Thu, Feb 12 | 2:00 PM
Fulbright Virtual Information Session (Virtual)

Wed, Feb 18 | 1:30 PM
Careers in Patent Law for PhDs & Postdocs
In-person, E19-202 (Ford Building)

Mon, Feb 23 | 12:00 PM
Physician Lunch & Learn with Dr. Lucy Shen
In-person, Rogers Building (7)

Mon, Feb 23 | 5:00 PM
Legal Career Options for STEM Students
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (4)

Tue, Feb 24 | 6:00 PM
Infinite Careers: Francesca DeMeo — Research Scientist at MIT & CEO of NoStove, Inc.
In-person, location TBD

*not on flyer

Wed, Feb 25 | 1:00 PM
Explore Fulbright: Turkey (Türkiye)
In-person, Rogers Building (7)

Fri, Feb 27 | 10:00 AM
How to Succeed in Your Squiggly Career
In-person, Maclaurin Buildings (10)

Fri, Feb 27 | 2:00 PM
Coffee Chats with Alpha AI Engineering (For 1st & 2nd Years)
In-person

The Lime Connect Fellowship Program is our flagship leadership and professional development experience for high-achieving university students with disabilities who are exploring corporate careers.

Current sophomores (rising juniors) enrolled at U.S. universities are invited to apply for the 2026 Lime Connect Fellowship Program. This selective program prepares Fellows to successfully navigate the summer internship recruitment process, build confidence in their professional strengths, and gain exposure to leading global companies. Fellows also receive introductions to Lime Connect’s corporate partners, opening doors to potential internships and long-term career opportunities.

Beyond career preparation, the Fellowship welcomes students into a supportive, lifelong community of peers and professionals who share the experience of living with a disability.

Fellows consistently highlight the following benefits:

• Powerful insights into navigating college, internships, and the workplace with a disability
• A deep, lasting community built on shared experiences and mutual support
• Meaningful connections with professionals from the world’s leading corporations
• Increased confidence in the unique skills, perspectives, and strengths they bring to the workplace

This summer, connect with peers who understand your journey while accelerating your path toward a successful corporate career.

Apply by Tuesday, February 10.

(This article is adapted from a presentation by Lime Connect, a disability advocacy group) 

Invisible disability in the workplace 

Individuals with a disability may have the perception that few people around them are experiencing similar challenges. This is often due to the nature of invisible disabilities, which are not immediately apparent. 

Data suggests, however, that this perception may not be entirely accurate. Surveys show that as many as one-third of white-collar workers identify as having some kind of disability, while only about 21% of workers with a disability have made an official disclosure. This gap can contribute to the feeling that disability is uncommon in professional settings, when in reality it is more widespread than many people realize. 

By normalizing the prevalence of disabilities in the workforce, it can become easier for individuals to disclose and receive appropriate accommodations that help them navigate the job search process more effectively. 

Whether to disclose 

Importantly, disclosure is not mandatory during the career search process. The decision largely comes down to an individual’s comfort level and personal preferences. Some people choose not to disclose if they feel the potential downsides outweigh the benefits. 

Others may believe they are able to manage their disability independently and do not need formal accommodations to succeed in the workplace. Both approaches are valid, and there is no single right choice. 

Barriers to disclosure 

Even though disability is more common than many expect, discomfort around disclosure is also common. Several factors contribute to this hesitation. 

One major concern is the fear that disclosing a disability will affect how someone is perceived by members of a hiring committee. Worries about bias are real and can lead individuals to pursue paths they believe are safer or that allow them to conceal their disability. 

Another challenge is uncertainty around timing. Many people are unsure when the “right” moment is to disclose. Some hesitate to raise the topic too early due to bias concerns, while others worry about waiting too long. In reality, there are multiple points in the process when disclosure can make sense, depending on an individual’s needs. 

When to disclose 

The timing of disclosure often depends on a person’s goals. Disclosing during the application or interview stage can allow for accommodations to be put in place in advance. 

Accommodations during interviews can take many forms. For example, a video interview may allow someone who is hard of hearing to better read lips, while an in-person interview may require confirming that the space is physically accessible for someone with a mobility-related disability. 

Some individuals also choose to disclose because it helps them feel more comfortable and authentic during the interview process. Having mutual understanding between interviewers and interviewees can reduce stress and make it easier to focus on the conversation. 

