Starting a Career as a Young Adult with a Disability

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May 1st is college decision time . It can be a stressful time for young adults and parents wondering where the best fit is for the next two or four years. In this blog, we help you explore some ways in which you can enhance your career path as a young adult with a disability. Much of this information is helpful for anyone. Thank you to our guest blogger this month.

Starting a Career as a Young Adult with a Disability

For young adults with disabilities, a career in business might seem inaccessible, but there are plenty of roles and ways to get involved if you know where to look. In this article, we’ll explore a few of the various routes into business and the opportunities available to young adults with disabilities. Today, Visual Vitality Consulting shares some tips and resources to help you get started!

Studying

Before you enter into a paid position, it’s often worthwhile (or even necessary) to improve your expertise and acquire credentials that will bolster your chances. Here are a few of the recommended options.

• Short Courses: Short courses like certification programs represent less of a commitment than a full-time degree but can often give students the leg-up they need to break into business.

• Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): For a clearer overview of the world of business, a BBA is ideal and can often prepare you for leadership roles.

• Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): A more technical option, BComs tend to have more of a focus on the financial side of business, providing education on accounting, budgeting, and marketing and allowing you to develop a specialization.

Internships

For differently-abled applicants, there are a host of exclusive opportunities provided by various institutions. The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), for example, provides summer internships in top-drawer positions at federal agencies or congressional offices. Many employers also have their own private schemes that you can apply to through websites or by contacting directly – if there is a workplace you have specifically in mind, try reaching out to see if they already have a scheme in place.

Prepare Your Resume

Securing an entry-level role is difficult under the best of circumstances, and it’s important to enter into the process well-prepared. Your first step is to build a well-designed, concisely written resume that shows off your qualifications simply and effectively. Before seeking a position, you can create a stellar and professional-looking resume by utilizing a free online resume template.

These resources often offer a resume format template feature, allowing you to choose from a library of professionally designed templates. Once you’ve selected a template, you can customize it with your own copy, photos, colors, and images, tailoring the resume to reflect your unique skills and experiences. This approach not only saves time but also ensures your resume is visually appealing and communicates your qualifications effectively, setting a strong foundation for your job search

Applying for Jobs

It can also help to leverage social media platforms such as LinkedIn to help you cultivate professional connections. When creating a profile, make sure you use a smart photo, complete all the information boxes, keep any posts or reposts specific and positive, and exercise formality and politeness whenever someone reaches out to you with inquiries.

When the time comes, you’ll be ready to make your applications. 80,000 Hours notes that the manner in which you approach an employer is important. Job boards tend to get overcrowded with applicants, so sometimes it’s more effective to go to employers directly or even to try to organize conversations in person. If you can stand out, your prospects will be improved.

Networking

You should also give some thought to networking – especially if you end up starting your own business or freelancing! Luckily, the internet has made networking far easier these days. Mailchimp points out that it’s good to have at least some presence on all the major social media platforms in order to reach the largest possible customer base. Also keep in mind that to network effectively, even though we’re in a digital age, in-person networking events are still important. Making new contacts can help you build a thriving career. Also, remember to cover your bases, including getting started on LinkedIn:

• Think of your LinkedIn page as a kind of resume.
• Don’t use fuzzy photos.
• Include connections – but don’t overdo it.

A career in business is hard-won, but if you put your mind to it and work hard, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to carve out a professional life you can be proud of. To give yourself the best chance, make use of any available programs, grants, or exclusive internships and be forthcoming when it comes to networking.

Author: Jackie Waters
Ms. Waters is a mother of four boys and lives on a farm in Oregon. She is passionate about providing a healthy and happy home for her family, and aims to provide advice for others on how to do the same with her site Hyper-Tidy.com. She has been inspired to do some home improvements lately to make it easier for her visually-impaired sister-in-law to navigate their house since she recently came to live with them.

Visual Vitality Consulting collaborates with businesses large and small to embrace  disability, diversity, and inclusion through customer-friendly solutions that foster growth and compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Visit our website to learn more!