How can you explore multiple identities to make better career choices?

1 What are multiple identities?

Multiple identities are the various aspects of yourself that shape your sense of who you are and how you relate to the world. They can include your gender, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, sexuality, class, ability, age, and more. They can also include your personal, professional, social, and civic roles and affiliations. For example, you may identify as a woman, a Latina, a mother, a teacher, a writer, a feminist, and a volunteer. These identities are not fixed or separate, but fluid and intersecting. They can change over time and in different contexts.

2 Why are multiple identities important for career counseling?

Multiple identities are important for career counseling because they affect your career development and satisfaction. They can influence your motivations, preferences, skills, challenges, opportunities, and expectations. They can also shape how you perceive and respond to the career options and resources available to you. For example, your cultural identity may inspire you to pursue a career that serves your community, or your parental role may require you to balance work and family demands. Recognizing and honoring your multiple identities can help you find a career that aligns with your authentic self and values.

3 How can you explore your multiple identities?

One way to explore your multiple identities is to use a self-assessment tool or exercise that helps you reflect on your various attributes and roles. For example, you can use a life map, a collage, a story, or a worksheet to identify and illustrate your multiple identities. You can also use a journal, a mentor, a coach, or a counselor to discuss and analyze your multiple identities. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and how your multiple identities interact and affect your career aspirations and decisions.

4 How can you integrate your multiple identities?

Another way to explore your multiple identities is to integrate them into your career exploration and planning. This means looking for career options and paths that match or complement your multiple identities, or that allow you to express or develop them. For example, you can research careers that relate to your interests, values, skills, or passions. You can also network with people who share or respect your multiple identities, or who can offer you support or guidance. You can also seek out opportunities to learn new skills or gain new experiences that enhance your multiple identities.

5 How can you cope with identity conflicts or challenges?

Sometimes, you may face identity conflicts or challenges that make it difficult to explore or integrate your multiple identities into your career choices. For example, you may experience discrimination, bias, stereotypes, or barriers based on your identity. You may also feel pressured to conform, compromise, or hide some of your identities in certain settings or situations. You may also struggle to balance or prioritize your multiple identities and roles. To cope with these issues, you can seek support from family, friends, mentors, or counselors who can empathize and validate your multiple identities. Additionally, joining or creating groups, communities, or networks that celebrate and advocate for your multiple identities can be beneficial. Furthermore, developing self-esteem, confidence, and resilience to overcome negative messages or experiences related to your identity is important. Exploring options and alternatives to find a career that respects and accommodates your multiple identities is also necessary. Lastly, negotiating or advocating for your needs and rights in your current or potential career is recommended.

6 How can you use multiple identities for social justice?

Finally, you can use your multiple identities for social justice, which means using your career as a platform to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion. You can challenge and change the status quo that oppresses or excludes certain identities, educate and inspire others to understand the complexity of multiple identities, collaborate with those who share or support your causes, and create solutions that address the needs of marginalized or underserved identities.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?