The need for creativity and the opportunity to work remotely can make the communications industry appealing.
By Linda Chase
AbleHire.org
When you have a disability, it can be a little challenging to figure out what kind of career you should pursue. It’s often not just a matter of evaluating your strengths and interests; people with disabilities also have to take into account which fields will — and won’t — be able to offer the accommodations that allow them to thrive.
Marketing, however, can be an excellent option. This is a rich career field with tons of opportunities for people who are creatively driven, business-minded, and interested in helping companies connect with customers in new and innovative ways. It’s also a career that can offer a ton of flexibility, so there’s plenty of room for people who need all manner of accommodations. Here’s a look at why this is such a great career choice for people with disabilities, and how you can get started.
Strong Remote Capabilities
Although not all marketers are able to work remotely, many are — more and more marketing companies are offering full- or part-time remote roles to their teams over time. Many marketing roles, such as copywriting and graphic design, can easily be done remotely. There are also a ton of virtual collaboration tools out there, allowing employees to work in teams when needed and dive into their solo creative work in whatever environment works best for them. Indeed, many companies take advantage of this by being fully remote from the start, saving money on office space and opening their business up to qualified employees all over the country.
The same principle is true of studying for your marketing career. Online schools are able to offer comprehensive programs in business, marketing, advertising, and more. You can study on your own time in your own environment, which can be an invaluable asset for people whose disabilities might make in-person studying difficult or impossible. This opens up the field to tons of people who may not have been able to get the opportunity, even just a few years ago.
Opportunities for Every Strength
As far as career umbrellas go, “marketing” is one of the broadest umbrellas there is. There is a huge variety of opportunities when it comes to the marketing field — meaning there’s a job to suit nearly any strength. For example, creative thinkers can find their niche as writers, videographers, or graphic designers. These are the roles that bring heart and soul into the marketing world. Without them, companies would struggle to truly connect with their customers.
If you’re not the creative type, however, that’s no problem. Marketing is also an excellent fit for outgoing individuals who work well with others. Interfacing with clients and making sure their needs are met is one of the core competencies that make for a good marketing manager. Got a mind for figures? You can make a great career out of evaluating marketing campaigns for their effectiveness and figuring out which techniques provide the best ROI. There truly is an opportunity out there for nearly any set of strengths.
Networking for Success
When it comes to a career in marketing, networking is one of your absolute best tools for finding your best path forward. That’s why joining groups such as KC IABC can make such a huge difference. Professional groups like these allow you to make the connections that will push your career far.
It’s also worth looking into professional groups within the disability community. These groups are another great source of professional connection, but they can also offer solidarity and advice specific to your needs. It’s always good to have a community you can turn to that understands your specific needs.
Marketing is an excellent field that offers myriad opportunities for people from all walks of life. If you’re looking for a career that plays to your strengths while offering the accommodations you need to let them shine, this might be the field for you.
Linda Chase created Able Hire to help people with disabilities build rewarding, successful careers. As a person with disabilities herself, Linda understands the challenges people with disabilities face when trying to get hired. She hopes Able Hire will be a resource for people with disabilities seeking jobs and for hiring managers seeking a better understanding of what people with disabilities have to offer.