I work to eliminate the wealth gap by empowering America's workforce. My day involves strategizing with employers like Walmart and Disney to enhance their talent and economic mobility. I lead a team of coaches who guide career transitions and connect individuals with necessary skills. I also consult internally to align efforts with our mission. Hearing success stories of people overcoming challenges and achieving excellence fuels my passion, making every day about creating equal opportunities.
CAREER
Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Overview
Salary Median (2023)
$75,670
Projected Job Growth (2023-2033)
+4.6% (slower than the average)
Career
What Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers Do
Monitor and evaluate compliance with equal opportunity laws, guidelines, and policies to ensure that employment practices and contracting arrangements give equal opportunity without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability.
Other Job Titles Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers May Have
Affirmative Action Officer (AA Officer), Civil Rights Investigator, Civil Rights Representative, Complaint Investigations Officer, Equal Employment Opportunity Officer (EEO Officer), Equal Employment Opportunity Representative (EEO Representative), Equal Opportunity Specialist
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
Disability Rights Advocate & Public Policy Expert
I spend much of my time helping people with disabilities overcome barriers in education, work, and housing. I reach out to government offices, nonprofits, and other organizations to connect people with resources and make sure their rights are respected. I also teach people how to advocate for themselves, because my goal is to help them build the confidence and independence to speak up even when I’m not there.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Investigate employment practices or alleged violations of laws to document and correct discriminatory factors.
- Prepare reports related to investigations of equal opportunity complaints.
- Interview persons involved in equal opportunity complaints to verify case information.
- Study equal opportunity complaints to clarify issues.
- Interpret civil rights laws and equal opportunity regulations for individuals or employers.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (66%)
Some college, no degree
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Education, General
Bachelor
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
Graduate
Educational Leadership and Administration, Ge...
Doctorate
Education/Teaching of Individuals in Early Childhood Special...
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
Disability Rights Advocate & Public Policy Expert
Advocacy and persistence are essential to my work. I’ve learned how to communicate people’s rights, navigate systems, and keep pushing when institutions create barriers. Problem-solving helps me find resources and new ways forward, while empathy reminds me to put myself in someone else’s position and understand what they need.
In order to be an advocate, you have to be open to different ideas, and then you have to be able to communicate those ideas to your audiences. You definitely don't have to go to school to be an advocate; you just have to get out there and do it. If you're writing, you're a writer. If you're speaking, you're a speaker. It's all advocacy. But while you are in school, definitely find that area that you're passionate about, build up your knowledge, and your platform and follow your dreams.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
If you have a passion for something from a young age, start getting involved in classes and organizations that are related to your interests. It also helps to be in student government or services clubs where you can get the chance to practice writing, public speaking, and the leadership skills necessary to be an advocate and change your world.
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 29.2 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
