Pursue a Career in Business as a Person With Disabilities
Guest Blog Contributor: Suzanne Tanner from Ablesafety.org
Starting a career as an individual with a disability can be challenging if you don’t have the right resources; the idea of striking out into the business world can be daunting, especially if you have little experience. However, a career in business can be highly lucrative and can help you push yourself a bit toward making new connections, building your confidence along the way.
Whether your long-term goals are to work your way up at a particular company or to eventually start your own business, the key is to start with the right degree and learn how to network. Here are some tips from CORE Center of Recovery & Exercise to help you.
Choose a Degree that Matches Your Interests
Finding the right degree is essential because it ensures that you’ll be motivated with your studies and eventual job. Think about your interests and existing skill set; are you an organized individual? Can you handle a fast-paced environment, or do you prefer a slower, more consistent routine? Do you often take the initiative when it comes to working on a project? Verywell Health notes that it’s also important to think about what type of work environment would suit you best. Of course, you’ll also want to take your future salary into consideration; Best Degree Programs points out that there are several business degrees that will translate into higher earnings for you, so do a little research and narrow down an area of focus.
Consider an Internship
Once you start working on your degree, you might think about looking for an internship. There are several different types available these days, including paid options, and they all provide hands-on experience in the field you’re interested in. Not only that, they help you build up a list of connections that will prove useful down the road.
There are several ways you can find a great internship; you might start by checking to see if your school offers resources, and you can also attend local job fairs. Social media is another great place to look for internship opportunities. Once you have a few options narrowed down, create a stellar resume that will wow employers, and think about the best way to navigate the interview.
Utilize Social Media to Your Advantage
While an internship can help you make connections, it’s essential to make an effort to widen your reach in the business world in other ways. Networking on social media is one of the easiest ways to meet new people in your field, find support as an individual who is living with a disability, and make connections with like-minded people.
Just keep in mind that your professional accounts should follow certain guidelines: completely filling out your profile, uploading a professional-looking photo, and sharing positive posts that focus on career-specific topics will help you get ahead on sites like LinkedIn. It’s also important to respond quickly to messages, as you never know what type of opportunities will come your way.
Start a Business
If you’re tired of working for other people, maybe it’s time you went into business for yourself! Starting your own business definitely comes with some challenges but it also means you’re calling the shots – and there are plenty of resources out there to help you get started. One of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a business structure.
A limited liability company is a good option because it comes with certain legal protections and tax benefits. When you learn how to start an LLC in Florida, you’ll find that the process of starting one can be a bit technical, though, so you might want to enlist the help of an online formation service. They can help you set up in minutes, leaving you free to capitalize on your dreams and leave the competition in the dust!
Practice Self-Care
No matter what type of career you choose, it’s essential to practice self-care, whether you’re in school or starting your first job. It can be stressful to jump into the unknown, and ensuring that every step of the process will be accessible can also cause anxiety. Look for online resources that will help, and consider how to make transitions as easy as possible by using the right tools for your needs, such as assistive technology. Remember to take breaks as you need them, get an adequate amount of rest, and stick to a routine that allows you to stay on top of your responsibilities.
Starting a career in business can be extremely beneficial for individuals who are living with a disability, as long as each step is taken with your specific needs in mind. By networking online, starting an LLC, and gaining some hands-on experience, you can make the process a smooth one.
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CORE Center of Recovery & Exercise gives those living with spinal cord injury or other neurological conditions a place to challenge devastating diagnoses and move beyond paralysis. Call us today at 407-951-8936 for more info!