Coming into the workforce might be overwhelming for any younger skilled. For a lot of, it’s not nearly leaving the construction and stability of faculty; it’s additionally about studying the ins and outs of a selected trade, 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 reminiscent of dyslexia or ADHD. In faculty, many individuals who study and assume in a different way have lodging that permit them to do their finest work—however when coming into the workforce, they all of the sudden must discover ways to advocate for themselves in an expert setting.
If somebody instructed me after I began my profession as an entry-level account supervisor at Ogilvy within the late Nineties that I’d ultimately work my solution to the C-suite as somebody with dyslexia, my first query would have been, “How?”
One in 5 folks worldwide have a studying and pondering distinction, and whereas dyslexia is a widely known studying incapacity, there are some frequent misconceptions. Individuals will typically ask me, “You appear high-quality—did you outgrow it?” However “it” isn’t one thing somebody outgrows. Individuals with dyslexia, ADHD and different studying and pondering variations must navigate these challenges all through their total lives.
I keep in mind attempting to use the methods I utilized in faculty to my new function, however it felt unimaginable. I navigated new and troublesome conditions, like in 2000 when my supervisor demanded I observe his means 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 means work for me.
Whereas there are methods that permit folks with dyslexia to learn and comprehend textual content extra simply, it could nonetheless be difficult. So, how have I thrived over time? By attempting new approaches and adapting previous ones to suit totally different office conditions. Right here’s what I’ve realized.
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 thought of a possible employer’s capability to assist staff occurs earlier than and throughout the interview course of to gauge if sure working kinds and particular wants shall be supported by the corporate.
