As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face a wave of rollbacks across major companies like Amazon, Meta, and McDonald's (via Axios), professionals from marginalized communities are getting anxious about their career prospects.
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The relentless dismantling of DEI programs has left queer folks, Black professionals, and other people of color questioning where they stand in terms of job security and future opportunities.
According to recent LinkedIn studies, 69 percent of LGBTQIA+ professionals feel the current political and economic climate limits their opportunities, with 1 in 5 fearing a loss of stability if they change jobs. Additionally, studies show that 70 percent of LGBTQ+ professionals and 64 percent of Black professionals plan to seek new roles in 2025. However, more than half of those professionals report that job hunting has gotten significantly harder in the past year.
LinkedIn data also shows that networking is still a crucial element in overcoming these obstacles. Specifically, the study shows that members are four times more likely to land a job at a company where they have an existing connection. Yet, nearly 45 percent of Black professionals and 50 percent of LGBTQ+ professionals wish they had better ways to assess how their skills align with potential roles.
With companies doing away with DEI initiatives, professionals must navigate these challenges alone, which subsequently reinforces the need of strategic career planning and resourcefulness.
Enter Andrew McCaskill, a LinkedIn Career Expert and Global Communications Executive whose work is focused on empowering marginalized professionals. As the creator of a newsletter called The Black Guy in Marketing, McCaskill provides career guidance tailored to professionals of color, women, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
As a longtime champion of diversity in media and marketing, McCaskill was instrumental in bringing LGBTQ+ audience measurement to Nielsen — which ensured better representation in TV, radio, and streaming analytics. Recognized by Fortune magazine as a diversity leader, he has also served as a global executive sponsor for Nielsen's LGBTQ+ employee business groups. In 2023, Nike named him a #BeTrue Brand Ambassador through a collaboration that fostered conversations on LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports and amplified the voices of queer athletes.
In response to the growing uncertainty in today's job market, McCaskill emphasizes the importance of self-reliance. "For gay folks, the cavalry is not coming for you," he says. "That's a tough statement, but once you accept that truth, the next step is taking your career progression into your own hands."
It's no secret that DEI programs and employee resource groups disappearing. Thus, he urges professionals to develop a personal career strategy — one that prioritizes stability, growth, and workplace alignment with their values.
McCaskill stresses the power of networks and technology in navigating this landscape. "Your network, your skills, and using technology are going to be the pathways for people — especially from marginalized groups — not just to survive this moment but to thrive," he explains.
He highlights LinkedIn as a vital tool, noting that members should maximize their profiles by listing as many skills as possible, including those they might not enjoy but that increase marketability. He advises job seekers to leverage tools like LinkedIn's Job Collections to filter companies based on diversity commitments, paid leave policies, and work-life balance initiatives while those companies still uphold them.
McCaskill adds that LinkedIn's most effective job search tools, such as "Open to Work," can significantly boost visibility as well. "Turning on Open to Work in stealth mode lets recruiters know you're available without alerting your current employer, pushing you to the top of search algorithms."
"Sixty nine million companies use LinkedIn as their primary tool to source talent — don't sleep on that," McCaskill explains. He also encourages professionals to set Job Alerts tailored to specific industries, locations, and roles, making the job search more efficient and targeted.
Beyond LinkedIn, McCaskill believes in the power of establishing a diverse support system. "Our non-Hispanic white counterparts can be great resources for decoding workplace culture, and straight colleagues can offer valuable insights. Having a diverse network gives you confidence, course correction, and context," he says.
Trusted advisors can help professionals refine interview skills, navigate salary negotiations, and understand industry norms.
As DEI initiatives face opposition, McCaskill's guidance offers a roadmap for marginalized professionals to not only withstand these shifts but to emerge stronger. By taking proactive steps — honing skills, leveraging technology, and fostering strategic networks — professionals can reclaim control over their careers, ensuring they continue to grow despite the challenges ahead.
Andrew McCaskill also highlighted a few jobs on the rise for individuals to keep in mind as they navigate new opportunities — which you can read via LinkedIn News.
