Why Minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Studies
Becoming a Professional in Inclusive Organizations
All professions benefit from a strong understanding of the issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. When getting a job, many interviewers will ask for experience in these arenas, as companies strive to create positive working environments for all people.
A minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies attests to a commitment to a positive workplace and an understanding of the diverse needs of different populations. Particularly in traditionally male-oriented professions like doctors and scientists, companies want to invite the diversity that can positivelty impact both their working situations and their bottom lines.
Prepare Yourself for an Inclusive Future: Business Major, WGSS Minor
Now more than ever before, workplaces are investing in employees who demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to safe office environments. In fact, many successful business companies and organizations are looking to expand and hire for diversity programs within the company.
As part of their journalistic series chronicling modern women leaders, Forte interviewed Vanguard's Chief Diversity Officer, Crystal Hardie Langston. Langston emphasizes her role of advancing an inclusive culture at Vanguard, one of the largest financial investment and advising companies in the region. She maintains that for a Diversity Officer, "it’s important to be a strategic thinker; be able to cultivate a common vision; and have high EQ and communications skills to be successful." Curriculum in the Women and Gender Studies program will aid in your development and application of these skills.
A minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Millersville will bolster your business degree, illuminating that you have learned to enthusiastically work with people who may look, think, and act differently than yourself in a professional setting - making you a better applicant and a more informed person.
Read more about Crystal Hardie Langston's career path and current position at Vanguard in her article below.
Broaden the Scope of Your Degree: Biology Major, W&GS Minor
Biology programs attract the highest number of female students compared to other sciences. According to MIT News, "half of all biology graduate students are women, and 40 percent of biology postdocs are female." Yet, "those numbers drop dramatically among faculty members: Nationwide, only 36 percent of assistant professors and 18 percent of full professors are women" because female research and assistants are underrepresented in "the labs of the highest-achieving male biology professors," actively blocking women from achieving higher paid positions and recognition for their work.
Biology majors interested in learning about the issues facing marginalized populations in their own field and how biologist-activists are challenging the status quo across the globe should consider a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.
Read about the study revealing the gender gap in labs across the nation and the reason it is happening.