Disclosure can also happen after receiving a job offer or once employment has begun. At that point, individuals may have a clearer understanding of job expectations and what accommodations would be most helpful. 

For others, disclosure may increase discomfort, and they may prefer to keep that information private. Ultimately, this is a highly personal decision that should be guided by individual preferences and circumstances. 

How to disclose 

When deciding to disclose, there are several considerations that can help make the process feel more manageable. 

Simplify the explanation 

When talking about a disability, it often helps to keep the explanation fairly simple and focused on what actually matters in the moment. Disclosure does not require sharing a diagnosis or going into any medical details. Instead, many people find it more comfortable to explain how their disability shows up in interviews or work settings. 

Framing this around both limitations and strengths can help others understand your experience without shifting the focus away from your ability to do the job. For example, you might note that something like eye contact, processing speed, or sensory input looks a little different for you, while also emphasizing your engagement, preparation, or problem-solving skills. Keeping things straightforward can make the conversation feel less intimidating. 

Base the conversation on your needs 

Basing the disclosure conversation on your needs can help keep it practical rather than personal. Instead of focusing on the disability itself, it can be more effective to describe what helps you do your best work. This gives interviewers or employers something concrete to respond to and keeps the conversation moving forward. 

It can help to think about this ahead of time. Reflect on what has been useful for you in classes, research, internships, or past jobs. Those experiences can give you clues about what might be helpful in a new role, even if the setting is different. 

Approach the conversation with solutions 

When possible, going into a disclosure conversation with a few ideas in mind can make it feel more collaborative. Sharing accommodations or adjustments that have worked for you before can help clarify what you are asking for and why it matters. 

You do not need to have everything figured out, and it is okay if some problem-solving happens later. Even small suggestions can be helpful, and framing them as tools that support your ability to do strong work can reinforce that accommodations are about performance, not special treatment. 

Conclusion 

Disclosing a disability during a career search is not about following a prescribed formula, but about making an informed choice that aligns with your needs, goals, and comfort level. Whether you choose to disclose early, later, or not at all, the most important thing is that the decision is yours. When disclosure does make sense, approaching the conversation thoughtfully and focusing on what helps you succeed can turn it into a tool for advocacy rather than a source of stress. With the right preparation and support, disclosure can be one of many ways to create a career search process that works for you, not against you. 

Wanting to discuss this further? Schedule an appointment with CAPD to get one-on-one support.

The program will be hosted in-person on the Florida State University campus from May 28-June 18, 2026. There is no application fee and the program is offered at no cost to participants. On-campus apartment-style housing is provided, and each participant will receive a meal card for the duration of the program.  

The application deadline is March 27, 2026, however, students are encouraged to apply early as the admissions team begins reviewing applications in January.  Interested students may find more information, including the online application at www.law.fsu.edu/slp.

Undergraduates can apply for reimbursement up to $200 dollars to offset the cost of professional development. CAPD will consult with Student Financial Services to prioritize applicants with the highest financial need.

The professional development must occur within the academic year between September 1 -June 30. See timeline for application deadlines.

Need-based Undergraduate Professional Development Fund
Eligible activities include:

• Fees for DOMESTIC professional conference registration
• Programs or workshops (not already offered at MIT)
• Lodging or transportation associated with attending an in person domestic professional conference
• Legal name change
• Professional attire

Process:
Complete this online application. You will receive an acknowledgement once your application has been submitted. Please refer to the award cycle chart below for information on when to expect an update on your funding request.

Submit receipt(s) from the professional activity. If the activity occurs after the application deadline and your application was accepted, the associated receipt must be submitted to capd-undergrad-pd@mit.edu within two weeks of completing the experience in order for the approved reimbursement to occur.

Reimbursement issued for professional attire and legal name change may be subject to taxes. Reference MIT’s Office of the Vice President for Finance for guidance on how to report this income on your taxes. 

Review the chart below for award cycles and deadlines. The professional development activity must occur within September 1 – June 30.

Education

• Oakland University – Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology
• Michigan Technological University – Master of Science, Industrial Archaeology
• MIT – Doctor Of Philosophy, STS – Science, Technology, and Society

Bio

Renée Blackburn is a Transportation Specialist in the Federal Government. Her work focuses on roadway safety and innovative research. Projects she’s worked on include the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS), Reconnecting Communities Pilot Grant Program, and, currently, ARPA-I.

