10 Companies With The Best Diversity And Inclusion Initiatives To Apply To After Graduation

A high salary and a reputable name are no longer the only priorities for master's graduates. 

Those currently entering the workforce with a top business education are increasingly interested in social matters, including whether a company has strong diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. 

DEI has become essential to business. According to a report published by Global Industry Analysts, the global market for Diversity and Inclusion estimated at $7.5 Billion in 2020, is projected to reach a revised size of $15.4 Billion by 2026.

So, which companies excel in this vital area and where can you launch a successful and ethical career after business school? 

Here are some of the top companies with the best diversity and inclusion initiatives. 

Progressive 

Progressive is the second-largest insurance carrier and the largest commercial auto insurer in the United States, worth almost $75 billion. Famous for its comedic commercials with the recurring character Flo, Progressive is true to its name, prioritizing diversity and inclusion values and initiatives.

The company promotes a culture of inclusion through its companywide Courageous Conversations and Dares to Disagree programs, and a DEI Speakers Bureau. In these programs employees can share their perspectives and presenters and facilitators lead teams in discussions around biases, stereotypes, and the development of inclusive behaviors. 

The continuing expansion of DEI initiatives and its forward-thinking approach makes Progressive an excellent company to launch a career after graduation. 

Graduates can apply to Accounting, Data and Analytics, and Technology internships with the firm. In fact, 80% of the interns are hired for full-time positions. 

TD Bank

TD Bank is one of the largest American national banks in the country, worth $141 billion. Based in New Jersey, the bank has made diversity and inclusion a fundamental part of its ideology. 

TD strives to go beyond empty promises and put its commitments into action. This includes 5.8% of its Canadian workforce identifying as having a disability—achieving a 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ+ Workplace Equality—and over 1,200 TD employees being members of online Indigenous communities.

TD Bank offers top graduate opportunities such as the Business Banking Program, Global Functions Program, and Leadership Associate Program. 

TIAA

TIAA Bank is an online bank offering personal banking services.

TIAA has numerous Business Resource Groups to promote equity and diversity. This includes Empowered for African American Associates and Allies, Alliance for LGBTQ+ Associates and Allies, and Engage for Asian Associates and Allies, among others. 

You can start your career here through early talent tracks, such as a summer internship or post-graduate rotational program. There are also career opportunities across various areas, including Accounting and Financial Analysis, Strategic Business Relations, and Marketing and Communications. 

Air Products & Chemicals

Air Products & Chemicals is an American international corporation whose principal business is selling gases and chemicals for industrial uses.

By 2025, Air Products aims to achieve at least 28% female representation in the professional and managerial population globally and 30% minority representation in the same population in the US.

Air Products has a comprehensive system for students and recent graduates, which includes various internships such as…and full-time career opportunities to join the global team.

Clorox

Clorox is a global consumer goods manufacturer and the parent company of several recognizable products, including Burts Bees and Brita.  

Clorox refers to its diversity and inclusion initiative as IDEA, referencing (I)nclusion, (D)iversity, (E)quity, and (A)llyship. IDEA focuses on gender and ethnic minority pay equity, gender and ethnic minority representation, and the inclusion index. 

Clorox has several early career talent programs, including a summer internship program, a six-month internship, and a future leaders orientation program. 

Humana

Humana is an American health insurance company—the fourth largest in the US. In 2021, the company ranked 41 on the Fortune 500 list.

Through the Disability Hiring Program, Mature Workers Initiative, and Veterans Hiring Initiative, Humana connects with various recruitment sources to create pathways for diverse professionals.

At Humana, there are internships and full-time opportunities for graduate students. Graduates can pursue internships in a range of career paths such as strategy and innovation, operations, and data and analytics.

Citigroup

Citigroup, or Citi, is an investment banking and financial services corporation with over $250 billion in assets under management.

To keep diversity at the center of decision-making, Citi has multiple Inclusion Networks which are co-led by a senior leadership team member. The ten Inclusion Networks include Asian Heritage, Black Heritage, Disabilities, Generations, Hispanic/Latino Heritage, Social Mobility (UK), and Pride.

Citi has internships and career opportunities globally in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, and North America. This includes short-term internships, long-term internships, and full-time positions. 

Booz Allen Hamilton 

Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm with expertise in analytics, digital, engineering, and cybersecurity. 

The company has diversity and inclusion woven into its purpose and values. Among various initiatives, Booz Allen Hamilton has 73% diversity representation among the board of directors, eight out of nine leadership team members are women or ethnically diverse, and 30% of employees are veterans. 

Booz Allen Hamilton has internship and job opportunities for current students and recent graduates. Featured skill areas include consulting, data science and analytics, and digitalization.

Intel 

Multinational corporation Intel is the world's largest manufacturer by revenue of semiconductor chips, a product used in most of the world's electronic devices.

Employees at Intel have a network of 45+ Employee Resource Groups and Leadership Councils. These are focused on race, national origin, gender identity, parenthood, diverse abilities, education, faith and beliefs, and other common affinities. 

If students wish to join this innovative, revolutionary tech corporation, internships are available globally in areas including AI, business, sales, marketing, as well as rotational and graduate programs. 

Maximus

Maximus is a provider of program management and consulting services to government agencies throughout the US.

Maximus has made DEI a key part of its business, from talent acquisition to retention of long serving employees. This commitment to diversity is exemplified in its workforce with 72% of the workforce being female and 64% being people of color. 

Maximus has a number of internships suited for business masters graduates. This includes an operations analyst internship, learning and development internship, and a business development internship. In the business development internship you will support business development professionals performing operations research and analysis including market analysis, identification of technology trends, development of competitive assessments, and detailed research into customer mission and strategy.

Launching your career with a firm that centers DEI at the heart of their business values could help you establish a purposeful career after your master’s degree. Although, it’s always important to conduct your own research into companies to ensure the values align with your own.