I recently began writing a diversity statement on what I believe to be a unique and transformative job. I've noticed, however, that most if not all are focused on one's upbringing and the diversity within that. The job I want to use is my current one, and I've had it for a year (it will be about 2.5 years by the time I actually start law school). Bad idea or good idea? Or is the unquestionably inapplicable to the diversity statement?
Comments
Let me know what you guys think. I can also be more specific when I'm at with laptop, if need be, haha.
I'll copy and paste the DS prompt for Harvard below just as an example if someone has not seen such a prompt before:
Optional Statement
"The Admissions Committee makes every effort to understand your achievements in the context of your background and to build a diverse student body. If applicable, you may choose to submit an optional additional statement to elaborate on how you could contribute to the diversity of the Harvard Law School community."
I would only include my work experience for my diversity statement if I was a non traditional student. There are several people who are afforded AWESOME work experiences because of their family ties, access to money and resources.
For example, what if a parent basically paid someone or pulled some strings to allow their kid to have a "diverse" work experience? Would this be ok?
What if a parent works for the White House and as a result their child has all of these wonderful experiences and internships.....does this mean they are a "diverse" person....or just very lucky? In the end, the person could be very entitled and elitist .
There probably is no right or wrong answer to this question.
Just my 2 cents =-)
Why not use your work experience as a PS?
Per LSAC:
We use the term diversity broadly to include all aspects of human differences, including but not limited to socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, language, nationality, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, geography, disability, and age.
http://www.lsac.org/jd/diversity-in-law-school/racial-ethnic-minority-applicants
Here is the link to that TLS thread if you feel like posing the question there: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=43&t=197451&start=4175