Cem Yirik on Their Journey From Grad to Professional: “I Proudly Embrace My Identity”

Cem Yirik, was welcome into the Reckitt team through their Supply Future Leaders Scheme. We sat down to chat to him about expressing his advice to LGBTQ+ graduates and his own journey with his identity both in university and since he's entered the professional world.

Hi Cem -thank you for chatting with us. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi all! My name is Cem Yirik, and I relocated to London in 2017 to pursue my higher education at University College London. I successfully completed a Master of Chemical Engineering with Chemistry. Following my academic journey, I joined Reckitt through their Supply Future Leaders Scheme.

How open were you with your identity during university?

During my university years, I found the courage to openly express my identity to both my university peers and educators. In fact, my coming out journey started during my relocation to London, a city celebrated for its openness and diversity. The distance from my homeland, where LGBTQ+ acceptance faces its challenges, provided an environment for me to freely express myself. Initiating conversations about my identity during my move from Cyprus allowed me to establish meaningful connections, one of which evolved into a profound friendship with my best friend Diana. I will forever be grateful to her for her support.

Do you find you are able to show up as your whole self in the professional world?

In my current role, I proudly embrace my identity within the workplace. From the onset, I have been fortunate to work for a global corporation that has established LGBTQ+ Employee Networks. Engaging with these networks significantly contributes to my sense of belonging, encouraging active involvement and fostering a supportive community. My participation in such initiatives reaffirms the sense of belonging and encourages advocacy for positive change.

Before applying for a job, do you check their diversity and inclusion policies?

When looking for employment opportunities, I believe it is vital to assess a prospective organization's diversity and inclusion policies. Prior to my application at Reckitt, I reviewed the D&I initiatives outlined on their website. Additionally, I actively engaged in dialogues regarding D&I during my interviews. Understanding an organization's culture and assessing its alignment with personal values is crucial during the interview process. A workplace that fosters inclusivity ensures one's ability to thrive, perform optimally, and find inspiration.

From your experience, do you have any advice to share with students before they go into the workplace?

Drawing from my experiences, I highly recommend engaging with LGBTQ+ networks within their respective organizations. These networks often influence and shape policies, driving positive change in diversity and inclusion efforts, and it is very important to make our voices heard. Additionally, asking about available mentoring and coaching programs within the organization is essential. As LGBTQ+ individuals, mentorship plays a pivotal role in nurturing future LGBTQ+ leaders. Even if your organization lacks an internal mentorship program, external mentoring schemes like Career Accelerator exist or you can connect with inspiring individuals via LinkedIn can be invaluable for guidance and support.