Recent years have seen tremendous strides in disability awarenessA general understanding of the type and range of disabilities people experience and how to identify them and support people appropriately.. Workplaces have made bold moves towards creating a disability-friendly workforce culture. Young adults with disabilitiesThe Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defines a person with a disability as a person who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activity. This includes people who have a record of such an impairment, even if they do not currently have a disability. It also includes people who do not have a disability but are regarded as having a disability. The ADA also makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person based on that person’s association with a person with a disability. More are now able to access career options that seemed unattainable a few years ago. Of course, a lot still needs to be done to tackle existing under representation and underutilization in traditional jobs, but the future looks bright.
While steps to ensure inclusiveness and equality at the workplace have empowered persons with disabilities, entrepreneurship has stood out as the key enabler. The rise of e-commerce and other technological advancements have made it easier than ever before for people with disabilities to launch their own businesses.
A Career in Business for People with Disabilities
Resources like online business tools have negated physical disability as a determinant of productivity and profitability in business. As such, the number of businesses owned by persons with disabilities is growing by the day from home-based businesses to franchises and niche startups.
With a relevant university degree in business, young adults with disabilities can pursue a wide range of career options in the field of business from consulting to human resources. Switching between these careers is also easy since business knowledge and skills are easily transferable and beneficial for those that desire to join the workforce with a disability.
Enrolling Into a Business Major
There is no limit to the type of business degree that persons with disabilities can pursue. The choice of a business major is dependentA dependent is someone who is sustained by another person, such as a child supported by his or her parents. More on the future that the individual wants to build. Some degrees are more popular than others since they attract high salaries and provide better growth opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the most rewarding business degrees include project management, marketing, entrepreneurship, finance, accounting, business administration, management analysis, and e-commerce.
Online learning has given disabled students who have endured access issues with in-person learning for far too long easy access to higher education. An online program provides flexibility to balance school, work, and family.
In addition to acquiring a university degree, students with disabilities can pursue MBA programs online. An MBA offers access to additional career opportunities and the chance to polish your business talents. You can develop your skills in accounting, human capital management, statistics, or economics. This can open up opportunities for careers such as facilities manager, business administrator, and operations director.
Get an Internship to make the first years count
Getting an education is one thing but competing in the workforce is a different ball game for persons with disabilities. It’s easy for young adults with disabilities to look ahead with trepidation as they contemplate competing for limited opportunities against their peers who don’t face their particular challenges.
It is important to stay focused on the gifts that give you an edge in the market. You can hone these gifts and the skills you’ve learned in business school through internships. Finding the right internship can be a challenge if your university doesn’t have programs to help students secure them.
If you fail to secure connections through your school, you could try local job fairs or online platforms like Linkedln and Glassdoor. It is important to have your resume polished and to exude confidence during interviews.
Landing your First Entry-Level Job
Recruiters paradoxically expect graduates to have some working experience. This highlights the importance of internships. While some internship opportunities turn into first jobs for a few lucky grads, it’s not always guaranteed. For some, job hunting is inevitable and sometimes landing the right entry-level job takes time.
Young adults with disabilities are advised to secure the mentorship of seasoned professionals in their field before getting into the job market. This is because finding a job that accommodates their special needs can be challenging. Mentors can offer informed guidance and even recommend you for suitable entry-level positions. There are also numerous resources for supportive and supported employmentCompetitive employment in an integrated setting with ongoing support services for people with the most severe disabilities. — Moms In Motion has compiled a few.
Finally
When you decide to get into a business career, acquiring higher education will give you access to numerous employment opportunities in the field and even help you launch a successful business. Many resources exist today to help young adults with disabilities access education opportunities and launch their business careers. With the right information and determination, the sky’s the limit!
