Improve DEI Skills Through Online Courses and Training Programs

What is DEI?

As businesses look towards scaling new horizons, there is growing awareness of the importance of DEI in creating diverse workplaces. A survey conducted by Built In showed that 70% of the workforce in every one in four organizations is white and 40% of women and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) feel excluded. DEI stands for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and refers to policies and programs that facilitate the representation of people of different races, ethnicities, age groups, sexual orientations, and religions.

Diversity - Diversity indicates the representation of various races, genders, nationalities, socioeconomic statuses, political perspectives, disabilities, and age groups.

Equity - Similarly, equity is concerned with providing impartial justice and fairness in terms of procedures, distribution of resources, and operational processes within organizations.

Inclusion - Despite the presence of diversity and equity, representation and systemic neutrality may fall short; it is essential that employees feel welcome. This involves including them in key decision-making processes and offering growth opportunities within the institution.

Why is DEI Important?

In an increasingly competitive business landscape, it’s vital that every employee feels valued and is given the opportunity for growth. In view of this, DEI helps create workplaces that are collaborative, creative, and one where everyone, irrespective of their background, is aware of their intrinsic worth. A diverse workforce has more to offer in terms of ideas, skills, and expertise than a homogenous one which, in turn, positively impacts that organization as a whole.

Furthermore, a strong DEI strategy helps attract talent and boost employee retention. Companies with effective DEI policies have happier employees, and thus, a work culture that is conducive to progress, professionalism, and advanced performance. To truly implement DEI, organizations must undertake top-down, company-wide programs and integrate DEI into the larger business strategy and work culture. Providing sponsorships to marginalized groups, setting measurable and actionable goals, and communicating mutual expectations are some ways to ensure that DEI is uniformly implemented in a workplace. Learn more about DEI in the workplace.

Can I Take DEI Training Online?

Several resources for DEI training have emerged in recent years. While books, webinars, and conferences are among the most widely known platforms to learn about DEI, online DEI courses have also garnered immense popularity over the last few years. In addition to preparing the learner for excellence in a diverse and dynamic workplace, these courses have a considerable edge in terms of affordability and flexibility of schedule. Many of them are offered by renowned global institutions and serve as stepping stones to leadership positions for career advancement.

What Kind of Career Can I Get with a Background in DEI?

Whether you’re a recent graduate or an experienced professional, a background in DEI offers a significant opportunity for career advancement or career change. It is a rapidly-growing field with challenging job roles at various levels of expertise. Some executive-level positions include Chief DEI Officer, Chief Culture Officer, and Chief Equality Officer. Many often opt for vice-presidentship in the field as well as managerial positions, such as DEI manager, diversity program manager, DEI lead, and employment equity manager. Moreover, there are several openings at the entry-level too, including diversity assistant, diversity initiatives intern, and diversity program assistant.

Why Take an Online Course at Emeritus?

Each Emeritus online course is designed keeping key learning outcomes in mind by a team of experts. We use the backward design methodology to develop instruction for learners of all ages. This enables us to craft unique, interactive, learning experiences that include a combination of assessments, hands-on activities, skill applications, and more.

Emeritus also collaborates with the best universities and faculty around the world to curate the course curriculum that can effectively tackle present challenges in the industry, while preparing you for the trends and risks in the future. Our courses consist of assignments, exams, capstone projects, networking opportunities, a fine balance of practical and theoretical concepts, and the opportunity to learn from top minds in the industry. This adds to the holistic experience we try to provide for each learner.

We are also focused on providing courses that are standardized in quality. This is done by adhering to standards set by a global organization called Quality Matters which is focused on providing quality standards for online and innovative digital teaching and learning environments. The rigorous criteria ensure all our learners invest in quality education that is easily accessible and affordable.