Are you a young adult in search of a lucrative career? You have endless options such as business management, business administration, advertising, marketing, finance, accounting or information technology, just to name a few. And if you have a disability, here are five tips to help you land the perfect job. 

Join a Career Readiness Program

Unsure of what career path you should take? Joining a career readiness program will help you evaluate your skills while taking your challenges into account. You’ll have the opportunity to get paired up with a mentor who can assist you with writing your résumé, finding internships, and improving your soft skills. If you’ve been diagnosed with ASD, a career readiness program will teach you social and interpersonal skills that will help you shine during job interviews. And if you want to start a career in business, a program can help you hone your technical and IT skills with on-the-job training.         

Get a Business Degree

A business degree is among the most lucrative for young people wanting to enter the workforce. If you have a physical disability, many colleges and universities offer online classes that will lead to a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business management or business administration. You’ll be able to pursue a degree in the field of your choice in the comfort of your own home, working on your own schedule. 

A business degree can also help you run a business – including your own, if you have an entrepreneurial bent. Among the first things you’ll need to address is writing a business plan that acts as a roadmap for your venture, and forming your business appropriately. Many entrepreneurs opt to run their ventures as an LLC, as liability is limited and tax advantages are beneficial. Requirements for forming an LLC vary among states, so check out how to form an LLC in Massachusetts before moving forward.

Students with learning disabilities should find out if, beyond offering the major of their choice, the college or university they want to apply to has support programs and services in place to ensure their academic success.   

Write a Résumé That Stands Out

As you start looking for a job or an internship where you can put your business skills to use, create a résumé to highlight your degrees, qualifications, and accomplishments. Ask your school career counselor, advisor, or mentor for help, and Sweet CV suggests using the right keywords to get your CV through applicant tracking systems. 

Resume Builder notes that you aren’t required to disclose your disability on your résumé, but you may want to let potential employers know during the interview process, so they can accommodate your specific needs once you’re hired: speech recognition software, a large-key keyboard, or remote work are just a few examples of accommodations that companies large and small can make for their employees.      

Land a Great Internship

Hands-on experience is invaluable when it comes to improving students’ abilities. Most schools have a program to help students find internship opportunities, so ask your college or university for leads in finding an internship. You can also start networking as you take classes and work toward your business degree by attending business fairs and other local events and reaching out to alumni associations. 

Additionally, look online for free or paid intern positions at companies you think might be a good fit for you. Eventually, you’ll find an internship that will help you build an outstanding résumé.     

Find Your First Entry-Level Job

Using an online platform such as LinkedIn can help you find the perfect entry-level job after you graduate. Create a profile highlighting your skills and accomplishments, and join groups where you’ll find people with similar expertise and interests. You’ll soon be able to start or add to conversations and network with professionals in the field you want to get into. Make sure to always keep your posts positive, and don’t denigrate others. 

Add a professional photo to your profile so that people visiting your page can get a first impression of you. And when people send you messages, responding in a timely manner will ensure you don’t miss a lead for a job or internship that could launch your career.

Young adults with disabilities can find fulfilling careers in business. Look for programs and organizations to help you reach your goals and get hands-on experience by finding internships. You’ll end up with a résumé that will land you the job of your dreams.

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