Flipping the script: redefining success as a neurodivergent co-op student
By: Mary Lynne Bartlett (she/her)
Many students choose Waterloo's co-op program for the experience and benefit of exploring different career paths and choices. However, for a neurodivergent student, the range of options and choices might be overwhelming. How do you know which path and option(s) will work for you?
We spoke to career advisors Becky Anderson and Kate Kennedy from the Centre for Career Development (CCD), and Sadia Anjum, co-op student experience manager in Co-operative and Experiential Education (CEE). They shared insights and strategies to help neurodivergent students have a successful co-op work term.
Job search
CareerHub
How do you learn best? Do you prefer to see information visually and then discuss it? Or do you find it more helpful to talk through things as a way of processing?
Neurodivergent students are unique in how they approach learning, and the CCD has an online career tool called CareerHub to help.
CareerHub is a free online resource that allows you to consume career information in the way that works best for you. CareerHub has eight sections, including a section called Identity and your career. The section explores how students’ diverse identities can shape their workplace experiences. It offers robust and helpful information that you can explore independently or with a career advisor in a one-to-one appointment.
Supports
When it comes to the variety of supports available, knowing where to start can be a challenge. Career advisor, Becky Anderson, recommends “students identify what supports they need to have in place to be successful during a work term.” Because one size does not fit all, identifying the supports you need is especially helpful for neurodivergent students.
Career advisors and co-op student experience managers tailor appointments to ensure a person-centered approach.
For example, career advisors can help with things like:
- Navigating how your neurodivergence might present itself during a work term.
- Sharing neurodivergent focused job resources like Specialisterne, a job platform that specifically posts positions for people with visible and invisible disabilities.
- Applying for jobs and crafting effective cover letters and résumés.
- Preparing for the interview process.
- Determining how to share the unique advantages that your neurodiversity can add to the workplace.
There are ways of thinking and doing things that some neurodivergent folks have that are a huge asset. Keep the wording positive rather than focusing too much on the need or something that is lacking. You're contributing and were hired for a reason.
Information for you to consider:
- Determine if, when and how you may want to disclose neurodiversity based on your comfort and context.
- Consider reaching out to staff to assist you with writing and practicing scripts for workplace conversations.
Preparing for your work term
Disclosure
Deciding to disclose a disability is a personal choice that each neurodivergent person needs to make for themselves. Disclosure is an intentional decision to voluntarily communicate medical or psychological condition(s) to others to foster understanding, support and informed decision-making.
A University Affairs article titled Neurodiversity in Canadian post-secondary education, states that less than half of neurodivergent students in higher education have disclosed their disability. Researchers outline barriers to disclosure, which may include inflexible processes, stigma and discrimination.
CEE offers resources to help you determine what disclosure in the co-op job process could look like for you as a neurodivergent co-op student. Career advisors, co-op advisors, co-op experience managers and AccessAbility Services are available to help you. Having these conversations can help you to make informed decisions about what might be best for your individual needs.
A student-centered approach is at the heart of co-op workplace accommodations. Disclosure must align with the student’s readiness. The choice is yours. We present all the options and resources available and let you decide what approach you’d like to take.
Accommodations
Once you’ve landed a co-op job, co-op student experience managers can support you with things like drafting communication to employers about your specific accommodations. Keep in mind that a professional diagnosis isn’t required to receive accommodations during your work term.
Anjum encourages students to look at the onboarding packages from their co-op employers' Human Resources (HR) department as a starting point. Onboarding packages are where you are likely to find information about the supports the employer provides.
On the job
Self advocacy
Neurodivergent individuals experience the world differently from neurotypical individuals. By clearly expressing your needs, rights and interests, you can advocate for yourself and make informed decisions. This, in turn, helps you navigate environments that may not be designed with your unique needs in mind. Advocating for yourself and your unique needs can build your confidence and self-awareness while influencing inclusive policies and practices.
Along the same lines of knowing if disclosing your neurodivergence is right for you, so is the path to self-advocacy.
During student appointments, Kennedy asks prompting questions to get students thinking about self-advocacy. Questions may include things like "what information do you need to know ahead of time that will help you feel successful or prepared? How do you ask for that? What words do you use? What is your script?".
Thriving authentically
Your co-op journey is uniquely yours. By checking out CareerHub, seeking the right supports for you, exploring disclosure, looking at accommodation options and practicing self-advocacy, you can shape a work term that fits your needs and sets you off on the path for success.