By Don Lewis
More and more young adults with disabilities are choosing to pursue a business degree. Courtesy of Amputee Coalition’s Workforce Development Program, here are some of the key reasons why a business career may be a perfect choice for young adults with disabilities.
Potential for Flexibility
One of the greatest advantages of pursuing a career in business is that it can be flexible enough to accommodate any disability or special need, specifically within entrepreneurship. By utilizing technology such as video conferencing and digital file sharing, businesses can create an inclusive and accessible environment where everyone can be successful regardless of their visible or invisible disabilities. Additionally, many businesses are now offering flexible hours and telecommuting options which provide even more freedom and flexibility than ever before.
Opportunities for Growth
Businesses offer many growth opportunities which can be especially advantageous for those with disabilities who may have difficulty finding job opportunities elsewhere due to a lack of experience or education requirements. With every job comes new skill sets that can help you grow both professionally and personally. Additionally, many businesses also offer internships which provide invaluable work experience while also giving you the chance to make important connections within the industry that could prove invaluable down the line.
More Businesses Have Become Inclusive
As awareness around disability rights has grown in recent years, there have been initiatives aiming at creating an inclusive workplace. More businesses are incorporating diverse practices and hiring those with disabilities. This is great news, not just for individuals looking for employment, but also from an employment standpoint, in that studies have shown that companies with a diverse workforce perform better overall than companies that do not incorporate diverse practices. The focus on inclusion extends beyond just hiring practices. In fact, many companies now offer resources, such as training sessions and mentorship programs designed specifically for those with disabilities to develop professionally within their organization.
Business Usually Offers More Competitive Pay
As someone with a disability, going into a business career comes with its benefits. Pursuing a business career usually offers higher pay compared to other fields. There is also potential advancement opportunities that come along with careers in business, such as career growth within your job position or within the company.
More Options For Professional Development
Professional development is a great way to invest in yourself and your career. By attending professional conferences and/or job fairs related to the field or courses you are studying, there are many potential job or internship opportunities within an organization. Additionally, professional networking events with employers provide invaluable contacts that can assist in helping you land a job.
Time to Update that Resume
If it has been a while since you last updated your resume or if it is your first time creating a resume, you can check out Amputee Coalition’s fact sheet on Resume and Cover Letter Resources Through Resume Builder. It’s also a good idea to try and anticipate some interview questions you might be asked by a prospective employer, then practice your responses. Webinars on How to Build a Resume Mock Interviewing 101 can be found on the Workforce Development Program’s webpage. For youth 15 to 17-years-old additional resources can be found on the Youth Engagement Program’s (YEP) Workforce Development Program webpage.
Business offers countless paths to success for young adults living with disabilities. From flexibile scheduling and accessibility within the workplace, the sky is truly the limit. Don’t be afraid of taking this bold step toward towards building your career!