Finding Diversity and Inclusion in a Covid Job Market
Finding Diversity and Inclusion in a COVID Job Market: Perspectives from Career Coach, Tazeen Raza
By Tazeen Reza
As this year closes, we realize Muslim women professionals are finding it increasingly difficult to not only find a job, but find one that will be truly welcoming and inclusive to their unique identities. This compounded with COVID-induced circumstances has made navigating a career an all-around struggle.
So this month we sat with Tazeen Raza, a career coach dedicated to assisting many professional women in reaching their career goals. As a professional herself, she too breaks down her thoughts on adjusting to these realities.
December 24, 2020
Tell me about yourself professionally and personally
I have several years of professional Human Resources (HR) work experience. This journey allowed me to realize that my real passion laid in helping individuals attain their dream jobs, while showcasing themselves in the best possible way. That’s when I began my Career Coach chapter.
Being able to understand my clients’ strengths and weaknesses is one of the most important components of the conversation, and an area where I bring my expertise. I personally work with each client in a fashion tailored toward their individual needs; while simultaneously providing honest feedback to ensure that they get the most from the coaching sessions.
When and what brought you into your field?
As a mother of two and a wife for over ten years, I found myself wondering what was next. I was working for a large fashion company and just had my second baby. I loved my job in HR and felt I was doing important work. But working for a company, you have a company’s best interest in mind.
The turning point for me was when I was able to participate in a project with “Dress for Success”, a company that helps women who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances get back to work by providing them the clothing as well as guidance they need. I helped the woman I was paired with polish up her interview skills. She said she had never gotten such direct feedback that would help her adjust her delivery. I knew I had found my calling.
As Muslim women professionals, we hope our workplaces embrace our own unique identities, which means real diversity and inclusion (D&I). So how would you describe D&I? What’s the difference between the two?
Diversity means that all levels of leadership include people of all races and cultures. Certain higher-level roles are not reserved for “white” people. Inclusion means creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and represented.
What was a moment in your career or in school where you realized you were an “other”?
I went to a school in California that was predominantly white. In the school, there were a group of ethnic kids who all hung out together. I realized I was the other after 9/11, when people started to wonder who we were loyal to. We went far as to put flags in our yard to show people we were Americans first.
When the world was officially declared to be in a pandemic, what were your first thoughts about how it could affect your profession?
I knew many people would be out of work and some would be exploring new careers. That’s when I started an Instagram channel where I posted short videos on job-related topics that would help people take baby steps in the right direction. For example, I gave tips on how to take an effective LinkedIn picture and how to take advantage of free classes offered at this time.
As an HR professional in this market, what can companies do to truly promote D&I for MWPs coming into a job?
It starts with the team and leadership. As a company, leaders show others what the expectation is and others follow suit. It looks different in each company but it’s important when everyone feels heard. It’s leadership’s responsibility to set the stage.
How has the current state of the pandemic made you feel about the future of your career/career field?
The field is changing with people working from home. HR professionals have a lot of work ahead (and I am sure tons of lawsuits) when it comes to how people are currently working. Like any career, we will have to adjust to the changing times and find new ways to do our jobs.
As Muslims, what are the top priorities for making us feel included in the general professional sphere?
Hijab is something that is part of us that makes us look different externally. It’s important to step back and ensure our work is what is being noticed and not the way we look.
Do you have any tips for scoping out places to apply that will value D&I?
A great place to start is to read the news. Has this company had any law suits or any other things in the news that makes them questionable? Look at the Glassdoor website and see what are others saying.
Any advice for MWPs trying to find their career path in this uncertain year while entering workplaces where they feel excluded or othered?
When it comes to building your career, start with small steps, like having a friend look over your resume. It helps to have a fresh eye, and they can help you identify syntax errors or give advice on aesthetic. Take it one day at a time. A lot of people are in the same boat. The only thing that we can do is move forward.
Also it’s so important to speak out when you feel that you are being excluded in a new job. We can’t assume that people know how we feel. If you do say something, and you feel that it is falling on deaf ears, then that doesn’t seem like an inclusive place. It’s time to look elsewhere.
