Adults with health challenges may look to their future with anxiety: Will their physical, emotional, or medical needs be seen as a burden to future employers? Will they feel uncomfortable asking for accommodations at work? Will the challenges themselves get in the way of the careers they want to build?
Types of challenges include, but are not limited to:
~Vision Impairment.
~Deaf or limited hearing.
~Mental/Emotional health issues.
~Intellectual Challenges.
~Acquired brain injury.
~Autism.
~Physical Challenges.
Starting an educational path and a career in business can be a great option for an adult with Challenges because of the flexibility of the schooling as well as the career itself. Consider the following information to help make the best choice for your future.
What Holds Back Adults With Disabilities?
College-aged and newly graduated adults may not have the resources they need or the social support to successfully transition to independent living, career-related activities, or internships. While college itself provides structure, the same type of routines and supports may be missing from the years beyond.
For example, adults with neurodevelopmental differences such as autism can greatly benefit from support beyond the college years. Youth with physical disabilities can work with counselors, physicians, and internship coordinators to develop a plan for their transition to the "real world."
Three Reasons To Consider a Career in Business
Business careers are diverse and multifaceted and they offer specific opportunities for adults with disabilities that other careers may lack. If you are an adult with a disability, consider the following three reasons to pursue a career in business:
1. Educational Opportunities are Flexible
There are more online degree options now than ever, and for business students with challenges, pursuing a part-time degree from the comfort of your home may be the perfect solution. You can learn business skills, find an internship (even a virtual one can be beneficial, according to Harvard's Office of Career Services), and work with your university to gain any necessary accommodations.
2. Careers Can Be Tailored to Interests
If you have an interest in a specific area, you can major in something related in college and then gain an internship that gives you practical experience. If you are unsure, consider a general business degree to help you understand the basics of marketing, economics, and finance. To find an entry-level job, search online job boards, consider virtual opportunities (such as working for a business you like as a part-time marketing specialist) or send messages to professionals you admire.
3. Connections Can Be Made Online
Anyone with a challenge, mental health struggle, or chronic pain diagnosis will tell you that it can be difficult to keep a schedule, hold down a job, or network in person at a moment's notice. For this reason, virtual networking opportunities, as well as platforms such as LinkedIn, can be crucial to helping adults with aa challenge find entry-level jobs and make professional connections. LinkedIn allows browsing of others' profiles, messaging, and following causes with a built-in social media component. It's important to keep your profile picture updated and professional-looking, complete your profile, and respond as soon as possible to those who connect with you.
Adults with challenges may need to make accommodations for physical, developmental, or mental health challenges, but they do not have to limit their options when it comes to a business career. With its flexible educational opportunities and diverse career paths, the business world has a place for everyone.
Author:
Linda Chase created Able Hire to help people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers. She hopes Able Hire will be a resource for people with disabilities seeking jobs and for hiring managers seeking a better understanding of what people with disabilities have to offer. https://ablehire.org
