Featured Articles
Ten Things.....
|
Pursuing a Business Career: 3 Tips for Young Adults With Disabilities
If you’re a young adult with a disability, there are so many reasons to pursue a business career — especially if you possess sought-after business skills such as active listening, nonverbal communication, bookkeeping, delegation, time management, and critical thinking. According to Geoff Williams of the U.S News, some of the best business jobs of 2020 included working as a statistician, mathematician, financial manager, fundraiser, management analyst, and logistician. But even those who aren’t great at math can pursue a rewarding business career, as other leading professions include social and community service management, human resources, event planning, and business operations management. And while each of these business careers requires a college degree, several other business professions do not. 1. Explore Online Degree Programs While business careers in bookkeeping, debt collection, database management, and office administration don’t typically require a college degree, obtaining a post-secondary education will not only set you up for success in these careers — but open the door to many others. As such, there are so many benefits of obtaining a college education — even if you opt for an online degree over in-person learning. Accredited online colleges such as the University of Phoenix, for instance, offer lucrative degree programs in marketing, accounting, financial planning, and human resource management, as well as other degrees in behavioral science, education, healthcare, and technology. From the comfort of your home, you can work toward your business degree at your own pace and without the physical barriers that may be present on campus. 2. Find Internship Opportunities Internships provide young adults with disabilities the opportunity to explore different career paths before committing to a full- or- part-time job. A few places to look for internship opportunities include Project SEARCH, the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), and the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities (WRP). As part of the Workforce Recruitment Program, for instance, college students with disabilities and recent graduates are given the opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, and build their professional network. Students must contact their college’s WRP Campus Coordinator in order to apply for the internship program. 3. Land a Great Entry-Level Job Once you’re ready to begin your search for an entry-level job, websites like abilityJOBS, AbilityLinks, Enable America, and Disability Job Exchange can help you to find accommodating jobs in business, accounting, and many other fields. Moreover, companies like Amazon, Apple, Xerox, and United Healthcare are commonly recruiting for work-from-home positions, so be sure to visit these company websites if you’re interested in working from home. As you prepare for your job search, it’s important to spend some time crafting the perfect resume that highlights your skills and experiences. Mary Walton of Abilities.com shares a few helpful resume writing tips for job seekers with disabilities. Prepare for a Successful Career in Business Many business careers are not physically demanding, making them an excellent option for young adults with disabilities. Plus, business careers are typically well-paying — and some don’t require a college education. To ensure the long-term success of your business career, however, it’s important to earn a post-secondary degree. Many colleges offer accommodations for students with disabilities, but online business degree programs are also available to those who would prefer to learn on their own schedule. Whatever your disability may be, careers in accounting, marketing, human resources, or mathematics could be excellent options for you. Your disability shouldn’t — and won’t — hold you back from pursuing your dream business career! Are you living with a disability? Visit Navigating Disability Road for tips and advice on overcoming challenges and living your best life! by Tanya Lee 2021 |
