My first few days of work experience
Just before Christmas I had my first day of work experience. A lot of people have asked me how I got on, so I thought I would write about it.
It was a big day. I might be 28, but because of being ill and disabled, I have never had a job or done any work experience. This also made writing under the subheading of ‘Experience’ on my CV tricky.
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| Hannah after her first day of work experience |
I secured this work experience through an event the company were hosting for White Lodge, which I was attending, in my ambassador role. I had literally just finished AAT level 4 at the time. Through networking the opportunity opened up. This was good as I feel they got to know me, in a social situation, rather than ‘the girl in the wheelchair.’
Prior to the event, I was worried about how I would get work experience. Would people judge? Stereotype? Assume that because I am disabled, I am unreliable or always off sick? Be discriminative or not want me? I know I am not the only disabled person who worries about these things.
Furthermore, I was worried about how many potential opportunities there would be in the first place; many accountancy firms are above shops and just totally inaccessible to start with.
I am lucky. I don’t think the company could be more accessible, from the entrance to large rooms, a lift, evacuation chair, disabled toilets and even wetrooms! The way it has been designed and thought out, it surprises me that I am their first wheelchair user.
They were very accommodating on anything they could do to help me. I was worried about adaptations/ equipment as I am only there on work experience and not permanent. I also didn’t want to be a nuisance or cause any extra trouble. However, I didn’t need to worry as they asked me and were only too happy to make any necessary adjustments.
I go to ‘work’ for work experience for 3-4 hours one day each week with the support of my Mum or a PA. Once I have sufficient experience it will enable me to use the initials MAAT after my name.
I go to ‘work’ for work experience for 3-4 hours one day each week with the support of my Mum or a PA. Once I have sufficient experience it will enable me to use the initials MAAT after my name.
My first day went well, although I did not really do a lot of work! It comprised of induction, a tour of the building and sorting out my personal emergency evacuation plan (PEEP). During the tour we took the lift to the first floor, in which on exiting it decided to start alarming and not close it’s doors. I then continued on my tour into the open plan offices, whilst hoping the constant alarming of the lift was not disturbing employees’ work.
Luckily, after a period of the lift alarming the facilities team managed to fix the lift. I got to go down for lunch with the team.
I returned after Christmas. Luckily, my few days have gone a lot smoother and I have started working! It is a completely new experience, it is exhausting, but it is going well and I am enjoying it.
The employees are very welcoming and friendly, which makes such a big difference. I am spending time in various departments within finance. The employees have been very kind and patient showing me what their work involves, which I really appreciate.
The employees are very welcoming and friendly, which makes such a big difference. I am spending time in various departments within finance. The employees have been very kind and patient showing me what their work involves, which I really appreciate.
Hannah x
2 Comments
Unknown
Well done Hannah x
Hannah Deakin
Thank you so much 💜