She holds a BA from Oakland University in Rochester, MI, an MS from Michigan Technological University, and a PhD from MIT.

What motivates you to do the work that you do?

My biggest motivation is to create a safer, more equitable, more accessible world for all people. I do that through my work in transportation, but transportation intersects with almost every aspect of our lives: from housing; access to food, medical services, school, work, and community; and so many other things. All people need safe, reliable, and connected transportation systems, whether that be for walking, biking, driving, taking transit, etc. I continue to do this work because we can see throughout history the effects that policy decisions have had on certain communities and it is important to continue working to correct the harms that were done.

Making decisions, especially important-feeling career decisions, is really challenging for people at all stages of their career. What strategies have you used to make career decisions?

It’s good to think of your short term goals, but you’re going to spend a lot of time working so whatever you choose you should personally feel at peace with the work that you are doing. If you find the work you are doing morally objectionable, no amount of money will make you happy. The best path to a happy and fulfilled life, is to fill it with activities, people, etc that fill you up in a positive way. This is how I approach all decisions. We do live in a capitalist society, but again, having (and hoarding) the most money will not make you happy and will not solve the world’s problems. So, in reality, it’s a deeply personal discussion that you have to have with yourself – what matters most to you in life? what fulfills you? and move in that direction. And also recognize that as you continue to grow and age, the answer to that question can and will change.

How have your career experiences been shaped by intersections of your identity, including but not limited to gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, nationality, disability, and veteran status?

I was a first generation college student and, from a young age, I wanted to go to college. I would talk about it but I never felt that I was taken seriously, I think for two reasons: 1. I was a child and, even though I was smart, I was often dismissed by adults; and 2. I was a girl. I planned for college after high school, but it became evident that I didn’t have the resources or the family support to make it happen. So I waited – I went to college in my early 20s after working various jobs for a couple years. By this point a lot had occurred in my young adult life family-wise, but I made this choice and changed my life path completely, which eventually led me to MIT. These experiences (and others) have continued to influence my career and how I interact with others.

What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

I’ve had some really insightful mentors, both informal and formal, and I’ve appreciated their words of wisdom, their experiences, and their suggestions. During a career transition in late 2021, I mentioned to my mentor that I thought I should focus more on some of my weaknesses. We’d recently been discussing strengths and weaknesses so this was fresh on my mind. She said to me, why put too much energy into your weaknesses, into areas that you just do not enjoy working on, when you can put that into your strengths and make them stronger? I will always remember this. I now don’t think about the “negative” and how to improve, but think about where I am strongest and how I can hone those skills more. It makes me feel more accomplished and makes my professional life more enjoyable.

What career advice do you have for current MIT students, or those interested in entering your industry?

It’s a tough time to be in public service, but it’s still worth it. The folks I work with are some of the smartest, most resilient, and most dedicated people I’ve ever met. We come to work each day to solve a problem that’s facing our country that we care deeply about and work through a variety of challenges in order to solve it. It is a very rewarding career path.

What do you like to do outside of work for fun/relaxation/inspiration?

There is a lot going on in the world – I’ve been purposely reducing my screen time lately (and not using my phone before bed), which means I have more time for hobbies. Having a good work/life balance is so important, and creating that habit when you’re young is key. At the moment, I spend my time outside of work with my animals (2 cats, 1 dog), reading, putting together LEGO sets, playing D&D on Wednesdays, and pursuing other creative outlets that make me happy (music, crafting, home renovation).

Last edited: October 2025

Note: Renee’s comments are her personal opinions and do not represent the views of the U.S. federal government or the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Networking. For some it is a loaded word that induces a visceral sense of dread, while for others it is a natural part of the workday. In reality, networking is nothing more than the practice of cultivating personal and professional connections, though building a strong network takes time and intentional effort. In this article, I will discuss strategies, best practices, and opportunities for building a network at your university and beyond, including: 

• When to begin networking;
• How to identify your reason for networking;
• How to use different types of online networking platforms;
• How to craft effective outreach messages using the GREAT framework; and
• How to prepare for and make the most of face-to-face networking opportunities.

