Career guide for persons with disabilities

Technology to Jumpstart Your Career: A Guide for Persons with Disabilities

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Persons with disabilities are historically underrepresented in the workplace, but the good news is that things are looking up. As the National Science Foundation reveals, technology is accelerating disability inclusion in the working world. If you are a person living with a disability, you can harness the power of cutting-edge innovations to improve your job opportunities and climb the career ladder. Presented by Mr. Robertson’s Corner, the following guide explains how persons with disabilities can use cutting-edge tools to get ahead in their professional lives.

Leverage technology to start a home-based business

Commuting to an office can be difficult if you have a physical disability that impedes your mobility. Why not work from home by starting your own business? Rolling Without Limits offers a list of home business ideas for disabled persons, from online trading to selling handmade crafts on Etsy.

When running a home-based business, the right software and hardware can make things easier. For example, a voice-activated assistant can help with everyday tasks like dictating messages. Small Biz Daily provides a roundup of useful technologies for home-based businesses, including time tracking tech, cloud-based storage, and collaboration apps. These innovations will save you time by streamlining your daily operations.

Whatever business endeavor you pursue, consider how you can use your disability to your advantage. Tuts+ explains that you have a competitive edge thanks to the unique life experience you possess. Make the most of it. For example, you may have a one-of-a-kind perspective on problems in your community or be able to identify unmet needs that you can address with a special product or service.

Rely on internet innovations to hire freelancers to support your business

Many entrepreneurs get hung up on the idea of doing it all themselves. The fact is that if you take a total DIY approach to your business, you're bound to burn out. Hiring freelancers such as web developers via online platforms can help alleviate the burden. If you’re unsure of freelance web developer rates, do a little research online; on average, freelance web developers make between $15 and $30 per hour, though these rates will vary.

Collaboration is also critical when managing a freelance team. Technology can help here too. Invision App provides a list of the top collaboration tools for remote workers. Options include the chat app Slack, video conferencing tool Zoom, and project management tool Trello. Git Lab explains that these technologies can support asynchronous communication, which may be necessary for remote teams.

Gain the skills you need to thrive as an entrepreneur via remote learning

Starting your own business can be scary at times. Equipping yourself with the right knowledge and skills will help quell any anxiety you may be having. According to the World Economic Forum, remote learning opportunities have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is excellent news for people with disabilities. You are no longer reliant on physically accessible spaces to get the education you need.

You can rely on digital education to sharpen your accounting skills, improve your leadership abilities, or enhance your marketing knowledge. There are many opportunities for growth. Technology doesn't just connect you with digital classrooms. It can also help with the practical aspects of learning. For example, if you have impaired vision, a screen reader can help you get information from your computer screen so you can keep up with your classes.

As a person with a disability, you face unique challenges in the working world. However, you also have a one-of-a-kind perspective that you can use to your advantage. The right technologies can help support your business’s success.

College students with disabilities

Why Young People With Disabilities Should Consider a Business Career

 

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No matter what you are interested in, there is probably a business out there related to it. If you're looking for a career with great earning potential, flexibility, and a variety of options, consider a business career. As Mr. Robertson’s Corner details, enrolling in an online Master of Business Administration program can be an optimal pathway for young adults with disabilities to launch a successful career in business.

Benefits of Online MBA Programs

An MBA is an advanced degree in business administration. Students usually pursue an MBA after obtaining a bachelor's degree in a business-related field of study. Popular areas of focus include marketing, accounting, research, and economics. MBA programs are popular among working adults who have been in the industry for several years and are seeking to boost their careers. Graduates with an MBA earn a median salary that is 75% higher than employees with just a bachelor's degree, according to a recent survey. Possible career options for MBA graduates include business administration, business management, and general management.

One of the top benefits of an online MBA program is flexibility. If you are working a full-time job and taking care of a family, it may be difficult to find the time to take on-campus classes. Most online coursework can be completed on your schedule from the comfort of your home. Additionally, no commute to campus means no dealing with parking or buildings with accessibility issues. Online programs are often more affordable than traditional on-campus options. Online MBA programs are designed to be adaptable to the needs of students.

Choosing a Major

Before you can pursue your MBA, you first need to obtain a bachelor's degree. Some of the top-earning majors for business degrees include information systems management, finance, marketing, and supply-chain management. Students who pursue these majors are well-positioned to find jobs in some of the fastest-growing industries, such as environmental management, healthcare management, marketing, and finance.

Finding an Internship

Internships help students gain experience, make connections and build their resumes. Additionally, internships can sometimes lead to entry-level jobs. Businesses that offer internships to people with disabilities are 4.5 times more likely to hire people with disabilities, according to research. In addition to the usual sources of internships, such as college networking events and job fairs, some programs specifically seek to match people with disabilities with internship opportunities.

Landing Your First Job

Many job seekers fear that interviewers will judge them negatively or ask awkward questions because of their disability. Preparing for your interview will help build your confidence. Know your rights. Interviewers are not permitted to ask you about your disability, though some may anyway. If your disability may impact your ability to perform all required job tasks or you will require accommodations, you may be required to disclose this. Otherwise, it is up to you how much or if you talk about your disability. If you choose to talk about it, focus on the positives and explain how you can overcome any challenges you have. Research the company and your interviewer. Practice your answers to common interview questions, including any information specifically related to your disability.

The world of business offers a variety of flexible, adaptable, and high-paying job opportunities. Pursuing an MBA is a great way to set yourself apart from other candidates and boost yourself into the top-tier of whichever industry you choose.