Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Working with Purpose: Having Experience Under Your BeltJulie Ouellette, M.Ed., CCCPaul Menton Centrefor Students With Disabilities, Carleton University
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Earnings and Unemployment Rate by Educational Attainment
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Source: Occupational Outlook Quarterly (Fall 2008)
In your job search, have you seen…“Minimum two to three years of
relevant experience.”
“At least two years direct service experience.”
“Experience preferred.”
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Educational Attainment
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Source: Occupational Outlook Quarterly (Fall 2008)
“I should think you’d jump at the chance to hire me right out of college. I haven’t been previously owned, so to speak.”
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
The Benefits of Having Work Experience – Employer•Can you apply what you are learning in school in our work setting? (theory to practice)
•What will you contribute to our organisation?
•What strengths will you bring to our team?
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Most importantly, can you do the work?
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
The Benefits of Having Work Experience – Employee•Financial reasons•Change of pace from academics•Can bring context and meaning to
studies•Learn more about the options available
to you with your education•Develop a sense of competence with
workplace learning•Help determine a future career•Decide for whom you would like to work•Social participation
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
But can you balance academics and work?
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Potential Challenges For Students With Disabilities• You are already taking a reduced course load and
don’t have time to work• Because of funding sources you can’t earn too
much additional money• You have never worked in your field or in a
professional setting and don’t know your disability-related needs
• Your disability is non-visible and you don’t know how to ask and employer for what you need to be successful
• You don’t want to extend your degree program longer with a coop or similar program
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
How To Gain Experience As A Student
What’s available within your institution?•Cooperative education•Programs with built-in internships,
placements, apprenticeships•Experiential learning opportunities•Research assistant (RA) positions•Teaching assistant (TA) positions•Paraprofessional roles (mentor or peer-
assistance programs)•Semester abroad•Alternate spring break program
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
What’s available within your school or community?
• Temporary• Occasional/seasonal• Part-time opportunities• Volunteer positions
What are possible alternate work arrangements?• Flextime• Job sharing• Telecommuting• Working from home• Time-shared workspace
How To Gain Experience As A Student
Potential Organizational Mythsfor Students With Disabilities•YLNTM or “You look normal to me”•People with disabilities will need more
training•Accommodations cannot be made for
short-term and/or student employment•Accommodations are too expensive
**You may need to demystify disability**
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Top Personal Qualities Employers Seek1. Communication Skills (verbal and
written)2. Work ethic3. Ability to work well with others4. Initiative5. Ability to relate well to others
Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2008
What Post-Secondary Students Look For In An Employer1. Enjoying your work2. Honesty and fairness3. Employs ethical business practices4. Benefits package5. Provides stability and security
Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2006 Graduating Student & Alumni Survey
Reframing Your Job Search
Do not undervalue your skills!
WORKATTITUDE
have to work
want to work
get to work
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Where to go for help?
•Online job search sites•Post-secondary institution’s career centre•Disability services office•People: family, friends, classmates,
instructors•Community agencies, professional
organisations
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
Questions?
Julie [email protected]
Carleton Universitywww.carleton.ca
Paul Menton Centrewww.carleton.ca/pmc
Nov. 15, 2008NEADS
