Careers
Students with disabilities in the second level education sector should consider carefully the career implications of the third level courses which they wish to pursue
Why pursue a third level qualification?
It is important to think carefully on the career choices open to you before choosing a third level course. Are you choosing a particular course because:
- you wish to continue a subject that you enjoy and in which you do well at school?
- you wish to start a new subject that you have read about and investigated, one that you believe will continue to stimulate your interest over time?
- you want to discover what more time in an educational environment may bring, particularly one that introduces you to a wider range of people in a larger institution than you have experienced so far?
- you are looking to the future and wish to make an investment of time and effort in this way so that you may have access to a particular career area requiring this qualification, or else get involved in particular work areas that look for graduate entrants?
- you think that as a person with a disability you will have more career options open to you if you have a third level qualification?
THIRD LEVEL COURSES
In assessing the range of choice available among degree-level courses, it would be foolhardy not to acknowledge that the pressure of competition has never been greater and that it may not be possible to achieve your first choice nor, indeed, a degree place at all. Competition aside, the degree path is not the only one to follow; other channels exist for self-development and for furthering career goals:
- Look at Diploma and Certificate courses being run at the Institutes of Technology and Regional Technical Colleges and see how far they go towards meeting your requirements.
- Look at employers with an interest in recruiting school-leavers and try to identify as best you can what the opportunities they offer involve and what training and career development opportunities exist within the organisation.
- Look at the option of part time education; a modular degree might be an option that best suits your individual needs.
Using the Careers Office in College/University
All universities in Ireland, but not all third level colleges, have a careers office. In those colleges that do not have a careers office the Student Services Office, or the Head of Departments, will advise students on the career and employment options available.
During College
Become familiar with the services that your college offers. Most colleges will have a Careers Library where you can access information on careers companies, further study and job vacancies. The Careers Service may also offer career counselling on an individual basis.
Introduce yourself to the Careers Advisor and inform her/him of any facilities or arrangements that you may require in order to access careers information and services. In some colleges the Careers Office may not be wheelchair accessible. In this instance the Careers Advisor will normally arrange to meet the student at an alternative venue.
Consider how you can get work experience while in college. Some of the "Positive to Disability" companies offer work experience during the summer and are worth contacting early in the year. (Lists of companies which are positive to disability are available through the Career Services). Check with the Student Union about the availability of casual work during term time.
Students in receipt of a Disability Allowance or other disability related payments may qualify for Back to Work Allowance.
Join a club or a society. Employers are always impressed with initiative shown through involvement in campus societies. It shows valuable experience gained in administration, leadership and organisational skills.
Final Year
Participate in Career Office activities which will provide assistance with the preparation of CVs, interview skills and identifying career goals.
Be informed about issues relating to disability and employment and what services are available to employers and employees. The National Social Service Board (NSSB) and the Careers Office will have this information.
Consider whether/how you will disclose your disability to a potential employer. Some students will inform prospective employers at application stage, whereas others prefer to disclose this information on being called for interview.
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