Find your reason to network, and start early

Before the job search

While many people might realize the importance of networking in the midst of a job search, it’s never too early to begin building and expanding your network. The goal need not be immediate; having a strong network can have future value you may be unable to recognize in the present. Creating a strong network is important for all types of career paths, whether you’re pursuing industry or academic professions. 

For those pursuing careers in industry, you can start learning about different professional trajectories or roles from the people who work in those positions. Or, for those in academia, you can gain exposure to new ideas and research collaborations even before any specific project emerges. In fact, each of these motivations have guided my own networking activities. For example, in the fall before graduating with my Master’s degree, I used the strategies I share in this article to connect with individuals working in industries and positions I was interested in potentially pursuing, knowing that I had many months left before I needed to have a job secured. 

There are many reasons to network, and being specific about your goals will guide your journey!

During the job search

During your job search, or in the months leading up to one, networking can help you narrow your search, and boost your application. Tapping into your network might allow you to learn about opportunities that might not yet be publicly posted, which is especially important for more senior roles. A referral from a current employee could also push your application to the top of the stack, making networking an important way to improve your odds of getting that first interview. 

No matter what stage in your career you find yourself, taking some time to reflect on your future goals is important to focus your networking efforts. The aim of networking is to make connections and have conversations that help you achieve your goal. 

So before you embark on your networking journey, it is worth taking the time to reflect: 

• What are your short- and long-term career goals?
• Why do you want to expand your network? 
• What do you want to learn and who can provide that information?
• What is the timeline you are working with? 
• What would success in this networking process look like in a few months? A few years?

In the rest of this article, I will focus on how to network effectively using common online platforms such as LinkedIn, connecting on video calls, and when attending in-person events.

When it comes to building your network, cast a wide net. Even your current network probably includes more people than you think!

Build online connections

Online networking is one of the most convenient and low-barrier forms of networking. The three most important platforms are LinkedIn, Handshake, and your university’s alumni network.

LinkedIn

LinkedIn has become a near-universal job board while also facilitating professional networking through the “connections” feature. When looking at a job posting or a company’s page, LinkedIn will list your connections, company alumni, and university alumni who have some affiliation with the company. Recruiters and hiring managers may also reach out to you via LinkedIn, and in my experience this can be a great way to initiate a conversation after sifting through the uninteresting and irrelevant messages. 

Handshake

Handshake shares LinkedIn’s role as a widely used job board, but is targeted toward students and recent graduates. That means that posted jobs are often a better match for early career job seekers. Additionally, your university might publish lists of companies interested in hiring alumni as well as those attending upcoming job fairs, as the MIT Career Advising & Professional Development (CAPD) Office does. For more information on this platform, check out the MIT CAPD’s guide to Handshake. I have found Handshake to be very useful for determining which jobs and career events are of interest. 

Alumni databases

Lastly, I strongly recommend that you investigate your university’s online alumni network. For example, the MIT Alumni Advisor’s Hub is an excellent resource for MIT students to directly connect with MIT alumni, who have signed up to be listed as “advisors” for students and fellow alumni. While the site assigns scores to advisors based on the similarity of their experience with your interests, you can also search for specific terms, such as job title or company. An advisor’s profile will detail their work and educational experience, list specific conversation topics you can reach out about (e.g. career conversations, mock interviews, work-life balance, etc.), and allow you to suggest times that would work for both of you to meet online. I met with several people from the Advisor’s Hub, and found all of my conversations to be encouraging and helpful! If you’re not sure whether your university has an alumni database, contact your school’s Career Services program or your department’s academic administrator. 

Craft your GREAT message

Regardless of which platforms you use for online networking, in order to initiate a connection you will need to send an introductory message to someone that you don’t know. For many people, this is one of the least familiar and most intimidating aspects of networking, which can be a substantial barrier to making new connections. It is important to keep in mind that most people want to be helpful and are willing to share their experiences, especially when engaging with those that are early in their career! That being said, you will need to show that you are being thoughtful and intentional in your outreach, or to put it more bluntly, that you are someone worth investing time in. It goes without saying that kindness on your part is the best way to ensure kindness on theirs.

In crafting your message, you must carefully consider why you are reaching out to this specific person, and why you want to have a conversation. Remember too that your initial message should be short–you just want to initiate a conversation, not give a monologue! Fortunately, most effective messages share a similar structure. To remember the key parts of an effective message, I’ve created a helpful mnemonic: GREAT.

