The heterogeneity of the American continent, viewed from all aspects (ethnic, linguistic, religious, geographical, social, cultural, etc.), is a characteristic of the USA society since its establishment.
Asian Americans – the people who originate from Asia but live and work in the USA form an integral part of USA from the very beginnings of their migration in the 18th century (according to some sources even from the 16th century) to the present.
The predictions are that by the middle of the 21st century, Americans of non-European origin will reach 50% of the total USA population, so employers need to pay considerable attention to educating, recruiting and promoting minority groups, among which Asian Americans occupy a significant place.
Asian American job-seekers should also educate themselves and prepare for a diverse workforce. To help you with that – here are some specialized resources for Asian Americans where you can find information about work, internships, qualifications, networking, mentoring and business development opportunities.
Table of Contents
The number of Americans of Asian origin has been steadily increasing. Today this figure is over 20 million people, originating from various parts of Asia, i.e., East Asian Americans (Japanese, Chinese, Koreans, etc.), South-East Asian Americans (Indonesians, Filipino, Vietnamese, etc.), as well as South Asian Americans (Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalese, etc.).
As one of the mechanisms for easier inclusion of this population, in 2009 the USA adopted an Executive Order number 13515. The essence of this act is the establishment of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders .
This is in addition to the efforts of each state in the USA undertaken to enable the promotion of employment opportunities for Asian Americans, such as employment strategies and various related action plans and programs.
The spirit of human rights
The USA legislation is created in the spirit of human rights, freedom, democracy, and liberalism, so that all citizens of the USA, including those of Asian descent, enjoy the privileges and benefits guaranteed by the Constitution.
Still, there is a (so-called) "informal discrimination" where some forms of latent discrimination, such as the case of Asian women being sexually harassed in the technology industry , affect the Asian American population.
If you or someone you know in the workplace (an applicant or an employee) is treated unfairly due to being of a certain race contact the nearest EEOC Field Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – a government organization that's responsible for ensuring that everyone is treated equally in the workplace.
View here for more information regarding race/color discrimination in work situations.
This online forum serves as a link between bilingual speakers of English along with some of the Asian languages and employers who have a need to hire such bilingual or multilingual speaker.
A big cyber community of Asian American professionals helping each other to improve their career, foster friendships and increase interactions with different employers.
The following are associations that offer information and opportunities for career and leadership development of Asian Americans, and also for networking, mentoring and business development in a range of industries:
Business
Aims to be the gateway to corporate and government contracts, Asian American suppliers, information about Asian Americans and the Asia and Indian Subcontinent markets.
Perhaps the largest and fastest growing association of Asian Americans professionals offering a wide range of activities: advisory, financial, logistics and etc. that helps Asian-American to become great leaders as well as valuable employees.
Provides a multi-year and multi-track program, consisting of one-on-one mentoring, access to workshops and general sessions with influential keynote speakers (focusing on topics such as personal branding, leadership, management, negotiation, and communication skills), and regular networking opportunities.
Was established in New York City in 1994 to promote greater recognition of Asian American businesses’ contributions to the general economy.
AABDC encourages Asian American businesses to be more actively involved in issues and policies that directly affect them and provides capacity-building assistance to businesses to enable them to compete in the mainstream marketplace.
Established in 2005, it is the largest non-profit Pan Asian organization for business professionals in North America. They offer professional development and career enhancement programs designed to cultivate Pan-Asian talent.
Assisting Asian women involved in business activities either as an entrepreneur or a professional. Throughout the years, AWIB has expanded its mission to address issues affecting Asian Americans on the corporate level; and Asian women in the legal arena; and has also established a scholarship program for undergraduates demonstrating leadership.
The largest procurement conference for Asian American businesses, connecting Fortune corporations and governments with Asian American and minority businesses to pursue contracting relationships.
Law and Accounting
The National Association of Asian Pacific American attorneys, judges, law professors, and law students.
Its members (over 50,000 attorneys and 81 national, state, and local bar associations) include solo practitioners, large firm lawyers, corporate counsel, legal services and non-profit attorneys, and lawyers serving at all levels of government.
NAPABA engages in legislative and policy advocacy, it promotes Asian Pacific American political leadership and political appointments and builds coalitions within the legal profession and the community at large.
Founded in 1974, a national organization that protects and promotes the civil rights of Asian Americans. It combines litigation, advocacy, and education and works with Asian American communities across the USA to secure human rights for all.
Enhances the presence and influence of Asian Americans in the accounting and finance professions and helping Asian American accountants, finance professionals, and its associate members to cultivate growth of accounting and finance knowledge, and to advance business development opportunities.
Journalism and Advertising
A membership non-profit organization advancing diversity in newsrooms and ensures fair and accurate coverage of communities of color.
Made up of Asian American advertising agencies, media, advertisers and strategic partners with a mission to grow the Asian American advertising and marketing industry, raise public awareness of the importance of the Asian American community and further professionalism within the industry.
Engineering and Architecture
Empowering professionals working in the construction environment with their personal and professional growth, business development, networking, and leadership.
Medicine
A national organization of medical and pre-medical students committed to addressing the unique health challenges of Asian and Pacific Islander American (APIA) communities. It also provides an important forum for APIA medical students to meet, exchange information and experiences and develop personally and professionally.
Helps Indian American Physicians to excel in patient care, teaching, and research and to pursue their aspirations in professional and community affairs.
A non-profit professional organization of Chinese American physicians and physicians that care for the Chinese community that aims to promote quality healthcare through physician networking and professional development.
Education
A national organization for MBA professionals and students that fosters competent, committed, competitive, and collaborative global MBA leaders to fulfil diverse talent pipelines.
Provides Asian American and Pacific Islanders with resources (scholarships, mentorship, guidance, strategic alliances, research, etc.) that increase their access to higher education.
Social Policy, Culture, and Government
The fastest growing racial group in the United States with a mission to improve the quality of life for low-income Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders by promoting economic vitality, civic and political participation, as well as racial equity.
An organization that promotes equal opportunity and cultural diversity for Asian Pacific Americans within the Federal and District of Columbia governments. FAPAC encourages the participation and advancement of APAs in the Government workforce.
Aims to promote, expand and support Asian American and Pacific Islander leadership in Government.
A membership organization of Chinese Americans dedicated to the spirit of excellence and achievement in America. Its mission is to ensure full inclusion of Chinese Americans in the USA and advancing the U.S.-China relations.
A national organization whose mission is to secure and safeguard the civil and human rights of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans and all communities who are affected by injustice and bigotry. The leaders and members of the JACL also work to promote and preserve the heritage and legacy of the Japanese American Community.
A nonprofit organization established in 1983 to promote the civic and civil rights interests of the Korean American community. KAC endeavors to achieve these goals through education, community organization, leadership development, and coalition-building with diverse communities.
Formed in 1990 in Chicago, its mission is to serve as the unequivocal voice for the South Asian Diaspora by developing and engaging a cohesive network of professionals to benefit the community.
It's been empowering South Asian professionals through their four pillars: Professional Development, Cultural Awareness, Community Service, and Political Awareness.
To see a listing of Asian and Asian American organizations within any particular State in the USA, please select the State of your choice here for a description of all listed such organizations.
To wrap up
These are some of the top professional organizations and other sources of information that provide Asian Americans with career-related advice, but also facilitate professional networking, education, and business opportunities.
In the future, we can expect an even bigger development of such resources, due to the fact that the Asian population in America is experiencing continued growth and is becoming one of the key minority groups in the USA.
