I was in my final year of a Computer Science at The University of Manchester before I came across EmployAbility. I was extremely interested in securing a Summer Internship at an Investment Bank and had so far been unable to adequately perform at two assessment centres due to the high pressure nature of the assessment centre. I had not disclosed a disability on my application form and as a result suffered in the interview process because I was always at a disadvantage which weighed heavy on my mind. I have dyslexia and dyspraxia which would often hinder my thought process on the spot so during the numerical test and technical interview round in particular I wasn’t able to perform to the level of my ability.
I came across EmployAbility through the University of Manchester career service who recommended EmployAbility after discussing my frustrations about my previous interviews and if I should disclose my disability on the application form.
I was worried disclosing my disability and my related adjustments would not be in my best interests to disclose. Following researching into EmployAbility after my career service had pointed me in the right direction and provided me with the background of EmployAbility it immediately gave me confidence to be open and honest. I chose them because I no longer felt the need to worry about disclosing and there was a company in existence who helped to make career aspirations a reality.
The EmployAbility experience was second to none, I still look back on the whole process with happiness. They were able to secure me an interview with an Investment Bank following my application and continued to work on my behalf to ensure I had all reasonable adjusts catered for in the assessment centre. Following the previous interviews I had attended the effort both the company and EmployAbility laid out was fantastic which helped me perform and secure a Summer Internship position.
What was fantastic about EmployAbility was their work didn’t stop following securing the internship, they were with me every step of the internship and helped to provide me with regular contact and support as well as ensuring my needs were catered for. Knowing that EmployAbility were working to ensure my adjustments were in place really enabled me to focus on my work and I was fortunate enough to secure a full time role at the end of the summer. I was successful in my Summer Internship and was offered a graduate position to start the following year at BAML which was fantastic!
I am a Vice President at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (where I have been since my Summer Internship EmployAbility helped me secure in 2008) working in the Electronic Flow Rates Technology team. Outside of my day job at the bank I am also the Co-Chair of the Disability Advocacy Network managing a team of 15 people who help build a disability confident culture within the organisation, creating an environment where associates can bring their whole self and whole talent to work each and every day. My future aspirations are to continue to grow in my career at the bank professionally, working abroad as always been a dream of mine and personally I would love to continue to grow the profile of the Disability Advocacy Network at the organisation.
At EmployAbility we work with disabled university students and graduates to ease the transition from education into employment. To take advantage of these opportunities, the first step is to register with us. You can also contact us with any specific queries.