Working with a Disability
Working with a disability should not be a show stopper. Starting a career in business can be highly rewarding for individuals who are living with a disability, as it often comes with benefits for both the employee and the employer. It also offers several different paths to choose from, so you have quite a few options depending on your interests and skill set.
Whether you’re ready to look at schools and figure out a degree or you want to start looking for a great internship, there are some things to consider, so let’s take a look at how you can get started with a career as an Administrative Professional in business.
Do some research on the most lucrative Training
Think about where your current skills lie and how they might translate to the business world. For instance, if you’re highly organized, have great communication skills, and like helping others, a career as an Administrative Assistant might be a perfect fit. If you would you like more flexibility and control over your time and be able to work independently from your home, a career as a Virtual Assistant might be more your style. There are many high-paying areas you can go into, so do some research and learn more about what each one requires. This will help you choose the best degree or course of study for your needs. Consider looking for a training program that allows you to work online, which will give you lots of flexibility and will keep you on track even as you take care of other responsibilities.
Find the right internship
While the right degree or training can help you go far, it’s also important to gain some hands-on experience, and the best way to do that is to land a great internship. As an individual who is living with a disability, you may require various accessibility options in the workplace, or perhaps you just need support as you begin searching for an internship that meshes well with your needs. Look for resources online that will help you connect with the perfect internship option so that you can ensure success.
Network your way to a great entry-level position
A major aspect of business is putting together a list of connections who can help you along the way; networking is crucial whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced entrepreneur. When you’re ready to land a great entry-level job, create a stellar profile on social media sites like LinkedIn, complete with a professional-looking photo and posts that highlight your skills and other contributions to the industry. Ensure that no fields are empty, and make sure you’ll receive a notification when you have messages so you can respond right away. This is one of the easiest ways to build up a list of like-minded connections in your line of work.
Put together a solid resume
Having a strong resume is essential when searching for a job. When creating your resume, it’s important to include all relevant information in an attractive way that will make you stand out from other applicants. To do this, consider using a free online resume generator or template. With these resources, you can easily create an engaging and professional-looking resume, so why not give it a try? There are plenty of online resume creators available; if you’re stuck, try this tool. Just remember to make sure your content is accurate and up-to-date — don’t forget to proofread!
Make your needs clear
Once you land a promising interview, it’s essential to make sure you communicate your needs clearly so that there are no misunderstandings. Whether you require specific accommodations for safety or just simple accessibility resources to make your job easier, the more your employer understands your needs, the smoother the transition once you get started. Keep in mind that you are not legally required to disclose details about your disability, and you have rights that are protected under the ADA if you wish not to disclose your disability at all.
Whether you need to find the perfect training, land a great internship, create a strong resume, or snag an interview with your dream employer, there are several resources available that can make it happen. By taking steps to network and utilizing social media sites to make connections, you can find like-minded individuals who will be an asset to you along your career journey.
Author Bio: Carrie Spencer created The Spencers Adventures to share her family’s homesteading adventures. On the site, she shares tips on living self-sufficiently, fruit and vegetable gardening, parenting, conservation, and more. She and her wife have 3 kids, 2 dogs, 4 cats, 3 goats, 32 chickens, and a whole bunch of bees. Their goal is to live as self-sufficiently and environmentally-consciously as possible.
If you want to learn new office skills are brush up on the ones you already have, Officeskills.org can help you. To learn more, please contact dbieser@officeskills.org.
