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Successful Job Applications for Students with a Disability May 2, 2012

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How can a young person with a disability optimally prepare for the application process? This question was at the centre of the third workshop that Dow Europe recently organised together with the MyHandicap Foundation in Horgen.

HORGEN, Switzerland —  April 2012 —  “Not the disability but the abilities of an applicant should be at the centre of an employment decision”. This statement marked the conclusion of the third application workshop organised by Dow Europe and the MyHandicap Foundation. This informal event aimed at preparing students for the application process while taking into account their disability.

About twenty participants and one guide dog took part in the March workshop in Horgen, supported by Dow Olympic Operations. This business unit is concerned with Dow’s engagement as a worldwide Olympic partner and the official “Chemistry Company” of the Olympic movement. The Olympic spirit and values therefore served as inspiration for the application workshop; i.e. demonstrating respect, celebrating friendship and striving for excellence.

Diversity as strength

Welcoming the assembled group, Ad Tolboom, HR Director for Dow in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, pointed out that diversity in particular is what makes a company strong. And diversity is all the more important for a company like Dow as it has to stay competitive within a global market environment. Over the last three years, Dow in Europe has welcomed 16 new employees and students with a disability.

A cycle benefiting everyone

In his presentation, Robert Freumuth, CEO of MyHandicap Deutschland, emphasised the importance of reintegrating people with a disability into professional life. The objective is a cycle from which everyone benefits: companies, people with disabilities and society at large. “Focus on individual talents and abilities”, was the motto expressed by MyHandicap founder Joachim Schoss. In his presentation, he spoke about his own experiences of living with a disability. During the workshop, the participants learned that a good, intriguing application folder constitutes a promising “foot in the door” as it must highlight one’s strengths and abilities. The participants were then able to practice what they had learned in mock application interviews with Dow managers, which were analysed thereafter.

Impressive and impressed participants

Once again, it became crystal clear that all sides – companies, people with and without disabilities – benefit from integration efforts. The workshop constituted a clear win-win situation for both the participants and for Dow.

Is fundraising a diverse sector? April 13, 2012

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There are real commercial reasons for increasing black and minority ethnic (BME) representation in your fundraising team. This is an issue explored by Caspar van Vark in a recent article.

Next time you walk into a room full of fundraisers, take a look around. How diverse is the group? Chances are, it’s rather white. For a sector that champions diversity, its absence within the ranks can be surprising.

“The sector embraces the diversity agenda,” says Paul Amadi, director of fundraising at Diabetes UK and a co-founder of the Black Fundraisers Network. “But within itself, it hasn’t been as progressive as it might have been. It’s better than it was a few years ago, but there is still progress to be made in the fundraising sector.”

There aren’t yet any figures on black and minority ethnic representation in fundraising, but there’s certainly a perception of it being disproportionately low. “Anecdotally, yes, it would seem that fundraising does lack diversity,” agrees Peter Lewis, chief executive of the Institute of Fundraising.

Why does this matter? Diversity is often seen as an end in itself, but Lewis and Amadi both see commercial imperatives for increasing BME representation in the sector.

“Increasing diversity is far more than just a laudable aim in its own right,” says Amadi. “The key reason is to get the best possible people into your organisation so you can better fulfil your mission. Everyone is competing for the best staff, and there are many extremely talented people currently outside the mainstream sector who could make such a great contribution.

“So there’s a commercial reason for attracting them, and not just a well meaning one.”

Have a look at the following link for the full article – http://www.guardian.co.uk/voluntary-sector-network/2012/mar/20/diverse-fundraising-sector

‘How does an autistic person establish him or herself in a satisfying career?’ April 3, 2012

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‘How does an autistic person establish him or herself in a satisfying career?’
This is the question that author John Elder Robison highlights in a recent blog post. The article describes concepts that can be used to explain what works and what doesn’t when trying to secure a job and possibly more importantly retain it and become a valued employee
Robison details the ‘Watch, Wait and Imitate’ approach in order to be successful at interviews. “When you want to join a group of people, pay attention to how they are dressed, how they are talking, and what they are doing. Take simple steps to blend in”. However he is cautious to state that if this means going way out of your comfort zone in order to fit in, then this possibly isn’t the right place for you.
Later in the article Robison goes on to talk about ‘abilities’ and how he himself has become successful by seeking out job applications that have allowed him to do what he is good at. He details how so many autistic people keep their interests and what they are good at separate from what they do on a daily basis at work, causing a ‘gross mismatch of skills’
Robison is both inspirational in how he talks about his and friends successes in their careers and practical in the advice he gives to overcome workplace barriers.
Have a look at the full article http://www.huffingtonpost.com/john-elder-robison/living-with-autism_b_1392487.html where there are also links to his other writings

How dyslexia helped Tom win ‘The Apprentice’ March 23, 2012

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It’s that time again when a group of budding entrepreneurs and ambitious business people put themselves forward for a gruelling set of tasks, in the hope to become Lord Sugar’s next ‘Apprentice’.

