Build confidence and career skills as a Black, Asian or minority ethnic student

Posted on 2 April 2026 • BAME

Hi. I’m Motunrayo, an Employer Engagement Coordinator and a member of the Careers and Employability Services Race and Equality Action Group. We recently delivered an employability session featuring professionals from Black, Asian and minority backgrounds – Walk your own path: inspiring careers discussions for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic OU students.

You deserve to be in every room you step into. Let your experiences, identity, and ambition drive you forward. Success comes from curiosity, courage, and staying true to who you are. Here are some insights our panellists shared to support your career journey:

1. Use your heritage and lived experience as strengths

Your cultural background can shape your values in powerful ways—strength, empathy, authenticity and purpose. These qualities help you face challenges, stay grounded and bring fresh, needed perspectives into your industry.

“Your identity is not a limitation. It’s part of the value you bring into professional spaces.”
Damilola Adesanya-Adeniran – Black Professionals UK (panellist)

Your name, accent and lived experience are not barriers—they are assets that help you connect meaningfully with others and build long term confidence.

2. Focus on what you can control

You can’t control other people’s assumptions, but you can take ownership of your growth. Try to:

• Build a strong support network of mentors, allies, and peers
• Stay connected to your “why”— your purpose and long-term vision
• Develop new skills and seize learning opportunities
• Explore non linear paths; careers rarely happen in tidy lines

3. Build confidence through connection, networking and self-advocacy

Setbacks can undermine confidence, but they also offer opportunities to reconnect — with yourself and others. Give yourself time, talk to someone you trust and seek stories from people with similar experiences. Mentoring can be especially powerful for rebuilding belief in yourself.

Networking also grows confidence. Start small, be curious rather than polished, and follow up simply. Explore LinkedIn or Eventbrite, and don’t overlook the value of your own community networks.

“You don’t need confidence first. You build confidence by showing up.”
Lawrence Hess, OU Alumni

Advocating for your needs is part of this confidence too. Whether you require prayer space, flexibility or other adjustments, most employers will support reasonable requests. The Equality Act protects you, and more guidance is available on our Equality and Diversity in the Workplace page.