Greetings. Just like any other interaction, start with saying hello! If you don’t know this person, you might want to give a brief introduction: “I am a graduate student at MIT studying X with a background in Y from Z.” If you are reaching out to an existing connection, give them a short professional update, if relevant: “Since I saw you last, I’ve graduated with my Masters and have recently begun my job search.”

Reason. Explain the context of why you are reaching out to them, specifically: “I saw that you recently began your role as Lead Engineer at the Tech Institute.”

Express interest and purpose. Express interest in their position, company, or research, and state what you hope to learn from them: “I am very interested in becoming an engineer at the Tech Institute, and would love to hear about your background and how your experience brought you to your current position.”

Ask for a response. Be very explicit about what you are asking this person to do, so they know the desired outcome of this initial outreach: “Would you have time for a 30-minute conversation some time in the next couple weeks?”

Thank you. Remember that this person is volunteering their time to help you, so you should express gratitude. But as always, don’t over do it: “Thank you in advance for your time, and I hope to connect soon!”

 If you can remember these key ingredients you will send GREAT messages. The GREAT framework is applicable for many kinds of messages, including this example email I drafted:

In this example email, my subject line – “MIT CEE student looking to connect over climate tech experience” – immediately indicates who I am and why I am writing to this person. Inboxes can pile up quickly and you want to ensure your message gets read.

Some further advice to keep in mind when connecting online: 

1. Once you set a time for a meeting, do not change it. The other person is volunteering their time, so be sure to be respectful. 
2. Try to cultivate a genuine connection by expressing real interest and showing enthusiasm in a way that is authentic for you. If the conversation content is not interesting, that could indicate that the role/industry is not the right fit, or that you might try reaching out to someone else to hear a different perspective.
3. Don’t forget to follow up with a “thank you” email. This is especially important if you want to reinforce next steps, such as getting further connected with someone else or securing a referral. If you do get connected with someone else, you can mention that in your outreach message: e.g. “Celeste recommended I contact you to learn more about your experiences in the industry.” 

Connect face-to-face

Conferences, workshops, and other presentations are ripe with networking opportunities. Whether you set up a video call with a new connection or are attending an in-person event, face-to-face networking is an essential skill. This type of networking might happen after fornal talks or poster presentations at conferences, or at booths during job fairs. Deliberately seeking out new connections during events like these is one of the best ways to introduce yourself to new people and build confidence. Thankfully, these types of conversations are expected and wanted by attendees!

Formal presentations

For example, after someone delivers a talk, it is very common for audience members to linger and chat about the work. This provides the perfect opportunity for you to ask the speaker any questions you didn’t have time to ask, or connect with them about their paper that you recently read. If they are already surrounded by other interested attendees, don’t be afraid to join the conversation. You can also ask for their contact information, and offer yours as well, to follow up later. 

Poster sessions

Poster sessions also provide a great opportunity to connect with people working in your field. Depending on the conference, you may be able to read abstracts ahead of time to plan who you want to connect with. While visiting their poster, you might ask for their contact information to follow up later. You can let them know why you want to connect, such as whether you’re hoping to learn more about their research project and/or professional experience.

Networking events

Many conferences also have dedicated networking sessions. Structured networking events can be intimidating, but remember that everyone is there to talk to new people. The conversations can be fluid and natural! Don’t be afraid to share information about yourself, which can be a great way to elicit information from others. Worlds are very small, so someone may know your colleague or advisor, or may have some sort of connection to your alma mater. Asking questions is also important. The more questions you ask, the more you learn about others, and the more you share about yourself, the better connections can be made.

Prepare an elevator pitch

During any introductory conversation, whether at a conference, job fair, or online, you will likely be asked some variant of “tell me about yourself.” Without preparation, this seemingly straightforward prompt can leave even the most sure-footed networker tongue-tied. Where do I begin? What should I highlight? These are the types of questions you will answer for yourself by preparing your elevator pitch.

As concisely as possible, you need to get across:

Who are you? What is your background?
What do you do? What is your current role? What are your research and/or professional interests?
What are your skills? Is your skillset aligned with the requirements of the role and/or company of interest?
What are you looking for? This is where you bring in your ask, whether that involves a new position, collaboration, exploration, or specific information.

