RS –

The fact that you may not think fast on your feet, or be a quick decision maker, that you take time to process information does not in of itself define a disability. So why are you thinking you might be disabled? Is this a change you have observed related to your cancer experience? Tell us more.

What positions are you considering for you next career step? In what type of environment do you feel you can perform best? Are you currently working part time?

I take it that you do not have a professor or guidance counselor with whom you feel comfortable. Look to some of your classmates, from the corporate world that may be candidates as a mentor. If you begin your job search process by conducting exploratory networking meetings, you may identify someone who can eventually mentor you. Perhaps a seminar leader or author who addresses self marketing and building confidence. You may also want to engage a Career or Personal Coach who can help you. If you join a networking group , you may find the Group Facilitator to be someone who can guide you.

These are just a few ideas. If you can provide us with more details, we in turn can be more specific with our guidance.

Margot

Hi RS,

Congratulations on your upcoming graduation and MBA! This is something to be quite proud of. With such an accomplishment, you clearly demonstrate the skills and abilities to be successful.

So when you say that you cannot react as quickly, perhaps you can share a bit more about that. For example, some people take time to think before they act or react, so they could be perceived as not reacting as quickly as others. It's not a detriment per se and can be viewed as a positive.

Not being from a cookie cutter can be a good thing depending upon the industry or type of work you do. Are you pursuing a career that demands a quick response, like the stock market? If so, then you may want to look at related fields that may not require such a focus on timing. Find names of people in the companies and/or professions that you are interested in. Contact them and ask to meet with them for advice, 20 minutes or so. That will allow you to open the door to meeting more people in the industry and potentially opportunities for internships and/or job shadowing.

Let us know your thoughts and a bit more about your area(s) of interest. Perhaps we can then be a bit more specific in terms of feedback.

Kind regards,

Judith

ok, I was involved in a traumatic head injury accident in 1982 lost hearing in one ear and some eye sight in right eye. I have overcome alot of hurdles I dont know if mgmt beleives in me. If so, they have not shown it. sometimes i slur my speech so that to may effect there perception. everthing would speedup just if I had more support here. Oh ya a few years ago I had skin cancer and a skin graph on my forehead. Currently I work in operations and my degree is in Business Management with a concentration in accounting. Would like to work in Auditing or Risk Management maybe a staff accountant is nice.

Rodney,

You have overcome many hurdles, which in my mind as a manager of people, would indicate someone with a great tenacity and ability to persevere. I'd suggest connecting with some managers in those areas you are targeting and talk with them about careers in their fields and how to make a transition from what you are currently doing. Don't ask about a job, but rather ask about what they do and how you might be able to learn more about what they do. Suggest perhaps that you shadow someone so you can get a good feeling for what they do. And ask how to best position yourself for these types of jobs. Once you begin to have the conversations internally, then branch out to other oragnizations with similar roles. Ask for referrals to be able to have those same conversations...this is the basis of networking. Once people get to know you and a position opens, they will think of you.

In addition, connect with the career services area of your school. They typically will be able to connect you with opportunities and/or networking options. Alumin groups at the school can also be useful. Search for people who are in the types of jobs your are targeting and reach out to them. Alumni are almost always willing to help other alumni.

When I received my MBA, my company was reluctant to help me make a change as well. Some times companies are like that...unwilling to recognize this accomplishment. Acknowledge that you may need to move to another organization to be able to trade upon your MBA and be valued.

I hope this helps...much success to you,

Judith

judith,

thank you so much for your time and attention.  I will do as much as I can with your advice

you have brought to the surface the truth and inspired me to move on and quit waiting for oppurtunities. go get them.

regards, rodney s.

Dear Rodney,

Thank you...I am so glad that you are moving forward. Some times it takes sharing with another in order to "surface the truth", as you so aptly mentioned.

Kind regards,

Judith