Panel to discuss bias in hiring practices in upcoming seminar

When it comes to recruiting and hiring practices, employers and job seekers often encounter one another’s implicit biases. These attitudes or stereotypes towards others can be an obstacle when it comes to developing a diverse and inclusive work environment. A virtual panel discussion to be held on Wednesday, Sept. 30 aims to address the notion of implicit bias in workplace hiring practices. 

The panel, titled “How did I get the job? Decoding the hiring process,” will take place on Zoom and is the second in a three-part Diversity and Inclusion series hosted by the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Office of Career Development and Corporate Relations, Engineering Academic Excellence Program and 100+ Women Strong. Panelists will include representatives from International Paper, ENERCON and Trane. 

Antonio Duran, assistant professor of administration for higher education and moderator of the event, said he is excited to articulate how employers are making moves to address implicit bias and to have this conversation as students consider their futures in various industries.

“Individuals should attend this seminar to better understand the barriers that may exist in the hiring practices for minoritized populations and learn how companies are addressing these oppressive behaviors,” Duran said. “I hope students will take away from this seminar the knowledge to better navigate the hiring process and to gain the information necessary to address the challenges that exist when they are employers themselves.”

Mandy Ledkins is a representative from International Paper and will be participating as a panelist. She is eager to share how her company is reflecting on implicit bias and exploiting the root cause of bias in order to foster an engaged workforce.

“I am most looking forward to learning about the ways other companies are taking action about diversity and inclusion within their organizations, especially on the recruitment and selection of employees,” Ledkins said. “If someone wants to self-reflect on their own biases and understand how companies are incorporating diversity within company cultures, they should attend this seminar.” 

The overarching goal of the seminar series is to provide feedback and advice to students on issues they may face when they enter the workforce, said Apryl Mullins, assistant director of career develop and corporate relations. 

“All of us have biases,” Mullins said. “In this second seminar, we will explore how our backgrounds and experiences impact our attitudes and affect decisions we make. We will learn how we can mitigate these biases and keep an open mind about potential candidates and colleagues.”