Self Assessment: Understanding Yourself
Self assessment is the first stage of the job search process for all
graduates. It is an opportunity to raise awareness about you, your
skills, interests, values and motivations. It may also highlight skills
you still need to acquire and further learning opportunities. This will
assist you in selecting a suitable industry and job options and in
putting together job applications.
While completing this task, think about skills you have acquired
through your disability, such as using adaptive technology, or any
lobbying and advocacy you have done which you can add to your résumé.
Also think about the lifestyle you lead and how much of it is related
to your disability. For example, if your disability means you take
three hours getting ready each morning you may wish to look for a role
which allows you to work an afternoon shift.
Your university Careers Service can provide information on self
assessment and career planning. They can also take you through a self
assessment process if you request a one on one session.
A useful resource is Graduate Careers Australia’s publication Your
Career & You – this self assessment guide reflects graduate
employers’ contemporary work practices and will help you to consider
your goals, values, attributes and skills as a basis for career
exploration. Your Career & You is available through your Careers
Service or can be ordered online from GCA’s website
You may wish to engage a private careers advisor who specialises in
career planning to assist you. A fee will apply for this service.
Research
To begin an effective and targeted job hunt you need to know:
- the major employers and organisations you may wish to work for
- where jobs are located
- how many graduate level positions are available
- which employers have policies on disability employment
- any leaders in the field
- possible mentors
- industry specific conferences/publications/ networking events
- where jobs are advertised
- career paths and options
- people you can contact.
Keep an eye out for statements welcoming diversity, or
stating the organisation is an equal opportunity employer. These
statements indicate programs may already be in place to assist
employees with disability.