Getting work experience is a great idea. It lets you earn money, make new friends, and feel satisfied that you are contributing to society. You can get a job in addition to getting more education or you could pursue another option that gives you work and life experience, such as joining the military, traveling to another country, doing volunteer work, or finding another way to fulfill your interests.

There are many factors that can help you decide whether you want to look for a job now. These are some things to consider:

• The independence a job would give you
• The money you would make
• The impact of working on your benefits
• Whether getting a job now will help you reach your long-term goals

Independent Living

A major key to being able to make your own decisions and live independently is having the money you need to afford your choices. Perhaps the biggest reason to get a job is that once you are earning your own money, you'll truly be able to begin leading your own life. Independent living means you decide how you want to live your life; you get to choose how you spend your time, who your friends are, and where you live.

Work also lets you meet new friends, see new places, and learn new things, which are also keys to independent living. You’ll participate as part of a team and have responsibilities. The independence that work gives you will give you more ways you can decide to spend your time, and more chances to join in the day-to-day activities of your community.

Independent living does not mean that you have to know all the answers or do everything by yourself; it means that you need to learn how to find resources that can help you reach your goals. You also need to learn to be in charge of how you use these resources.

Finances

Money is usually a factor in choosing what you want to do. For example, if you got a lot of student loans to go to college and have just graduated, you need to make sure that you repay them. Other things you might need money for include rent, a car, or everyday expenses like food.

If you or your family has enough money that you don't need a job to pay for immediate expenses, you can still decide to get a job. Or you can consider other options like going back to school, doing an internship, or volunteering. Education and internships are discussed in detail in Getting a Higher Education, while volunteering is discussed later in this article.

Impact on Benefits

A lot of people who get disability benefits like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medical Assistance (MA) worry that if they get a job they'll lose their benefits and won't be able to afford to pay for their expenses or their medical treatment. It’s true that getting a job could impact your benefits, but that should not stop you from getting a job!

After getting a job, you’ll have more money than before and will still have health coverage. And if you lose your job, you'll have the option of getting back on benefits. How to report your job income to benefits agencies and how your income will impact your benefits is explained in Young People – Working.

Reaching Your Long-Term Goals

There are many different long-term goals you might have. Your goal might be simply to make enough money to live independently or to save for your future. Or you might want to meet new people or travel. Working can be a great way to make progress on all of your goals in life.

You should also have a long-term career goal. Having a clearly stated goal means you can take the appropriate steps to achieve it. If getting a job helps you advance in the pursuit of your long-term goal, then now is the time to find a job.

However, many careers require that you get higher education first. For example, if you want to become a teacher, you'll need to get a college degree, so going to college first may be a better choice. Of course, you may want to work some so that you can earn money to pay for college. Educational options and how to pay for them are discussed more in Getting a Higher Education.

Figuring out what sort of job to get is hard. There are lots of different jobs out there and you should find one that interests you and that you are qualified for. Of course you want to find a job where you'll make money and that you can do well, but you also want to make sure your work helps you develop new skills that you can use at future jobs.

To print this worksheet, click here.

If you don’t know the answers, don't worry, most people don't! This page will help you think about things to consider and can help you answer these questions.

What Are Your Interests?

Interests are things you like. Try to think if your interests could become your future career. For example, if you have a blog and enjoy writing, maybe you could become a journalist. Plenty of other hobbies could become careers that are enjoyable and fulfilling. For example you might like

• Gardening
• Doing repairs around the house
• Playing video games
• Cooking

Interests can also be based on what subjects you like at school. If you are good at math, there are many career options for you in the sciences and engineering. You might not yet know how to do some things that interest you – for example, you may be interested in becoming a doctor, but haven’t yet started medical school – but the training and education is available if you want it.

Think about all of your interests and which ones you might want to use in the future at a job. There are many non-profit organizations that can help you explore your interests and begin planning a career. This list includes contact information for many organizations as well as descriptions of the services they provide.

What Are Your Skills?

Skills are things you already know how to do. Think about your skills and which ones you might want to use in a future job. For example, if you are already good with computers and you like to work with them, you may want to think about a career as a computer technician. Skills determine what types of jobs you can get right now.

Of course, if you don’t know how to do something, you can always learn how! Your current skills may limit the job you get today, but they don’t have to limit your long-term career goal. It just means that you will have to learn those skills through an education program or find a job that offers on-the-job training.

What Is Your Career Goal?

Each job you get is a stepping-stone. You will probably have many jobs before you reach your long-term career goal, and have plenty of experiences along the way. You want to make sure that the jobs you get help you reach your final goal.