Adapt to your audience and context

The way that you end your elevator pitch will vary depending on the audience, setting, and your goal. The following table summarizes some common settings, and bolds key words and phrases for each. 

Although you want to enter networking situations with your key points in mind, you will likely not be able to give your entire elevator pitch verbatim. Instead, allow the content to flow throughout the course of the conversation. The quantity and depth of information that you share about yourself will depend on the nature of the interaction– the audience and context– but it’s always a good idea to keep in mind the key highlights of your background. This will enable you to selectively share specific information about yourself and your goals throughout the conversation.

Be sure to ask questions

During your conversation, whether in an interview setting, job fair, or informal chat, beyond sharing your elevator pitch you should also come prepared to ask questions. Questions are not only a great way to resolve any uncertainties you might have, but they can be a great way to demonstrate interest and set yourself apart from others. For instance, a question can help you demonstrate knowledge on a subject, show particular insights on a field or topic, and express genuine curiosity. Your questions should be tailored to the specific individual or group you are addressing, and the labs/companies with which you are engaging. Common themes involve daily activities, team dynamics, and growth opportunities, which otherwise might be difficult to deduce from a job listing or lab/company description on a website. As mentioned earlier, asking questions also communicates your curiosity and desire to learn from your audience. 

Follow through with your networking goals

Networking can feel overwhelming, but building your network is as easy as these four steps:

1. Find your reason to network.
2. Identify opportunities to connect with others.
3. Craft your story.
4. Start networking!

To help jumpstart your journey, I’ve created a Networking Plan worksheet. After answering these prompts, you’ll be ready to start building a network in a deliberate, goal-oriented way.

You can download a .pdf of this worksheet at the end of this article.

Take the journey in stride

It is crucial to be intentional about each of these steps, and know that while a strong network will take time to build, in the end it will be worth the effort. There might be unanswered messages, awkward conversations, or people you wouldn’t want to talk to again, but that’s all part of the process. Building a network is all about preparation and proactive outreach. If you start early, you will have time on your side. 

Finally, remember that your network also includes the social connections you make outside of formal networking situations. The relationships that you build in school and the workplace could be some of your most important professional connections, so it could pay off to take some time to meet new people, join organizations and clubs, and have fun. 

Lastly, remember to seek out resources that will prepare you for effective networking. The MIT CAPD has compiled a plethora of networking resources, and you ask your peers, instructors, and mentors about their own networking approaches. If you are an MIT student or postdoc seeking help with networking you can also make an appointment with one of our Comm Fellows. We are happy to help you identify opportunities, craft messages, and practice networking!

Resources and Annotated Examples

About the author

Trevor Cambron is a 2nd year PhD student in the Terrer Lab

Trevor is an MIT Presidential Fellow in Dr. César Terrer’s lab. He graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science with Honors in Earth Systems and a Notation with Distinction in Science Communication. His research centers around the impact of global change on terrestrial ecosystems, and leverages machine learning, remote sensing, and data assimilation to address fundamental uncertainties in the carbon cycle. Currently, he is focused on the role of nutrient availability in constraining the land carbon sink.

Trevor has experience publishing scientific manuscripts, delivering research talks, giving poster presentations, and engaging with public-facing science communication.

You can make an appointment with Trevor using our online scheduler, or contact him at: tcambron@mit.edu.

Ultimately, you get to choose what and how you include your experiences and accomplishments on your resume or CV, and what you share in conversations. However, if you are concerned about conscious or unconscious bias in the hiring process, here are some considerations to minimize potential impact on your application:

1. Determine your comfort level with disclosure

Your ability to perform a specific task or job is not necessarily determined by personal characteristics. Sharing about your participation in some affinity/identity-based groups might reveal information about you that you may be uncertain about disclosing.

While many identities are protected under certain employment laws and regulations, this varies by state and country, so you may need to conduct additional research to help you decide when and how you might want to disclose identifying information. Consider the broader social, political, and economic climate on the local and national level, and how these factors might influence a company’s policies, hiring trends, and supports for identity/affinity groups.

2. Align your values

How important is it at the job that you obscure or hide an aspect about yourself? How important is it for you to be able to share this aspect of your identity at work? What professional persona do you want to bring to this workplace? These questions will have very individualized answers, and there is a wide spectrum of what might feel right for you — and that’s okay. Some people want to fully align their personal and professional personas at work, while others feel more comfortable having a professional identity while keeping some aspects of their life outside of work private.

