Findings About Latino Professionals Shatter Stereotypes

The Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE) conducted a Latino Professional Pulse Survey. The results of the survey "Making a Difference: Attitudes and Characteristics of Today's Latino Professionals," portrays a population that is highly educated, fully bilingual, in almost all cases legally authorized to work, and having family structure similar to the non-Hispanic white population. This survey also notes that today's Latino professionals have a more optimistic outlook on the economy than the overall population. Additionally, when seeking jobs, they value more than money, are compassionate, and give philanthropic support to their communities on an annual basis.The survey found that 96% of Latino professionals are in the U.S. legally and are authorized to work. An overwhelming majority (86%) of the Latino professional respondents are U.S. citizens, while the remaining (10%) are "green card" holders or U.S. permanent residents.There is a lot of focus on the immigration issue and many people are unaware that a significant number of college-educated Latinos are successfully working in professional positions. These Latino professionals are an upwardly mobile segment comprised of English-dominant individuals of Hispanic heritage that are, in almost all cases, citizens or legal residents authorized to work in the U.S. They offer a clear picture of how Latinos are increasingly contributing to the future of the U.S. These survey results highlight that there are many layers and complexities to the Latino community and HACE is dedicated to help develop more Latino professionals as well as committed to ensure that the image of Latinos reflects their excellent daily contributions.One major discussion point regarding the U.S. Latino population has been assimilation. Contrary to many of the stereotypical images that are prolific in media outlets, Latino professionals have assimilated very well into the U.S. culture. Almost all of respondents (98%) are completely fluent in English and an additional (89%) are fully bilingual or with limited Spanish speaking and writing skills. The majority (57%) have been in this country for one generation or more. This majority segment is well educated, with 80% having earned a bachelor's degree or higher compared to 13% for the overall Hispanic population and 28% for the non-Hispanic white population, while 97% have had some college coursework.Latino professional jobs span a wide range of professions including Fortune 1000 and privately held companies. However, a significant number of Latinos also choose to work in the public service sector. Many Latinos place a high value on not only advancing their careers, but also giving back to others. Thirty percent of Latino professionals responding to the survey work in government, academic or non-profit professions compared to 18% for the overall Hispanic population and 25% for the non-Hispanic white population.Another common thread that runs through this group is a spirit of optimism about the economy and a desire to advance in their careers. Over the past several years, the optimism Latinos have about the economy has been increasing. Currently 56% feel that business conditions and the economy are rising. When asked about the key motivators for their job decisions, surprisingly only 19% of the respondents listed money as the leading factor. The top motivator influencing job decisions was access to opportunity and growth in their careers (28%). The desire to improve and move up in their careers is a strong value held by the Latino professional.HACE is a national nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to nurture Latino professionals at all stages of their careers, from high school to college and on to the professional years. As one of the largest networks of Latino professionals in the country, HACE is supported by a team of full-time staff as well as volunteers from the business community. HACE offers comprehensive year-round programs that provide training, mentoring, and networking opportunities for Hispanic professionals on a regional and national level.