JoI am just about to start a second summer internship in investment banking, with the intention of working in this sector when I graduate next year. As well as finding the industry particularly interesting, I like the fact that most of the banks I have visited pride themselves on hiring according to merit, and not according to any physical/social considerations. Last year, I was lucky enough to get a summer internship with Lehman Brothers, which strengthened my convictions that investment banking was for me. This summer, my internship is with Morgan Stanley, which I hope will lead to an offer of a graduate position. If not, I have an interview lined up with another bank. I applied to the internship scheme at Lehman Brothers through Employment Opportunities. This year, I’ve been in contact with EmployAbility and, although I chose to apply independently to other banks, the final scheme I chose was jointly organised by EmployAbility. The support I have received from EmployAbility has been great, as I found it helpful to discuss possible answers to questions using examples from my CV, and to discuss positive ways to present my disability. I feel that employers are only able to make adjustments if they are given the opportunity to do so. Trying to conceal my disability seems, to me, to be counter-productive. As I am a wheelchair user, it is immediately obvious to everyone who meets me that I have a disability. I am not ashamed of my disability, and I don't feel that it affects my ability to be successful in my career path. I disclose my disability on my CV by mentioning the various activities that I do specifically related to my disability: wheelchair tennis, for example, and The Back-Up Trust, a charity for those paralysed by spinal cord injury, which I am involved with. I also use my disability as an example on competency questions on application forms and at interview, such as problem-solving, making difficult decisions and having to work in a tough situation. The majority of employers’ reactions to my disclosure are either positive or neutral. Most employers are keen to know how they can make things easier for me at interview, or on the job, but have otherwise been more interested in my other capabilities. I would advise any disabled undergraduates to be organised about applications; applying early shows that you're committed and motivated. If you're concerned about how your disability might affect you in the job, contact the HR department beforehand. In my experience, the HR departments have always been very motivated to find solutions to potential problems, but if you can make your own suggestions to possible solutions, that also looks good. Alternatively, you can seek advice from organisations like EmployAbility and Employment Opportunities, or a careers adviser or the disability service at your university. Don't think that having a disability will be a huge disadvantage - in many careers, they don't care about much more than your ability to do the job. Equally, don't think that you can get an easy ride because of your disability. Take your time over applications, do your research, try to find out as much as possible about the job/company/industry, get work experience (anything is better than nothing - you don't have to hang on until the perfect job comes along). Oh, and finally, be realistic about what you can and can't do - this isn't a perfect world, and there are going to be times when it's just not worth the aggro of doing a job which is really not suited to your abilities - even to prove a point! back to top ShaunI studied business and finance at the University of Westminster, and then did an MSc in International Business at Birkbeck College, University of London. I now work in the finance and business sector. When I began to look for graduate opportunities within my chosen sector, as well as looking at company websites, I also approached the organisation EmployAbility as I have a speech impediment (stammer). EmployAbility provided me with guidance and support, and helped me through the recruitment process with advice, networking opportunities, mock interviews, etc. They also organised various banking events, which I attended and found extremely helpful. Although I initially had apprehensions about disclosing my disability to potential employers, I decided that disclosing it was the best option for me. EmployAbility helped put me at ease with my decision, as well as providing suitable adjustment ideas to alleviate any potential employers’ concerns. I mentioned my disability within my covering letter, then on the online application and at the actual interview as well. In my view, it is best to be open at all stages of the recruitment process, even at the interview, as it helps put the interviewer at ease as well as the individual. I have to say, all the employers I came into contact with were very understanding about my disability, and I didn’t feel hindered in any way because of it. I would really advise students and graduates never to feel ashamed of their disability. Persevere, as it will pay off in the end. I would also advise them to always disclose their disability to prospective employers, because employers are very understanding and can support employees with adjustments that may be required.
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