The African Professional Network of Ireland (APNI) has said that some of its members can feel slightly hamstrung in their career progression due to unconscious bias and misperceptions about visa requirements.
The APNI has released new research on how members feel their African heritage influences their career potential, which highlights some of the practical difficulties they experience while working in Ireland.
The study shows that many professionals believe there is a lack of visible senior business executives from diverse ethnic backgrounds in Ireland.
Some respondents said that their ethnicity has played a negative role in shaping their career opportunities, while others highlighted the negative perception employers have regarding the visa process when hiring talent.
The research was released ahead of the third annual APNI Careers Day which will take place at LinkedIn's headquarters in Dublin today.
21 companies, including Google, Bank of Ireland, Vodafone, Irish Life and LinkedIn, will showcase job opportunities currently available at their companies to the 1,200 registered attendees.
"While our members have never been more optimistic about their career outlook, some people feel that they are slightly hamstrung with their efforts due to unconscious bias or misperceptions about visa requirements," said APNI President Edima Inyang.
"That's why a key part of APNI's role is to help change attitudes and show the positive path forward in terms of helping people from every background to realise their full career potential," Ms Inyang said.
LinkedIn's Andrew Monu said organisations have the power to change and to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive society in Ireland.
"In this regard, LinkedIn is proud to help connect the fantastic talent across APNI's membership base with a range of Irish companies at the third annual Career Day hosted in our offices in Dublin," Mr Monu said.
The APNI research was conducted in October 2024 and received responses from 176 members.
