Three ways VA’s workforce diversity benefits you

When you’re job hunting, you look for a number of characteristics in a new employer. Here’s one more item we recommend adding to your wish list: diversity of the workforce.

Working for an employer that values diversity, and alongside coworkers from different backgrounds, can provide you with a wealth of benefits—as both a professional and an individual.

Deepen your connections

Diverse teams are personally enriching, offering you a broader perspective and a chance to connect on a deeper level with the people you work with—and the Veterans you serve. You’ll have the chance to learn about new cultures, new ideas and new approaches to the world.

Finding a workplace that fits your values can also make a huge difference in your professional satisfaction. The skills and experience you bring to the table can be best utilized if you feel like you belong.

At VA, we know that diversity matters, and we’re committed to purposefully embracing inclusion.

“The success of our mission depends on everyone being able to contribute their expertise, experience, talents, ideas and perspectives,” said VA Secretary Denis McDonough.

The chance to innovate

Bring your big ideas to VA. We employ people with a variety of different experiences, skills, perspectives and insights. This diversity increases innovation and strategic thinking because our teams can draw upon their unique experiences to spark new ideas and solve problems.

With our broad and complex nationwide health care network, we’re in a unique position to bring diverse professionals together and expand both knowledge and support, all to the benefit of our staff and our Veterans.

“We have national working groups that offer almost limitless peer support,” said James Marfield, associate director of VA’s National Recruitment Service. “You’ve got a limitless number of physicians and other clinicians out there you can lean on for advice or input. You can’t get that kind of support anywhere else.”

Improve lives

All Veterans are unique, and health care is not one-size-fits-all. By bringing your unique experiences to VA, you’ll be making a difference by ensuring that more of our Veterans feel welcome.

“I’m in a position to really make a difference in my patients’ lives. Especially my Black patients, because they might have never seen a doctor that looks like them before,” said Dr. Preston Igwe, who once learned that he was the first Black physician that one patient, a Black Veteran, had seen in his 50 years coming to VA for medical care.

“Now I know how life-changing that can be for a patient,” Igwe added. “It’s a big responsibility, but it’s a privilege at the same time.”

Work at VA

No matter your talents and background, VA is a perfect fit for you.

• READ about our commitment to diversity.
• LEARN about VA’s efforts toward inclusion.
• EXPLORE our programs and hiring initiatives.
• SEARCH for a VA career near you at VAcareers.VA.gov.