Submission: Tanya Lee
Why Young Adults With Disabilities Should Start a Career in Business
Young adults with disabilities often experience uncertainties in choosing their career paths and job market opportunities. Many countries, including the United States, have yet to create disability-friendly workplaces. However, there has been some effort in recent years to advance and empower people living with disabilities. This article explains how you can develop your business career if you’re a young adult with a disability,
Get a Business Degree
A business degree is essential and equips you with the knowledge and skills to run a business. When enrolling in the degree program, consider lucrative options, such as economics, business management, marketing, e-commerce, and business administration. After earning the degree, you can opt for an online MBA program to advance your knowledge and prepare you to become a business administrator, manager, or operations manager. Fortunately, an online MBA gives you the flexibility and convenience of learning online conveniently while juggling other personal responsibilities.
Find an Internship
Internships are essential because they give you first-hand experience in the work environment. It also allows students with disabilities to learn about organizations that accommodate disabled people. To get an internship, you can check with the Workforce Recruitment Program at the Office of Disability Employment Policy, which offers referral programs connecting college students with disabilities with internships. The American Association of People with Disabilities also offers paid internship programs for college students and graduates with disabilities.
Get Mentorship
Besides internships, seeking mentorship with experienced business people is crucial. A mentor helps you improve your confidence and hard and soft skills by providing guidance and advice. A mentor can also help you build a professional network, which is crucial for your business and career growth. Additionally, some mentors have experience with disabilities, making them a better fit for students with disabilities.
Look for Your First Job
Getting a job is challenging for people with disabilities. When applying for your first job in Ypsilanti, MI, consider inclusive employers with an equitable working environment. Polish your documents by tailoring every resume and cover letter to the job you’re applying for. You can contact your school’s career services department for help writing your resume and acquiring interview skills.
Additionally, several platforms, such as LinkedIn, allow you to create professional networks that may help you land your first job. When creating your LinkedIn profile, ensure you’ve included a professional photo and your profile is complete. Keep your posts specific and positive, and respond respectfully, politely, and in a timely manner to inquiries.
Leverage the Gig Economy
One of the primary barriers for people with disabilities is on-site jobs. To overcome this, you can embrace the gig economy and freelance your business skills. You can also start a business. and run it remotely. Fortunately, several assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech tools, help you run your business effectively.
The Best Time to Start a Career in Business is Now
With the right resources, education, and skills, young adults with disabilities can excel in their business careers. If you're interested in learning about resources available to those with autism in Ypsilanti, MI, reach out to Autism Advocacy and Education.
