Working with Purpose: Having Experience Under Your Belt Julie Ouellette, M.Ed., CCC Paul Menton Centre for 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 youd jump at the chance to hire me right out of college. I havent 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 dont have time to work Because of funding sources you cant earn too much additional money You have never worked in your field or in a professional setting and dont know your disability-related needs Your disability is non-visible and you dont know how to ask and employer for what you need to be successful You dont want to extend your degree program longer with a coop or similar program Nov. 15, 2008NEADS

How To Gain Experience As A Student Whats 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

Whats 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 Myths for 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 Seek 1.Communication Skills (verbal and written) 2.Work ethic 3.Ability to work well with others 4.Initiative 5.Ability to relate well to others Source: National Association of Colleges and Employers Job Outlook 2008

What Post-Secondary Students Look For In An Employer 1.Enjoying your work 2.Honesty and fairness 3.Employs ethical business practices 4.Benefits package 5.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! WORK ATTITUDE 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 institutions career centre Disability services office People: family, friends, classmates, instructors Community agencies, professional organisations Nov. 15, 2008NEADS

Questions? Julie Ouellette Carleton University Paul Menton Centre Nov. 15, 2008NEADS