My name is Nico Santiago. I am an industrial design student going into my senior year at Rochester Institute of Technology. I’m currently learning how to go through the interview process, write a targeted resume, and build a portfolio. My dream is to one day own a small industrial design firm focused on creating products for people with disabilities. Growing up with Congenital Myasthenia Gravis (CMG) taught me that the world was not designed for people like me.
Interviewing is a daunting task for everyone. You are trying to sell yourself to a company and prove that you can be a helpful asset. To add to this pressure, interviewing is also a competitive process. Today, I’ll share some tips and insights, as someone who uses a wheelchair, on how to communicate lived experience as an advantage during internship or job interviews.
THE RESUME
Your resume will play a key role in whether an employer considers you for the job. In many cases, a resume (and perhaps a cover letter) is your first impression. Employers are looking for different attributes in your resume. While it’s almost impossible to prepare for everything that they will want to see, one thing that we know is critical is relevant experience or transferrable skills.
On your resume, you should incorporate your perspective and life experience as someone who uses a wheelchair as an advantage. I’m not saying to list how long you’ve used a wheelchair for, but to include specific scenarios. If you’ve ever participated in a leadership role, team sport, club, or association within the disabled community, this would be a great addition to your resume. Having different accounts of being active in the disabled community reinforces your experience with people of all abilities in general. Employers will draw the conclusion that you value diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, which adds more to your perspective.
THE PORTFOLIO
In some fields, a portfolio of past work samples may be required to accompany your resume or cover letter. If not required, it could be something that gives you a competitive edge during an interview. But it’s important to understand that an employer is not just looking for pretty projects that you’ve completed. They are looking for proof of how you work, as well as the skills you have.
The portfolio is another space where you can add some projects that show off how you have used your unique perspective and lived experience to create, plan, or design something. If you are applying for a job in a design/engineering field, have a project that is geared towards people with disabilities. This will reinforce how important it is to have different perspectives in a work environment and understand problem solving for the greatest population.
Your entire portfolio doesn’t have to only be projects like this, though. We are complex individuals, and we all have many interests, so I think it’s important to show that off as well. The key is to try and find some balance between things that you are passionate about and things that add credibility to your perspective.
THE INTERVIEW
Answering the call: “We’re looking for some diversity within the team”
Personal and lived experience is an important perspective to share when interviewing. Many companies are looking to diversify their teams, so being able to provide a different perspective in any field of work can be helpful. It’s important though, to research the company’s history and values during your job application process. You want to apply and interview with companies that have an existing culture that motivates you and complements your values.
Know that you can take the perspectives and experiences you have and apply them to anywhere—product creation, meetings, communications, events, services, and more. Don’t feel you have to limit your search to places that focus on people with disabilities only. Apply to any job or company you are passionate about and then use your lived experience as a transferrable perspective and advantage that you can bring to the table.
Along with having unique perspectives, as people with disabilities, we are skilled at adapting to new things. This is another key attribute to leverage in your interview discussions. . While living with disabilities, we are always learning and adapting to the world. Whether it’s cooking for ourselves or driving independently, these are all things we have needed to adapt to and figure out. We must adapt in order to thrive.
Now overtime for us these things may seem small because they are something we do every day, but these are examples of overcoming obstacles through problem solving. You can provide examples like these from everyday settings, a past work setting, or from your participation in a club or sport. These are important talking points when in discussion with a prospective employer. Being able to adapt and overcome is something that every job is looking for.
Despite the ever-shifting job market, companies continue to look for people who can adapt to changes, communicate well, and embrace leadership opportunities. And for us who are living with a disability, we are our own proof that we are capable of this and so much more. Don’t be afraid to speak about it.