Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander
You are not alone in your career design journey. Here are some tools and resources you can use, but don’t hesitate to reach out for support by participating in coaching groups and the career studio – where your questions can be answered and tailored resources provided! RSVP to attend coaching labs here.
Campus Resources
Employer Engagement and Career Design partners with the following offices on campus to provide support for students and alumni with underrepresented racial, cultural, and/or ethnic identities to develop and achieve your career goals:
Check out the main Diversity & Inclusion Resources page to find more resources.
Professional Associations
Professional associations are a great way to make connections, look for jobs, and further your own professional development. These groups unite and inform people who work in the same industry or profession. There are many advantages to joining associations such as networking opportunities, conferences and forums, and job fairs.
Career Tip: If you cannot find a professional association opportunity that fits with your industry/profession below, conduct a web search to look up “Professional Association” along with your industry/profession title. You can also network with professionals to learn about opportunities within your specific industry/profession.
Business
- Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF) – The 3AF’s mission is to advance the Asian American marketing and advertising industry for Asian American consumers through education, advocacy, promotion, and increased collaboration of all industry stakeholders including but not limited to marketers, agencies, research partners and media. (Student Membership $50)
- Association of Asian American Bankers (AAAB) – The AAAB’s mission is to provide education, networking and social programming for its members related to the Bay Area community, the economy and banking.
- Association of Asian American Investment Managers (AAAIM) – AAAIM supports those trying to grow their careers by providing a forum for professionals in the industry to meet, network and create business opportunities.
Law
- Asian American Lawyers Association of Massachusetts (AALAM) – AALAM serves as a professional and social network for its members, who practice in all sectors of the legal profession. AALAM’s membership includes over 250 lawyers, judges, law professors, and law students in Massachusetts. Membership in AALAM automatically includes membership in the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA).
- National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) – NAPABA provides opportunities for internships, fellowships, and events where you can develop leadership and professional skills and how to get involved with the AAPI legal community.
- South Asian Bar Association of Greater Boston (SABAGB) – SABAGB provides a forum for professional networking and development, legal scholarship and education, and advocacy and community involvement
Healthcare
- Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (PAMSA)– Student organization focusing on AAPI health issues in the community and fiercely dedicated to serve others. Opportunities include: Conferences, mentorship, and other events to network.
- Japanese Medical Society of America – JMSA is an organization based in New York, involving Japanese healthcare providers, students, and those from diverse backgrounds who support promoting health, science and research among the Japanese communities in the US and Japan. (Student Membership $20)
Journalism
- Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) – Provides educational assistance for Asian American student-journalists. Vietnamese, Cambodian, Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander students are invited to compete for AAJA resources.
Government
- Asian American Government Executives Network (AAGEN) – AAGEN promotes, expands, and supports Asian American and Pacific Islander leadership in government by holding leadership workshops, senior executive service (SES) development programs, and one-on-one mentoring and coaching sessions.
Science and Engineering
- Asian American Architects and Engineers Association (AAa/e) – The Asian American Architects and Engineers Association (AAa/e) is committed to providing a platform for empowering professionals working in the built environment in personal and professional growth, business development and networking, and leadership in our community.
- Korean-American Scientists & Engineers (KSEA) New England Chapter – KSEA’s mission is to provide international cooperation, career development, and community service in the areas of science, technology and entrepreneurship. (Undergrad Membership Free, Grad Students Membership $15)
Other
- Asian American Professional Organization (AAPA) – AAPA is open to all professionals and students at junior, mid, and advanced career levels of all ethnic backgrounds, origins and races. Provides one-on-one mentoring, professional training, networking opportunities, Nonprofit board internship, and leadership events.
- Asian Hustle Network (AHN) – Asian Hustle Network highlights entrepreneurs around the world to amplify their voices and empower Asians to pursue their dreams and goals. We believe that each person has a message and a unique story from their entrepreneurial journey that they can share with all of us.
- National Association of Asian American Professionals (NAAAP) Boston Chapter – NAAP can provide you a great environment to network, learn best practices, meet prospective new hires, and advance or diversify your career interests. Includes professional development workshops and community events.
- National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) – Resources for Asian Pacific Americans by industry.
NU Student Organizations
One of the best ways to network and to find students who share your career goals is to become involved in a student organization on campus! Listed below are a number of student-run professional groups that have a specific interest in the advancement of Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander student populations.
Business
Law
Science and Engineering
A full listing of NU student organizations can be found online here.
Career Resources
Career resources and support for students among Asian/Asian American/Pacific Islander identities:
- Asian American Economic Development Enterprises – AAEDE aims to support and further the educational and professional goals of Asian Americans.
- Asian Career Network – Connect with companies recruiting talented Asian American professionals.
- Asian Life – Includes Job Search Engine and other career resources.
- IMDiversity Asian American village – Includes featured job openings.
Additional career resources by identity and majors can be found on the Diversity & Inclusion Resources page.
Opportunities for Professional Development
Because we learn from experience, you can’t just think your way to a fulfilling career: you need to test things out.
Career Tip: If you cannot find a professional development opportunity that fits with your industry/profession below, conduct a web search to look up “Professional Association” along with your industry/profession title. You can also network with professionals to learn about opportunities within your specific industry/profession.
- Choose a professional association and sign up to attend their upcoming events
Check out NUworks posts co-op, internship, and job listings.