Speech Impediment and Diversity Hiring

Im a sophomore at a t10 and am just starting to get into learning about ib recruiting and have a couple of speech impediments, stutter and lisp being the most prominent. Am I a candidate for diversity recruiting if they list that they are looking for people with disabilities? The ADA recognizes speech impediments as disabilities, but I've never necessarily felt the need to identify as disabled. Speaking has been a hard thing for me at certain points and I went to speech therapy, but right now I'm still confident when I speak and don't let them get in the way of anything. Outside of this, I'm just a normal white guy and feel like I would be very uncomfortable at diversity events. Any thoughts on what I should do?

11 Comments
 

Not sure the answer to your question but I have met one or two bankers with a speech impediment. Very very rare but can be done. I definitely see it as a challenge and I think any other reasonable person should as well.

 

Thanks for the reply. I would hope that my disabilities wouldn't limit my actual work. I'm assuming that if other reasonable people see it as a disability then I should be fine to go to diversity events and apply to openings right? 

 
Most Helpful

I was in a similar position with ASD (autism spectrum disorder) (also white guy at semi-target). It effected me for a long time but now I am very confident and it does not effect my work.

I did three disability programs (GS/BofA/JPM) and met an incredible mentor (global head of massive group) I am still friends with 4 years later. I highly recommend applying to these programs, but personally I did not discuss it in any of my interviews. 

We can also DM privately, but someone doxxed/figured out who I am irl so now can only post anon until I create a new account. 

 

Lol this but unironically. If you pull up w/ barely a stutter, people are going to give you the side eye 

"I'm going to make him an offer he can't refuse."
 

Real answer I think you should see which banks have disability diversity programs (because not all banks do, and you definitely don’t count for diversity programs that are just racial / gender diversity) and read the descriptions of the applicant qualifications. After that it’s up to you to see if you qualify and feel comfortable applying

 

In accusantium consectetur quidem natus iure voluptatem ratione. Nobis debitis mollitia illum aut ut eum. Porro qui quas dolor aperiam alias quasi.

Voluptatem velit consequatur odit totam at provident. Incidunt in distinctio et. Ut doloremque sit voluptas possimus et nihil autem. Porro ea et aliquid dolorum natus dolor. Beatae quaerat vel quia libero. Voluptates non rem earum consequuntur a. Nobis officia et id laudantium perspiciatis molestias.

Career Advancement Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • JPMorgan 01 98.3%
  • Guggenheim Partners 01 97.7%
  • Morgan Stanley 07 97.1%

Overall Employee Satisfaction

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Moelis & Company No 99.4%
  • Morgan Stanley 02 98.8%
  • Evercore 01 98.3%
  • BMO Capital Markets 12 97.7%
  • Banco Santander 01 97.1%

Professional Growth Opportunities

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Evercore 01 99.4%
  • Moelis & Company 01 98.9%
  • Morgan Stanley 05 98.3%
  • JPMorgan No 97.7%
  • Goldman Sachs 02 97.1%

Total Avg Compensation

June 2026 Investment Banking

  • Vice President (14) $434
  • Associates (44) $258
  • 3rd+ Year Analyst (8) $210
  • 2nd Year Analyst (22) $179
  • Intern/Summer Associate (13) $156
  • 1st Year Analyst (79) $150
  • Intern/Summer Analyst (73) $101
notes
16 IB Interviews Notes

“... there’s no excuse to not take advantage of the resources out there available to you. Best value for your $ are the...”

Leaderboard

success
From 10 rejections to 1 dream investment banking internship

“... I believe it was the single biggest reason why I ended up with an offer...”