Confidence exudes from each and every one of them as they fight it out to avoid being ‘fired’. It is therefore not surprising that any challenges these candidates have faced personally, have been viewed in their eyes as a unique distinction that puts them ahead of their competition.

In particular last year’s winner, inventor, Tom Pellereau describes his dyslexia as a positive. “I discovered I could do things better than other people. If I had an idea, I could visualise it in my brain and spin it around”.

On ‘The Apprentice:The Final Five’, Tom’s mum spoke about how his disability has made him an innovative problem solver.

“The advantages of dyslexia are that you are much better at adapting. You can go underneath or over the top of a problem and not take the direct route … Tom’s good at that.”

It certainly didn’t hold him back as he successfully beat the other 15 candidates to the position in 2011 and is about to launch his new business line ‘Stylefile’ – a collection of curved nail files, due to go on sale this Sunday!

You can read more about Tom and comments from readers at http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/ouch/2011/07/tom_pellereau_winner_of_the.html

Interested in working in Science/Technology? February 27, 2012

Posted by Katie Dallison in : Career choice, Ethnic minorities, employability and skills , add a comment

BP have launched their annual diversity programme, this year highlighting their Positively Ethnic Network (PEN), a Black and Asian ethnic minority employee group within BP.  The programme provides an opportunity for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) students to spend one week at BP shadowing employees, visiting operating sites and picking up invaluable presentation, CV and interview skills.  It’s a great chance to experience first hand what a career in this field would be like!

It’s open to first and second year students and  you’ll need 220 UCAS points (not including general studies) and to be on track for a 2.1 degree in a STEM subject.   To apply email BP at:  bppen@bp.com if you are interested and they
will contact you directly.

Applications close on 9 March 2012 so get in early!

To read more about what BP offers for graduates visit:  bp.com/ukgraduates

Know who. Know how. February 15, 2012

Posted by Katie Dallison in : Career choice, Events, Industry Information, city jobs, commercial awareness, employability and skills , add a comment

This is motto for Elevation Networks (EN), a youth employment charity that aims to bridge the gap between under-represented groups and industries, helping young people to become more competitive in today’s labour market.  They aim to:

During February they are offering a wide range of events that you can go along to, hear about different careers and meet specialists in the field.  Check out the Reach calendar and the Elevation Network website for more information (http://www.elevationnetworks.org/)

Coming out at work February 10, 2012

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For many students the workplace, and your first job is a pretty daunting prospect.   Then for some you’re faced with another big question – do I disclose my sexuality to my workmates?

Matthew Jenkin, in the Guardian work blog, recalls his own experiences of coming out at work, and shares his favorite websites offering advice for gay employees.

One of the resources he highlights is the Stonewall Equality Index which is a great resource for students looking for employers who really value diversity within their workplace.  It does generally focus on bigger (500+ staff) companies but could be useful to give you an idea of the types of policy’s and support that is on offer.

To read more visit The Guardian work blog (http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/coming-out-work-employee-experiences?CMP=EMCJOBTXT6481I)

UCL Diversity month – open to the public January 31, 2012

Posted by Katie Dallison in : Events, commercial awareness , add a comment

February is UCL’s diversity month and the central London University is opening the majority of it’s events to the public.  There is something for everyone with events on women’s rights, transgender issues, gay imagery, agism and religion.

Although not strictly careers related – the events could provide a great opportunity for networking, with most Monday evenings throughout the month having a panel event.  For anyone interested in pursuing a career around advocacy (human rights law, policy or diversity roles within business or the public sector)  these talks will put you in touch with experts in the field and help you to meet a range a people interested in these topics.

To find out more about Diversity Month and for a full calender of event, please visit http://www.ucl.ac.uk/hr/equalities/diversity_month2012.php

BBC Launches Search For New Disabled Presenters January 20, 2012

Posted by Katie Dallison in : creative careers, cultural sector, employability and skills, further study and training, tv , add a comment

Ever fancied yourself on the telly, presenting a range of shows to an adoring public?  Well, this could be just the chance you’ve been waiting for!  The BBC are looking for 6-10 people to join the BBC Academy next summer.

Angela Chan, Independents and Diversity Executive at the BBC, said; “We’re looking for people with real passion and knowledge who are great communicators and have the potential to build lasting careers in the media.  If you’re successful you’ll receive some of the best training the BBC has to offer, be exposed to a host of industry contacts, and have a great showreel to launch your presenting career.”

Applications are open now until the 31st of January.  To find out more please visit http://www.bbc.co.uk/commissioning/news/presentable.shtml

ULU Liberation Campaigns Conference January 11, 2012

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Campaigning is at the heart of what the student movement is about, and the  University of London Student Union is launching a campaigning and social network for liberation groups.  All LGBT, Women, Disabled, Mature, Palestinian and Black student groups, as well as other student campaigners, are invited to help found and launch liberation networks at ULU.  These networks will bring together students, societies and social groups from across the University of London and beyond, allowing joint events, campaigning and social interaction.

If you interested in getting involved, the launch conference will be held at Saturday 22nd January from 11am – 5pm.  To find out more information, visit the ULU Liberation Campaigns Facebook page.