This means that when you decide whether to apply for a job, think about whether it will help you reach your final goal. Here are some ways in which a job could help you reach your career goal:

• An entry-level job at a company in a field that interests you can lead to promotions at the same company or a higher-level job at another company after a few years.
• A job at a company that provides on-the-job training will help you learn skills you need to reach your long-term goal.
• Some jobs that aren’t directly related to your career goal will require you to practice skills that you will need for your dream job. For example, if you work at a store and help with customers, you will gain experience working with the public that can help you in many fields.
• Some companies will help you pay for your education.

How Much Money Do You Want to Make?

Money is one of the biggest factors in choosing a job. We all need money to pay our expenses. Some jobs pay a lot more than others. As a young person, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to get a job that will make you rich right away. However, if you have a long-term goal of making a lot of money, that may affect what sort of work you look for today.

For instance, if you want to become a lawyer, you are going to need to go to college and then law school. You'll also have to do internships at law firms. Other types of skilled work also pay well and require different types of preparation. For example, if you want to become an electrician, you may need to do an apprenticeship.

Some professions don't pay as much, but can be very satisfying. For example, if you become a teacher, you'll know that you are doing an important job that truly helps people.

What Is the Impact of Your Disability?

Depending on your disability, you may not be able to do certain jobs. For example, some jobs require heavy lifting and if your disability prevents you from lifting heavy objects, you may not be able to do that type of work.

Because of your disability, you may want to work from home, have a flexible schedule, or work part-time. Some jobs and employers will be more adaptable to these types of options. Some employers are actually looking for people who can make these sorts of adjustments to their schedules.

Think about these issues, because while employers are required to give you reasonable accommodations so that you can fulfill the obligations of your job, they are not required to change the fundamental duties of a job because of your disability.

Getting Information, Training, and Experience

As you think about a long-term career goal, you’ll realize that the careers that interest you probably require more education or training than you currently have. And once you get a job, you will need to learn more new skills so that you can advance in your career, accept new responsibilities, get promotions, and earn more money.

There are many different ways of getting training and experience and which ones are appropriate depend on you and the career you hope to develop. There are also lots of ways to learn about your options, such as:

• Talking to friends and family
• Doing research online or in the library
• Going on informational interviews
• Attending career fairs in your area

Once you know what you need, you can get training and experience that can help you get the job you want. You could try:

• Volunteering
• Being an intern
• Doing an apprenticeship

Then, when you start working, there are even more chances to learn new skills, for example:

• You could receive on-the-job training.
• You could learn from a mentor, either in your company or outside of it.
• You could have a job coach.

We discuss some of the things in the pages that follow.

Informational Interviews

A great way to learn more about a career option is to talk to somebody who works in that field. Talking to somebody to learn about a profession is called an “informational interview.” If you already know somebody who works in the field that you’re interested in, talk to that person. If you don't know anybody, you can ask your friends or family if they know people who work in that field.

When you find somebody to talk to, dress nicely and be polite. Even though this is an informal conversation, you want to make a good impression because this person may be able to help you get a job later. By talking to somebody who actually has the job you are interested in, you will get a much better idea about how to get that job and what it is like. Here are a few questions to ask in an informational interview.

• What steps did you take to get your job?
• What kind of training was needed?
• How long did it take for you to get to your current level at work?
• Do you have any suggestions for how I could get started?

As you discuss your interests with more people, you will learn a lot about how to develop them into a career. You will also make valuable contacts who may be able to help you get an internship, do job-shadowing, or be your mentor. If you are lucky, the person you do your informational interview with may even be able to help you find a job!

Career Fairs

Career fairs are events where many employers are present and want to talk with potential employees. At a career fair employers gather to tell you about what sorts of work are available at their companies. They are a great chance for you to learn about different industries. Take copies of your resume to the fair in case you learn about a job that you want to apply for. Find a job or career fair near you.

Dress nicely and act professionally when you go to a career fair. Don’t chew gum, use inappropriate language, or do anything you wouldn't do at a job. This is a chance for you to show potential employers that you would be a good employee.

Volunteering

When you volunteer you work for an organization without getting paid. Volunteering is a great way to do important work, get experience, learn new skills, and make contacts who might be able to help you get a paying job in the future.

Another good thing about doing volunteer work is that you can put it on your resume. If you look for a job in the same field as the volunteer work that you did, potential employers will see that you are experienced. Even if you apply for a job in a different field, the potential employer will see that you are a hard-working, dedicated person.

One good place online to look for volunteer possibilities is Volunteer Match. Another option is to simply contact an organization that does work that you think is important and see whether they need volunteers to help them with their work.

