteer career coaches giving individualized help with interviews, elevator speeches and resume critiques. All of the Career Service Center resources are free, no appointment necessary, but registration is requested.
Who, When & Where
Both the Career Center and the Career Services Center are open to individuals who hold or are pursuing a college degree. Veterans, people of color, and members of other underrepresented populations are invited to attend.
The Career Services Center with free career coaching is open Tuesday, April 9, 10am-5pm and Wednesday April 10, 9am-3pm at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
The Career Fair with employer exhibitors is Wednesday, April 10, 9am-4pm.
Related News
- Minnesota must close its employment and wealth gaps (MinnPost)
- Good Question: Why Is Jobless Gap By Race So Bad In MN? (WCCO-TV)
- Twin Cities again lead nation in black, white unemployment gap (Minnesota Public Radio)
- Minnesota Not-So-Nice: Examining the Employment Gap & Career Success for Twin Cities Communities of Color
DeniseMpls Career Services 
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