Disabled Individuals Can Start a Career in Business With These Steps

Written by: Ashley Taylor

Introduction

Learning about business and getting started in a career within the industry can be extremely beneficial for young adults who are living with disabilities for numerous reasons. Not only are there multiple job options within the business world, but often, these employment opportunities provide remote work, which is typically much more comfortable for individuals with disabilities.  

Best of all, learning the ins and outs of business can provide you with the skills you need to become an entrepreneur should you decide to start your own company someday. Does this sound like something you want to pursue? Then let Bridge to Independence share some steps to get you started!

Narrow Down Your Degree Options 

Start by thinking about where your interests lie, especially if you plan to start a business in the future. How can you merge those interests with your skill set? Look for a degree program that suits your needs, taking into account whether you’d like to be able to work on a degree from home or if you prefer in-person classes.   

Because business is such a wide field, there are many options you can choose from when it comes to picking an industry. However, if you’re looking for the most lucrative business degrees, you might start with marketing, sales, or HR. These careers require some level of specialization, which means you can demand a higher salary when you graduate. Consider your strengths and whether you might enjoy the fast-paced world of sales or a job that’s not quite so demanding. HR reps must be knowledgeable about many areas, while marketing requires knowledge of trends and the ability to stay up-to-date on the latest industry tech.  

Add to Your Resume 

Already have a degree? Consider earning a certificate in a specialized area instead of going back to school. Certificates can give you the training you need for a certain job title if you know which one you want to go for, and adding this accomplishment to your resume will help you stand out from the other applicants. Common choices include certifications in bookkeeping and retail management, but there are many options to choose from depending on your goals. 

 Be Open to New Positions 

 If you are new to the business world (or working in general), then focus on an internship. These can be great opportunities to get some great real world experience and get your foot in the door at big companies. Don’t just apply everywhere though. Since internships can lead to more permanent positions, be strategic about where you apply.  

You can also check job boards and postings for businesses you are interested in. They will often post on their own site before adding open positions to bigger job sites, like Glassdoor and LinkedIn. While you’re there, explore the site to get a good feel for the business’s culture. Plus, if you get an interview, you’ll show that you’ve taken the initiative to learn more about the company. 

Avoid These Networking Mistakes 

Once you have some training under your belt, it’s time to start networking and making business connections that will be helpful to you in the coming months and years. Whether you want to find a job working for a specific company that interests you or just want to reach out and get an idea of any and all opportunities, it’s crucial to start networking as soon as possible.  

The key is to avoid making certain mistakes in this area, such as not filling out your LinkedIn profile completely or ignoring messages and comments. Building up your profile–including a professional photograph–and responding to messages in a timely manner can show that you’re reliable and are truly interested in finding a job in the business world. Post often on your account, but keep things light and professional.  

Build Up Your Confidence 

It can be challenging for many individuals who are living with a disability to begin a job search. There are lots of stressors that come with it, including anxiety over whether or not to disclose health-related information. Know your rights, and practice job interviews at home so you’ll feel more confident answering certain questions. Do some research on the company you’re interviewing with, as this will also boost your confidence while showing the interviewer that you’re serious about the job. 

Consider Starting Your Own Business 

If you have a product, skill, or service that you think is marketable, consider taking the leap and starting your own business. One of the first things you’ll need to do is choose a business structure. There are a number of options but a limited liability company (LLC) is a popular choice because of the tax benefits and personal asset protection. You can even work with a formation service if you aren’t confident in submitting the paperwork yourself. 

Find The Right Home 

If you're considering starting your own business, having a home that caters to both your accessibility needs and your professional requirements becomes paramount. This could mean having a dedicated home office space that's wheelchair-friendly or installing specific technologies to assist with your work. If your current home cannot accommodate these needs, it may be time to consider moving. Start by exploring online real estate platforms to get an idea of what's available. Look for homes with enough space for your business activities, while also offering the necessary accessibility features.  

Once you get settled in the right home, look to see what technology additions can make life easier for you. Adding a doorbell camera, for instance, can be a great help to prevent you from having to physically check at the door whenever you receive a caller. Be sure to keep online resources handy for troubleshooting. 

See if a Business Career is Right for You 

Finding a career in business as a disabled individual can be daunting in some ways, but it can also take you on a path toward independence and even entrepreneurship. You can even explore entrepreneurship with an LLC and the right home. With the right education and tools, you can start networking and get organized so you can prepare for the job search the right way. 

Want to start your job search today? Use this link to print out a free job search resource!

For more information about Ashley Taylors work please visit disabledparents.org