7 answers
6
Asked 1856 views

Are there downsides to hiring someone who graduated from an HBCU (Historically Black College/University)?

I just wanted to know if all graduates are looked at as qualified no matter what school they attended or if students from certain schools look more qualified #college #jobs #university #hbcu #black

university hbcu black
Answer This

+25 Karma if successful
From: You
To: Friend
Subject: Career question for you
6

7 answers

2
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jerel’s Answer

Hi Augusta – thank you for your question. I am happy to provide some insight for you. Firstly, I understand your question to mean: Are there any disadvantages to companies for hiring someone who graduated from an HBCU? My short answer for this question is, absolutely not. However, I would like to provide some additional information and context for you. Historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) are institutions of higher education in the United States that were established before the Civil Rights Act of 1964 with the intention of primarily serving the African American or black community. Today, HBCUs provide a quality of education that is comparable to non-HBCUs, because HBCUs are required to meet the same higher education accreditation standards as non-HBCUs. Additionally, HBCUs have played, and continue to play, an essential role in the social, educational, political and economic development of the black community. Regarding the hiring aspect of your question, many companies and job recruiters, in the past, have exclusively targeted students from large non-HBCU state schools or well-known non-HBCU private schools. For that reason, HBCUs were not always been represented equally in the workplace. Many companies today are now aware of this discrepancy and are actively recruiting more talent from HBCUs as an effort to diversify the workplace. To sum all of this up as well as going back to your original question, there really is no disadvantage to companies for hiring someone who graduated from an HBCU because evidence shows that the performance of HBCU graduates is equivalent to that of non-HBCU graduates. As others on this post have stated, it is important to acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for your given career path regardless of the institution you attend. Your educational background is only part of your story; there is still room for you to write the rest. I hope this helps.
2
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Musaab’s Answer

Hi Augusta,


I can only speak from the perspective of a company looking for software developers. We have gone to events specifically looking for people who are graduating from an HBCU. This probably extends beyond the tech industry, but more and more companies are waking up to the fact that there are talented individuals at a wide variety of colleges.


Best of luck!

Musaab
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Jennifer’s Answer

As a undergraduate of an HBCU, I can honestly say that I have not been overlooked because of my school. I believe all college graduates are looked at as qualified. It's how you present yourself on your resume as well as during an interview. I will say that some corporations are more likely to seek graduates from well known schools regardless if it's an HBCU or not. If you're a graduate from a small less than well known school, then you will have to do more of the seeking. I hope this helps you to make your choice. Good luck!
1
1
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Doloris’s Answer

Absolutely not! As an HBCU Alumni and a leader within my organization, HBCU education is not all seen as a deterrent in hiring. Realistically, many Fortune 100 companies actually seek out diversity candidates through HBCU pipeline internship programs, college visits and through other mechanisms. With that said, it is also important to research whatever college you choose to attend, their curriculum and their career development.
1
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Lauren’s Answer

Augusta,

The best advice given to me was: your college experience is what you make it.

Speaking from personal experience: I attended an HBCU and can assure you I was never looked at as less for the university I attended. Your university does not determine how qualified you are. When you get to college you just have to work hard and make the most of your experiences.

Attending an HBCU will provide you with so many opportunities but which ever school you choose the sky is the limit!

-Lauren
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Crystal’s Answer

As a leader who has participated in recruiting events and supported the HR screening process for new employees, and as someone who hires employees for promotion within the organization, I certainly do not see attending an HBCU as a downside at all. I've also not heard of this discussed as a concern amongst my peers; when we are hiring for someone in a role which requires a degree, most people don't generally further research the school at all. There are also many companies who intentionally recruit at HBCU schools in order to ensure that they tap into the immense talent within these schools.

I'd encourage you to select your school based on the degree you're interested in pursuing, the extra curriculars you're interested in, and the type of college environment you want to be a part of. Wherever that leads you, tackle it head on, enjoy the full experience and be proud of your college!
0
0
Updated
Share a link to this answer
Share a link to this answer

Joe’s Answer

There are downsides to hiring graduates of any school, not just HBCUs. The challenge in the hiring process is identifying people with the skills you need to help grow your business. The school the applicant attended is just one factor. Employers will look at all factors (including experience, certifications, volunteer work, etc.) on a resume when making a hiring decision. Some companies may have stricter qualifications than others (only hiring from certain schools). However, that is not typical.


Make yourself attractive to a company by becoming a well rounded candidate in addition to your educational background.
0