JobFilter: Here We Go Again / Affirmative Action

February 12, 2015 7:56 PM

So, I have limited experience as a teaching assistant during my college years, as a manuscript editor and a lab assistant performing basic maintenance. I also have cerebral palsy, a pretty severe "blocky" stutter, major depressive disorder being treated with meds and therapy, sleep issues that no one seems to know what to do with, etc. Despite all this, I've managed to not become a hermit and envision myself eventually becoming either a researcher, therapist, or doctor within the fields of neurology and psychology. What sort of jobs should I look for, where, and how, when I apply, can I bring up my disability in such a way that, well, gets me a leg up. I need money, I need to work, and I need to use whatever I have to my advantage. Where to go from here? More snowflakes inside.

What sort of jobs should I look for, where, and how, when I apply, can I bring up my disability in such a way that, well, gets me a leg up. I need money, I need to work, and I need to use whatever I have to my advantage. So many people use far more disingenuous methods to get ahead in life, so please no lecturing. I understand this approach may not work everywhere/ with every one, and I know I'm no Steven Hawking, but I've suffered enough and done enough in spite of it that I deserve to be given a chance at making some money with what I HAVE been able to do, especially two years out of college, even if it isn't in the context of an exactly-level playing field, because these were and are real, lifelong hardships. Help?

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (6 answers total)

Becoming a doctor, therapist, or researcher (depending on what type of research, I guess) usually requires an advanced degree. Are you looking for suggestions of work that will help you be accepted into a graduate program? Or positions that do not require advanced degrees? (In which case you can cross "doctor" and most types of "therapist" off the list.)
posted by jaguar at 8:39 PM on February 12, 2015

I would check out your state's vocational rehab program. Sometimes the state will fund a work trial for you somewhere and pay your (minimal) wages for a certain number of work hours-- it's a great incentive for the employer to give you a chance and to get your foot in the door. In Montana, where I am, they offer all kinds of support in finding a good placement for you, up to and including paying for additional schooling, apprenticeships or certificates.

For jobs on your own, I would stick your disability right in your cover letter. Explain that that's part of what gives you a passion for your field, and while it has presented some obstacles for you, in some ways it's been a gift to have firsthand experience with neurological and (this is trickier territory) psychological disorders, and the unique stressors those difficulties present. Your limitations may be frustrating at times, but your perspective is an advantage.
posted by dee lee at 8:46 PM on February 12, 2015 [1 favorite]

You want either a small company that will consider you, not you on paper, or a big company that is known for a strong disability program/quota/track. Walgreens, for example, was recently on the blue for this. Search terms like "best companies in [state] for disabilities" could help. You could also talk to the diversity procurement officer of your local government, who will probably know your regional market if he or she can't place you directly.
posted by michaelh at 8:56 PM on February 12, 2015

Hey, I know someone who admits he landed a post-doc in a highly competitive field (and field of applicants) that he wouldn't have otherwise gotten if he hadn't gone back and convinced a federal funding agency that he qualified as a diversity/affirmative action candidate because of a recognized, marked physical disability (that didn't compromise his ability to excel at the position once he got it), even though he was a white male and traditionally the grant support had been earmarked for ethnic/racial diversity only. There is no shame in that game, considering all the opportunities you may not even know you're not getting due to your visible disability. The principle is the same.

So there are certain workplaces that receive funding or the ability to apply for certain grants based on presence of underrepresented populations (academia and some NGOs are in this category--grad school isn't such a bad idea), and there are corporations with specific diversity goals as well. Your state bureau of rehabilitation might know who's who for that.
posted by blue suede stockings at 8:59 PM on February 12, 2015

Depending on how badly your physical or psychiatric disabilities affect you, would it be worth asking your doctors about applying for SSI? It certainly wouldn't be a quick process, but if you're eligible, it may be a way of getting on your feet financially. It certainly wouldn't have to be for the rest of your life -- there are incentive programs that help recipients get back to work.
posted by jaguar at 9:12 PM on February 12, 2015

..... envision myself eventually becoming either a researcher, therapist, or doctor within the fields of neurology and psychology.....

I know that you have been trying to get a job for a while based on previous questions, and if it is isn't working and what you quoted above is your true dream, why not just go for it and apply for graduate school now?

I'm not trying to be patronizing (and I didn't realize until I was in a lab for a year or so), but grad school, specifically neuroscience, will pay your entire tuition plus a basic stipend (enough for living expenses for a single person). The fact that you have TAed, etc, would be an asset going into a program.

If this is your dream (and you also put the tag volunteer on your question, so I am assuming it is a response you will consider), find PIs in nearby universities and figure out their research areas and ask to volunteer in their lab/do research with them, etc. Since you have this background that affects you personally, it would be a powerful appeal (ie, your goal is grad school, you have conditions X and Y, want to have more research experience, and you can review their research and come in with intelligent questions when you initially meet), and learn whatever they have to offer you. On several occasions, I have seen PIs find the funding for a job if the volunteer is good, and/or invite them to apply for graduate school with the idea that the PI would become your advisor (and it would be an asset to them since you are trained since you spent time as a volunteer).

You don't specify the type of doctor that you are considering (MD?), but there are also joint neuroscience PhD/MD programs - you can google around and see what would be a good fit.

There is not going to be a perfect job out there. If this is your true dream/goal, go for it.
posted by Wolfster at 9:14 PM on February 12, 2015