This may become more or less important to you as factors outside of your control may affect your decision. Current events, the economy, political/organizational climates, and the job market might be some factors that may influence your choice.

While there is merit in helping to make change on the inside, working to support an organization that does not fully value you can be challenging. Find the degree that you feel comfortable with sharing aspects about you, keeping in mind that what may feel right for others may not feel right for you — and that’s also okay.

3. Make it relevant

What knowledge, skills, and abilities are important for this job? Your application, interview, and related discussions should focus primarily on how you are prepared to tackle the needs that the organization has identified through the job description. If you held a treasurer role in an organization, and your skills/accomplishments from that experience do not support the needs outlined in the job position, you may not need to include it. Focus on identifying the information that is necessary for them to know.  

Ultimately it is up to you as a candidate to determine what is best for you. If you need additional support on this topic, schedule an appointment with a career advisor, and we can discuss your unique experience in the job search.

Lime Connect is a valuable resource for students who self-identify as having a disability. Read further learn more about the services and opportunities they provide. 

What is Lime Connect’s mission, and who do they work with? 

Lime Connect’s mission is to prepare and connect individuals with disabilities to meaningful professional opportunities. The organization is led by individuals with disabilities, ensuring that its initiatives are designed with firsthand understanding and experience. 

They also maintain relationships with a broad network of corporate partners, such as Google, Microsoft, and Goldman Sachs. These companies partner with Lime Connect to recruit and support disabled talent, demonstrating a commitment to fostering an inclusive workforce. Lime Connect works closely with these partners and job candidates to facilitate a smoother, more accessible application and interview process while keeping students informed about career opportunities. 

Who is eligible for Lime Connect’s services? 

Lime Connect welcomes and supports individuals with both visible and non-visible disabilities. They emphasize that 70% of disabilities are non-visible, including learning and attention differences (such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD), autism, medical conditions, and mental health conditions. Among students, that percentage rises to 90%. 

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, Lime Connect welcomes you to join their network and explore their resources. Their approach recognizes disability as a broad and diverse experience, and their programs are designed to support students in navigating the workplace with confidence. 

What resources does Lime Connect offer? 

Lime Connect network 

The Lime Connect Network is an online community where students with disabilities can connect, share experiences, and learn about upcoming opportunities. Whether you’re looking for career resources or a peer who understands your journey, this network provides a space for support and connection. 

Lime Connect understands that disclosure can be stressful, especially in a professional setting. They make sure any information shared on their platform stays secure and confidential, so students have control over what they disclose and when. The goal is to let students explore career opportunities without worrying about their disability status being shared without their say. 

Signing up for the network is required to access the additional resources listed below. 

Fellowship program 

Lime Connect’s Fellowship Program is their flagship initiative, guiding rising juniors (current sophomores) through the internship recruitment process. The program is designed to help fellows secure internships for the summer after their junior year while building professional confidence as a person with a disability. 

A key benefit of being a fellow is direct access to Lime’s corporate partners, offering valuable networking opportunities and industry insights. 

Scholarship opportunities 

Lime Connect offers two scholarships for students with disabilities pursuing careers in specific industries: 

• The Johnson & Johnson Access-Ability Scholarship supports students with disabilities pursuing careers in health care. The deadline is typically sometime in April each year. 

• The BMO Capital Markets Equity Through Education Scholarship is designed for students with disabilities interested in financial services, particularly capital markets. The deadline is typically over the summer.  

Professional coaching calls 

Lime Connect provides one-on-one career coaching sessions, offering guidance on topics such as navigating disclosure, self-advocacy, and preparing for interviews. These calls help students develop strategies to approach the job search with confidence. 

Conclusion 

Lime Connect is an outstanding resource for students who want to navigate the intersection of their professional careers and their identities as people with disabilities. By joining the Lime Connect Network, you gain access to a supportive community and a wealth of career development opportunities. If you would like to learn more, check out their website landing page.

Navigating disability identity in the workplace can be complex, and you don’t have to figure it out alone. If you’re navigating how your disability fits into your career journey, CAPD can help. Whether it’s disclosure, accommodations, or self-advocacy, we’re here to support you—schedule an appointment to chat one-on-one.