As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face cutbacks at major companies like Amazon, Meta, and McDonald’s, (via Axios) professionals from marginalized communities are increasingly anxious about their career futures.
The wave of rollbacks has left many queer individuals, Black professionals, and people of color questioning their job security and opportunities. Recent LinkedIn studies show that 69% of LGBTQIA+ professionals feel limited by the current political and economic climate, with one in five fearing job instability if they change positions. The data also reveals that 70% of LGBTQ+ professionals and 64% of Black professionals plan to seek new jobs in 2025, but over half say the job market has become significantly more difficult in the past year.
Networking remains a key strategy for overcoming these challenges. LinkedIn research indicates that professionals are four times more likely to secure a job at a company where they have an existing connection. However, nearly 45% of Black professionals and 50% of LGBTQ+ professionals wish they had better tools to assess how their skills match potential roles.
With companies scaling back DEI programs, marginalized professionals are left to navigate these difficulties on their own. This situation underscores the need for strategic career planning and resourcefulness, says Andrew McCaskill, a LinkedIn career expert and communications executive focused on empowering marginalized communities.
McCaskill, the creator of the newsletter The Black Guy in Marketing, provides tailored career advice to professionals of color, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. His advocacy for diversity in media and marketing helped bring LGBTQ+ audience measurement to Nielsen, ensuring better representation in TV, radio, and streaming analytics. Recognized as a diversity leader by Fortune magazine, McCaskill has also served as a global executive sponsor for Nielsen’s LGBTQ+ employee business groups. In 2023, Nike named him a #BeTrue Brand Ambassador to foster discussions about LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports.
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In light of the uncertainty in today’s job market, McCaskill urges professionals to take charge of their careers. “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.”
As DEI programs and employee resource groups disappear, McCaskill encourages professionals to create a personalized career strategy that prioritizes stability, growth, and alignment with personal values. “Your network, your skills, and using technology are going to be the pathways for people — especially from marginalized groups — not just to survive but to thrive,” he explains.
McCaskill highlights LinkedIn as a vital tool for navigating the changing job market. He advises job seekers to maximize their profiles by listing all their skills, even those they might not enjoy but that enhance marketability. Tools like LinkedIn’s Job Collections can help professionals filter companies based on diversity commitments, paid leave policies, and work-life balance — as long as those companies still uphold those values.
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Additionally, McCaskill encourages users to turn on LinkedIn’s “Open to Work” feature in stealth mode, making them visible to recruiters without notifying their current employers. “Sixty nine million companies use LinkedIn as their primary tool to source talent — don’t sleep on that,” he says. He also recommends setting Job Alerts to target specific industries, roles, and locations, helping to streamline the job search process.
Outside of LinkedIn, McCaskill emphasizes the importance of building a diverse support network. “Our non-Hispanic white counterparts can be great resources for decoding workplace culture, and straight colleagues can offer valuable insights,” he notes. A diverse network provides confidence, course correction, and context, especially when preparing for interviews, salary negotiations, or understanding industry norms.
Despite the opposition to DEI initiatives, McCaskill’s advice offers a roadmap for marginalized professionals to not only survive but also thrive in an evolving job market. By honing their skills, leveraging technology, and developing strategic networks, professionals can take control of their careers and continue to grow amid these challenges.
McCaskill also points to emerging job sectors that professionals should consider as they seek new opportunities, with further details available through LinkedIn News.
