Working with Purpose: Having Experience Under Your Belt Julie Ouellette, M.Ed., CCC Paul Menton Centre for Students With Disabilities, Carleton University.

Working with Purpose: Having Experience Under Your BeltJulie Ouellette, M.Ed., CCCPaul Menton Centrefor Students With Disabilities, Carleton University

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Earnings and Unemployment Rate by Educational Attainment

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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.”

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Educational Attainment

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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.”

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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?

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Most importantly, can you do the work?

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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

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But can you balance academics and work?

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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

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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

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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**

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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

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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

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Questions?

Julie [email protected]

Carleton Universitywww.carleton.ca

Paul Menton Centrewww.carleton.ca/pmc

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