Internships

An internship is a program designed to provide you with experience in a company. As an intern, you work at a job for a limited amount of time, anywhere from a few months up to a year, depending on the program. You get experience that can help you decide if you like the work, learn new skills, and make new friends. There are three big differences between an internship and a normal job:

1. Internships are designed to give you training while you work, meaning that you often get exposed to a wide variety of activities.
2. Not all internships pay.
3. Many internships are only available to students.

There’s a lot more information about internships and how to find them in the Getting a Higher Education article.

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships are basically a type of on-the-job training. They are structured programs that teach you a skilled occupation, craft, or trade. Apprenticeship programs can help you learn how to become a carpenter, plumber, electrician, or get another skilled job. There are also apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing, health care services, agriculture, and information technology. To learn more about the types of work that offer apprenticeships, see the Minnesota Pipline Program handout.

During the apprenticeship, you gain skills through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. Once you complete your apprenticeship, you will receive a certificate for the field in which you have specialized. You may also be offered a job at the company where you did the apprenticeship.

To do an apprenticeship, you must be at least 16 years old and have a high school diploma or be pursuing a GED. Click here for more information about apprenticeship programs in Minnesota.

On-the-Job Training

A lot of jobs that require specialized training offer on-the-job training, because the knowledge you need is specific to that workplace. On-the-job training means that your employer teaches you the skills you need to do your job. In this way, you’ll actually get paid to learn! On-the-job training can be structured or informal. For example, your employer may want you to complete a training program, or may just have one of your co-workers show you what you need to do.

Learning from a Mentor

Mentors are people who provide you with guidance and support. If you have a career goal, it is great to have a mentor who works in that field show you exactly what his or her work is like and help you figure out how to get a job.

A mentor:

• Helps you understand what it takes to enter a field
• Provides support while you gain training and search for a position
• May be able to help you get a foot in the door at a company in the future
• Serves as a personal reference when you apply for jobs, and
• Once you get a job, can give you ongoing support and advice.

Mentorships can be in person or can be done over the phone or email. You may be able to find a mentor through family or friends, but there are also many programs that can help you find a mentor. Here are some of their websites:

• The University of Minnesota has a mentoring program for students with disabilities called Check and Connect. Other universities may have similar programs.

Job Coach

When you get a job, a job coach can help you learn how to do your job and make sure you adapt well to the work environment. This person can also help you with work-related concerns such as how to talk to your boss about questions you have and what accommodations you may need. You might have a job coach through your Ticket to Work program, Vocational Rehabilitation Services, or through another one of the agencies described later in this article.

Finding a job is hard. However, it is possible if you are patient and work hard at it. Here we will discuss some of the ways that you can look for a job.

Talk to People

The most common way to find a job is by talking to people. Talk to your friends, family, professors, and other people you know. Let them know that you are looking for work and what type of job you want. Ask them to let you know if they hear about an opportunity.

If you know somebody who has a good job, see if that person knows about job openings at his or her workplace. If you like a company or organization and want to work there, contact them! Even if they don’t have any job openings, you may be able to arrange an informational interview where you can learn more about the type of work they do and the best way to find a job in that field.

Job Listings

In addition to talking to people, there are also numerous websites that can help you find work. One simple way to look for work online is to simply search for “job listings” on an Internet search engine. Your search results will include links to many of the websites that specialize in jobs in your area.

A couple of particularly good websites for Minnesotans with disabilities are CAREERwise and MinnesotaWorks. These websites also have articles and information that can help you in your job search.

Job Programs

It can be difficult looking for and finding a job if you think you have to do it all on your own. Fortunately, there are some excellent organizations that can help.

• CareerForce locations provide the tools, resources, and services you need for your employment, training, and other work-related needs.There are about 50 locations around the state with knowledgeable staff to help you.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job. To be eligible for VRS, you must have a physical or mental disability that makes it difficult for you to prepare for, get, or keep work. If you are eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) based on your disability, you are automatically eligible for VRS. Even if you automatically qualify, you need to apply for services and may be put on a waiting list.
• If you have vision loss, the Workforce Development Unit of Minnesota State Services for the Blind (SSB) can help you prepare for, find, and keep a job.
• Disability Hub MN provides free, statewide information and referral services to Minnesotans with disabilities regarding all disability-related questions. You can Chat with a Hub expert or call them at 1-866-333-2466.

Ticket to Work Program

If you are over the age of 18 and receive disability benefits from Social Security, the Ticket to Work Program can help you learn about job options and maybe give working a try. It helps you find a job and see if you like it without losing your health coverage benefits. If your disability gets worse and you need to stop working, you can easily get back on cash benefits.

