This month, I had the pleasure of attending Back Up Trust's first Careers Fair. I had already attended the Back Up To Work course this year, so booking a place at the Careers Fair, seemed like the next logical step! I'd been thinking about getting into paid employment for a while, but as someone with a disability that limits my capability to work, I needed some help.
The event offered advice and information on seeking and securing employment, following a Spinal Cord Injury, and featured a number of guest speakers and bookable clinics.
Image Description: Nash is sat smiling, in his manual wheelchair. He is in front of the 'Radisson Blu Hotel' sign.
Day 1
My sister and I travelled down to the venue (The Raddison, East Midland's Airport) the day before the event, as Back Up Trust were kind enough to pay for our meals and accommodation. When we arrived, we were greeted by one of the Careers Fair hosts, which made things a lot easier - as I often get anxious in new places, and I'm never sure what I need to do.
Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, there was a traffic light-lanyard system* in place, so it was easier to see what social distancing etc, people were most comfortable with. I think it was an amazing idea, and more spaces should use that to ensure everybody feels comfortable, without having to explain themselves.
Traffic Light Lanyard System:
Red: Maintaining social distancing, with no physical contact.
Yellow: Maintaining social distancing where possible, happy to shake hands as long as testing and hygiene measures are adhered to.
Green: Not concerned about social distancing, but following testing and hygiene measures as needed.
That night, we had dinner as a group, which was a great opportunity to chat and share experiences with other Spinal Cord Injured people. I think one of my favourite things about Back Up events, is having the chance to meet others who've been though/are going through, the same thing as me. It never fails to help me feel a little more positive, and less alone as a paraplegic.
Image Description: Nash and his sister, Em, are in a lift on their way down to dinner. Nash is smiling, in a polo shirt and wearing a green lanyard. Em is taking the photo in the lift mirror, she is wearing a blazer and holding her green lanyard.
Day 2
Day Two started how all good days do, with a hotel buffet breakfast!
My sister and I took full advantage of the selection of food and drink on offer; so, by the time the Careers Fair kicked off at 10am, I don't think we could have eaten anything more.
The Careers Fair ran until 4pm, with regular comfort breaks and an hour for lunch. There were a number of talks from different professionals, each sharing their experiences and offering advice on how to secure sustainable employment. I could talk for hours about everything I learnt and how it's changed my perception of what my future could look like; but instead I'll list my top 3 takeaways, below:
Interviews are an opportunity for you to see whether the job is right for you, as much as it's for the employer to see if you're a good fit for the job.
Access To Work can fund equipment and support you need to work - Obviously there are both good and bad experiences, with Access To Work, I've heard about.
It's okay to not work full-time; Organisations offering part-time, flexible, work-from-home and hybrid working, are all great opportunities.*
* For some reason I've had a hang-up about this. I know that full-time work wouldn't be sustainable for me, but I feel as though someone of my age should be working full-time, or at least be in part-time work and looking for full-time. I think it's probably to do with me feeling like I need to prove my ability, so that people don't only see my disability. I don't know, but the Careers Fair helped me see that part-time working isn't something to be embarrassed or ashamed of.
Final Thoughts
Overall, I found the Careers Fair made me excited for the future, and really gave me the opportunity to think about the sort of career I want. Before the event, I had been restricting myself to only consider what careers would be easily accessible, instead of thinking about what I enjoy and want to spend my time doing. I learnt about what support I can access, to help me along the way to securing permanent employment. I hope Back Up run the Careers Fair again, because I think it would help a lot of SCI people on their journey into the working world.
Please Note: I am not working for or with Back Up Trust, all of the thoughts and opinions shared in this post, are my own.
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