Career Tips for College Grads With Disabilities

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Whether you’ve recently completed your degree (congratulations!) or are just now planning your future career path, you may be wondering which type of jobs are best for people with disabilities. While there is no right or wrong answer, today’s tips from Lizzie Tutoring can help you choose a degree, get your foot in the door, and work on your own terms.

First, Self-Care

Before you set out to commit your entire life to a time clock, you must also commit to giving yourself what you need to keep from feeling overwhelmed. It’s important to take time for yourself, especially if you have children. This can help you stay emotionally balanced and physically ready to tackle issues that arise.

Make Connections Early

In many industries, it’s not necessarily what you know but who you know that can help your foot through the door. Even if you haven’t earned your diploma yet, create a LinkedIn profile so that you can establish a professional network. Make sure that you have a great photograph (and, no, a selfie won’t work) and that your profile is complete. You also want to avoid using LinkedIn to vent anger and frustration. Save that for your Facebook. And, if you do have someone reach out, respond as soon as possible.

Consider creating a website to promote yourself with content marketing. It involves creating meaningful content that engages readers and positions you as an authority in your field. This content can range from blog posts, videos, podcasts, or any other form of media to capture the attention of your target audience. Using quality content can also help build relationships with customers, showing them that you are dedicated to providing value and helping them succeed. Content marketing is a great way to showcase who you are and what you do, driving more people to your website.

Accept An Internship

An internship is a great way to jumpstart your career. Getting an internship means being competitive, knowing your qualifications, and working your way up. Even a small internship or volunteer program at a local organization looks good on a resume, so don’t be shy about accepting opportunities outside of your dream position.

Consider A Business Degree

There are many different types of jobs that work great for people with disabilities. This includes medical administration, counseling, and legal assistance. Being able to work in a variety of fields is one of the benefits of a business bachelor's degree. Look for a degree through a school that works around your schedule. Bonus points if you can complete your program from home. Business degrees are flexible, and the vast majority involve office work. This can be a godsend for people with disabilities, especially given today’s remote work capabilities. 

Nail An Interview

As a person with a disability, you probably know that your potential employers can’t ask you what those disabilities are. However, this does not mean that you should not discuss potential functional limitations with your potential employer. Mac’s List notes that many businesses are embracing a disability diversity attitude. Make sure that you let your employer know any reasonable workplace accommodations that you’ll need, and don’t forget to highlight your best skills.

Master The Art Of Remote Work

We mentioned remote work earlier, but it’s worth giving it some serious consideration. People with disabilities can face issues with transportation and even entering and exiting an otherwise ADA-compliant building. Remote work helps you sidestep these types of issues. Make sure that your home office is set up for success, which should include a comfortable workstation, high-speed internet, and videoconferencing equipment.

You already know your own worth, and today many employers are beginning to see the value in hiring workers with disabilities. In addition to tax incentives they might receive, having an inclusive workforce improves public perception and can open up a broader customer base. But, for you, it means an opportunity to earn an income so that you can support your family today and in the future. Remember, start your career journey by penciling in time for yourself, creating a professional network on LinkedIn, and deciding what, exactly, you’d like to do.

guest post by Jenna Sherman from Parent-Leaders