Today’s Post by: Gwen Payne http://invisiblemoms.com/
Business is one industry that benefits from a wide variety of perspectives. The more diverse a company is, the more ideas it develops and the more successful it can be. Of course, there are plenty of benefits for the workers, too. Here are a few reasons why young adults with disabilities should choose a career in business, courtesy of Meg Glass & Associates.
“Business” Covers a Range of Professions
Choosing to go into business as a career opens up a door of possibilities. In fact, the career field of “business” spans everything from accounting and finance to retail, sales, and marketing, per the University of California at Berkeley. This industry also includes entrepreneurship and small business ownership. Whether you want to work in a corporate office or grow a business that builds on your interests, there are countless choices in the business industry.
A Degree Could Create a Career Path
Many professions want candidates with years of work experience. Yet many careers in business require technical knowledge that you can develop while earning a degree. Educational programs offer a direct path into business as you build skills you will use in the workplace. Plus, the business industry offers many lucrative paths. The highest-paying business majors include degrees in international business, finance, investments and securities, human resource management, and project management. In each of those fields, countless job titles exist, each with its unique challenges and rewards.
Degree Programs Link to Internships
Pursuing a degree is an excellent way to start networking. You’ll meet other business students, connect with professors who work in the industry, and find internship opportunities — many of which offer course credit.
Internships are also available to people with disabilities; options vary and may be offered through your educational program. Other ways to find a great internship include using a directory, reaching out to friends and family, and tapping into your school’s alumni network.
You may also swap an internship for other types of work experience. Even freelancing can serve as a skill-building (and income-earning) activity.
Finding a First Job is Easier
Because there are so many possible paths in business, it can be overwhelming when looking for a first job. Yet the vastness is a benefit, too; there are many entry-level opportunities for new graduates.
Landing your first job could be as simple as networking to scope out leads and submitting a well-written beginner resume online. Building connections with LinkedIn can also support your online reputation if you go about it the right way.
Avoid common LinkedIn mistakes like using a too-casual profile photo and off-topic posts. Always keep your activity positive and relevant to your chosen field. If connections reach out via messages, try to respond promptly and professionally.
Bigger Corporations May Offer More Support
There are benefits to working for a small business, but the Department of Labor notes that small businesses tend to employ fewer people with disabilities. Corporations tend to have fewer issues with accessibility and inclusivity, in part because they have more financial power than smaller companies.Accepting a job offer with a big company doesn’t guarantee assistive technology or perfect policies, but it may be a better fit than a less established organization.
Launching a Business May Be Your Next Step
While exploring possible career paths, you might find that entrepreneurship is the most appealing option. This is especially true if you have a unique skill set or product that meets customer needs. As Respect Ability points out, entrepreneurship is often an excellent fit for people with disabilities due to the flexibility of self-employment.
Writing a business plan is an essential part of starting a business, but you can learn more by reading this comprehensive guide on how to start a company with ZenBusiness. For starters, though, a good business plan should contain information about the target market, your intended products or services, and an analysis of your competition. It should also include an overview of your marketing strategy and financial projections outlining key costs and revenues.
A career in business can lead to many places, including some unexpected ones. Whether you hope to join a big-name corporation or start your own company, a degree program and on-the-job experience are invaluable. Then, it’s up to you to decide how to use them.
Meg Glass of Meg Glass & Associates is an educational consultant/psychologist who has been in practice for over 20 years. Call (203) 219-6990.