Coming into the workforce will be overwhelming for any younger skilled. For a lot of, it’s not nearly leaving the construction and stability of college; it’s additionally about studying the ins and outs of a selected business, navigating workplace tradition and adapting to a brand new routine. And for some, there’s an added layer, like having a studying and pondering distinction resembling dyslexia or ADHD. In faculty, many individuals who study and suppose otherwise have lodging that permit them to do their greatest work—however when getting into the workforce, they immediately should learn to advocate for themselves in knowledgeable setting.
If somebody instructed me once I began my profession as an entry-level account supervisor at Ogilvy within the late Nineteen Nineties that I’d ultimately work my approach to the C-suite as somebody with dyslexia, my first query would have been, “How?”
One in 5 individuals worldwide have a studying and pondering distinction, and whereas dyslexia is a widely known studying incapacity, there are some frequent misconceptions. Folks will usually ask me, “You appear nice—did you outgrow it?” However “it” isn’t one thing somebody outgrows. Folks with dyslexia, ADHD and different studying and pondering variations should navigate these challenges all through their complete lives.
I bear in mind making an attempt to use the methods I utilized in faculty to my new function, but it surely felt inconceivable. I navigated new and tough conditions, like in 2000 when my supervisor demanded I observe his method of retaining organized with a PalmPilot, which required its personal particular kind of scribbling to enter phrases. This created a lot confusion, made me really feel much less succesful and embarrassed about why I couldn’t make his method work for me.
Whereas there are methods that permit individuals with dyslexia to learn and comprehend textual content extra simply, it could actually nonetheless be difficult. So, how have I thrived through the years? By making an attempt new approaches and adapting outdated ones to suit totally different office conditions. Right here’s what I’ve discovered.
Vet organizations and navigate the interview course of
As a neurodivergent particular person, step one towards succeeding in any function begins lengthy earlier than the primary day on the job. Getting an concept of a possible employer’s capability to assist staff occurs earlier than and throughout the interview course of to gauge if sure working types and particular wants can be supported by the corporate.