Ticket to Work can help you with the following:

• Figure out what sort of job you would be successful at
• Get training
• Find work
• Receive job coaching
• Get continuing support once you get a job to help you be successful

To participate, you need to contact an agency that provides Ticket to Work services. A couple of examples are Vocational Rehabilitation Services and CareerForce locations. To learn more, see DB101’s article about the Ticket Program.

Customized Employment

Traditionally, individuals need to look for jobs that they are qualified for, apply for them in competition with others, and then perform the tasks that they are assigned. Customized employment approaches finding work from a different perspective. In customized employment, an organization or a person, like a vocational rehabilitation counselor, helps create a connection between an individual and a potential employer or employers. The counselor then helps the individual and the employer figure out what sort of work the individual could best do at the place of employment. Talk to your vocational rehabilitation counselor to learn more or Chat with a Hub expert.

Applying for jobs is a lot of work. When you send applications to different employers, you won’t even get replies from a lot of them! You may have to apply for 10 or more jobs before you even get a chance at an interview. Don’t worry, this is normal – it’s hard for even the most qualified jobseekers to find a job. Still, if you are persistent you will succeed in finding a job, even if it takes a while.

To apply for some jobs you will have to fill out forms. Other jobs will require you to prepare a resume and write a cover letter about why you are a good fit for the job. Usually you will do an interview.

Preparing a Resume

A resume is one of the most important ways you will tell potential employers about yourself. There are several main categories of information that you should include on your resume:

• You need to list your name and contact information, including your phone number, address, and email address.
• A work experience section should include jobs you've held. It may also include volunteer work. In addition to listing the job title and place you worked, you should also describe the work you did.
• An education section should tell about schools you have attended, including college, technical school, or high school. It can also mention any honors you received.
• A skills section should include skills that are relevant for the job you are applying for. For example, if you speak a language in addition to English, mention it in this section. Also mention specific computer skills you have, such as knowing how to use Microsoft Office or other software. Especially for people who are young and don’t have long work histories, it is a good idea to emphasize this section.

The exact information you choose to include may vary depending on the job you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a job in an office, you may choose to give details only about other office jobs you've done, or to only list office skills you know like typing and computer use. However, it wouldn't hurt to include all of your experience if you think it is useful information.

Job programs, mentors, and job coaches are great sources of help for developing your resume. Look at some good tips and example resumes .

Writing a Cover Letter

When you apply for a job, you’ll probably have to write a letter explaining why the employer should hire you. This letter is challenging because it should be short (a page or less), but at the same time should help you show off your skills.

First and foremost, the cover letter shows your ability as a writer. This means that you need to make sure that it has proper grammar, that all the words are spelled correctly, and that it doesn’t include any factual errors.

The second thing the letter tells a potential employer is how much time and energy you spent writing the letter. If your letter really talks about things that are specifically related to the job you’re applying for, they’ll know that you spent time thinking about the job. Once the person reviewing your cover letter sees that you are a good writer and put energy into your letter, then they’ll think about the actual words you wrote.

A cover letter gives you the chance to give the employer information that you didn’t include on your resume, or perhaps to emphasize something that is on it. It all depends on you and the job you’re applying for. Click here for useful information and examples of cover letters.

You don’t need to write a completely different cover letter for every job you apply for. Usually you can reuse portions of a letter you have written previously. However, it is very important that you make sure that your letter includes some details that are specific to the job you are applying for, such as the name of the company and the job title, and that it does not accidentally include information that is specific to a different company or job!

Having an Interview

One important step in getting a job is the job interview. From the perspective of potential employers, interviews are important because they give the employer information about you that they don’t get through your resume, cover letter, or references; they get a glimpse of you, especially your presence, honesty, morals and professionalism.

Before you go to the interview, you need to prepare yourself well. Here are some important steps to take:

• Research the employer extensively. Read their website so that you know what they do and talk to people you know who work at the company or in the same field so that you understand exactly the skills and needs that companies like this have.
• Practice interviewing with a friend or career counselor. Click here for tips for interview success.
• Take care of the little things. Have your travel to the place of the interview planned out, so that you can be a little bit early. Dress professionally. Turn off your cell phone. Don’t chew gum during the interview. Don’t smoke just before the interview. Bring a copy of your resume and references. These little details are not things that by themselves will get you a job, but they are things that if you don’t do them could prevent you from getting a job.
• If you need an accommodation in order to do an interview, make sure to request it. The employer interviewing you is required to provide you with reasonable accommodations.

The key is to always have a positive attitude, both during your preparation and during the interview. After the interview, send a thank-you email or note.