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Workplace Diversity Experts

Education and Training Requirements

High School

Workplace diversity experts rely on a well-rounded education in their work. Take classes in business, mathematics, history, social sciences, and computer science. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are needed so be sure to include classes in communications, English, psychology, and speech. Knowledge of a foreign language is beneficial for working with international companies.

Postsecondary Education

Most employers prefer to hire workplace diversity experts who have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree in social science, such as psychology or sociology, or in human resources or a related field of study. Some workplace diversity experts may have a master's or doctoral degree. Areas of study include counseling, psychology, social work, human resource management, business administration, organizational development, industrial psychology, or other related fields. Classes in government and law are also essential for building knowledge of employment rules and regulations in the workplace.

Certification

The Association for Talent Development offers a DEI in talent development certificate and other certificate programs. Visit https://www.td.org/education for more information. Colleges and universities also provide a variety of human resources–related certificates. For example, Cornell University offers a diversity, equity and inclusion certificate and other DEI–related certificates to those who complete the certificate coursework online and pass an exam. Visit https://ecornell.cornell.edu/certificates/ for more information.

Other Education or Training

Diversity experts must continue to learn throughout their careers to keep up with employment laws and best practices in business. They take continuing education classes and workshops offered by professional associations such as the Association for Talent Development, Society for Human Resource Management, Public Sector HR Association, and WorldatWork. Visit the Web sites of these organizations to learn more.

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