Being both a student and employee at UEA for the past three years has meant having my studies and work tailored by me to fit around my ADHD. As a student ambassador I can pick which shifts work well with my needs, it's a job that gives me variety, flexibility, and the comfort of it being also with the university I study at. As a student I've been given courses through my disabled students allowance to help me study, extensions on summative assessments when my symptoms act up, and understanding lecturers that trust I will get the work done in my own way. All of this can make life at university feel like a bit of a bubble to some neurodiverse students - that's not to say it's easier, certain aspects have been a lot harder – but for me it's been what I needed. The idea of leaving education (coming straight from sixth form, I didn't even have a gap year) into the world of work is daunting.
In this blog I'd like to tell you about my own experiences, my questions and concerns about moving into post-graduate employment and how CareerCentral's new week-long series of events called 'Count Me In' aims to help students with disabilities, neurodiverse, mental health or long-term health conditions prepare for their next steps.
When getting diagnosed my psychiatrist jokingly told me my ADHD won't stop me doing anything, other than an office job. Which I agree, I don't want to work an office job. So, can I support myself on a more flexible/active job that may be not paid as well? What paid opportunities are there for a Drama and Creative Writing graduate like me? And above all can I figure all this out without my anxiety and my ADHD joining forces and knocking me out?
These questions still plague me occasionally but I'm a lot more comforted than when I first started looking at my future post-uni. I know now I have support from CareerCentral post-graduation, I know there is a much wider variety of jobs other than A) waitress or B) filing documents at a desk, and I know that I really don't have to have everything figured out at the grand old age of 21.
In some ways my ADHD has helped me in my jobs. I lack the social awareness to ever be embarrassed cracking dad jokes on campus tours and I never know how loud my voice is so even big groups can hear me talk about the chips at Campus Kitchen vs. the Chip Van. I can multitask and problem solve in a way that a lot of neurotypicals might not be able to. I might not be able to do an office job but if I find something I'm passionate about, by God am I a good worker. In the 2021 autumn semester I was doing hair, makeup and costume for my third-year production 'Blue Heart' and would happily put in ten hours a day multiple days in a row, booking out the Drama Studio keys and staying till 3am when security kicked us out.
My disability is only a hinderance to those who don't trust me. I know myself and what I'm capable of, and what I'm capable of is the same (if not better) as a neurotypical worker, just achieved through a different path.
Count Me In, CareerCentral's week-long programme of events starting on 9 May is a step towards any disabled or neurodiverse student being able to calm their own anxieties about entering the workforce. The mix of online and in-person events offers practical advice and guidance on recruitment practices, workplace adjustments and support, along with the opportunity to connect with inclusive employers and learn vital skills for the transition from university into work. Whether you're neurodiverse, have a disability, mental health or long-term condition, I'd encourage you to get involved. Knowing our strengths, the support available, and the opportunities that are out there is not just extremely helpful, but essential.
Hannah Fleming, Drama and Creative Writing Year 3.
The full Count Me In programme of events is available to book now on MyCareerCentral.
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