By Dionysius Ayala – Student Advisory Board Member
Navigating the job market as a first-generation student with a disability and many responsibilities can be tricky. You might face unique challenges, like balancing schoolwork, caring for your household, and managing your health. It can be overwhelming to keep up with everything, and you might feel disadvantaged compared to others who don’t have these extra responsibilities. But remember, success is still within your reach. But there are simple ways to deal with these issues, and you can use them to your advantage. The skills you’ve developed in managing your time and staying organized are not just valuable, they are your superpower. I will list some challenges and tips that have helped me, like breaking tasks down into smaller steps and asking for support when needed. These strategies can also help you get through each semester successfully and set you up for future job opportunities.
Challenges and Tips:
- Time Management: It can be challenging to balance school, household tasks, job or internship searches, and doctor visits.
- Tip: Start by making a daily or weekly schedule. Write down what you need to do and when you need to do it. Try to stick to this schedule as best as you can. If things get too busy, focus on the most critical tasks first. Use simple tools like a calendar app or a notebook to help keep track of your time
- Tip: Start by making a daily or weekly schedule. Write down what you need to do and when you need to do it. Try to stick to this schedule as best as you can. If things get too busy, focus on the most critical tasks first. Use simple tools like a calendar app or a notebook to help keep track of your time
- Small Network: As a first-generation student, you might not have a vast professional network like others.
- Tip: Build a strong support network by connecting with Mercy University’s career services, disability services, and organizations that support first-generation students. You can also attend events where you can meet people who work in your field of study, such as school fairs, a talk, or an online event. Join student groups related to your field of study. Use LinkedIn to connect with people you meet and to find others who work in the area you’re interested in. Building relationships takes time, so start small and be consistent!
- Tip: Build a strong support network by connecting with Mercy University’s career services, disability services, and organizations that support first-generation students. You can also attend events where you can meet people who work in your field of study, such as school fairs, a talk, or an online event. Join student groups related to your field of study. Use LinkedIn to connect with people you meet and to find others who work in the area you’re interested in. Building relationships takes time, so start small and be consistent!
- Gaps in Experience: Because of your other responsibilities, you may have less time for internships or extracurricular activities that employers like to see.
- Tip: Leverage your experience by highlighting the skills you have developed through managing multiple responsibilities. For example, managing your household shows you can handle responsibility and stay organized. Time management, organization, and resiliencey are highly valued by employers. In your resume and interview, discuss these experiences and explain how they make you a good fit for the job.
- Tip: Leverage your experience by highlighting the skills you have developed through managing multiple responsibilities. For example, managing your household shows you can handle responsibility and stay organized. Time management, organization, and resiliencey are highly valued by employers. In your resume and interview, discuss these experiences and explain how they make you a good fit for the job.
- Accessibility Issues: If specific job opportunities or internships do not accommodate your disability, you may face challenges accessing them.
- Tip: Communicate your needs when interviewing for a job and ask if they can provide any accommodation you might need, like flexible hours or special equipment. Seek out Inclusive Employers. Look for companies known for being inclusive and supportive of people with disabilities. Many companies seek to hire and support first-generation students and individuals with disabilities.
- Tip: Communicate your needs when interviewing for a job and ask if they can provide any accommodation you might need, like flexible hours or special equipment. Seek out Inclusive Employers. Look for companies known for being inclusive and supportive of people with disabilities. Many companies seek to hire and support first-generation students and individuals with disabilities.
- Imposter Syndrome: Balancing multiple responsibilities as a first-generation student can sometimes make you doubt your abilities or feel out of place. You might feel like you don’t belong or aren’t as good as others applying for the same jobs or internships.
- Tip: Everyone has challenges and strengths. Focus on what you are good at and what makes you unique. If you start to feel doubtful, utilize resources like talking to a mentor, teacher, friend, or career counselor and attending workshops designed for students with disabilities and first-generation students. These can provide you with additional support and opportunities. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you.
- Tip: Everyone has challenges and strengths. Focus on what you are good at and what makes you unique. If you start to feel doubtful, utilize resources like talking to a mentor, teacher, friend, or career counselor and attending workshops designed for students with disabilities and first-generation students. These can provide you with additional support and opportunities. Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you.
- Practice Self-Care: Balancing so much can be draining, so it’s essential to prioritize your well-being. This includes setting realistic goals, taking breaks, and seeking support when needed.
- Tip: Be consistent and block off time to implement self-care!
By framing your unique challenges as strengths and using the resources available, you can overcome these obstacles and successfully secure a job offer or internship that aligns with your goals and values.
