Will my physical disability affect IB recruiting? (serious)
Hey all,
I'm a current freshman at a semi-target, and I've started laying the groundwork for IB recruiting in the upcoming cycle. As the title suggests, I have a noticeable physical disability, namely that my legs don't work (they haven't for years lmao) and I use a wheelchair for movement, however this is the only impairment I have; everything else is fine. This has been in my life long enough where I've known how to adapt things like my schedule or my physical space to not seem burdensome. My question is whether this will affect my recruiting chances, or if I should even disclose it entirely.
Obviously, IB recruiting is an arduous process and banks are looking for any flaw or reason to cut an applicant out of their pool. Because of my disability and wheelchair, there would be slightly more I'd need in terms of accommodation - in my experience mainly just navigating through narrow office spaces and having things be reachable for me have been obstacles so far. Because of this, I know it could be burdensome for banks to accommodate me.
In terms of disclosing it, it's tricky. I want to go into healthcare, so a lot of my behavioral answers are sort of focused around my disability. If it doesn't come up, I wouldn't want an offer to be rescinded because of this. Yes, I know disability is a protected class, however that hasn't stopped things from happening to me under the guise of some other reason, and it's not something I can really fight if it happens.
If anyone has any advice on this situation, I'd greatly appreciate it, especially if you have worked with someone with a disability and understand how banks tackle it in their hiring process or work environment.
Thanks!
No bro, they care about your knowledge and how good you are at in Excel & PowerPoint. The only thing I could see being an issue is that when you leave your desk, you do not set realistic expectations to get back to your desk on time, and you get yelled at. Overall, banks shouldn't care and if they do lwk fuck em.
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Real answer: yes, it will affect some people’s private bias, but no, it should not stop you from recruiting, and I would not approach the process assuming firms see you as a burden. Banks are big institutions and have dealt with accommodations before. The bigger thing is controlling the narrative. If your disability is central to your story and genuinely shaped why healthcare interests you, I would not awkwardly hide it. Just present it confidently and matter-of-factly, not like an apology. People take cues from how you frame it.
Personally I would love having Stephen Hawking as a coworker
Why, trying to get an invite to Jeffery's island?
I rly hope it works out for you man that'd be such an inspiration, makes me really think about how privileged I am
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't. If this is what you want, and you work hard, it will work out.
Damn given that a lot of interviews have gone fully virtual, you could fully just not mention it until your first day on the job.
Although HR might be pissed that you didn't give them a heads up for "reasonable accommodations" etc
Best of luck to you. I certainly wouldn't have any issues hiring/working with somebody in a wheelchair.
Whats your plan long term? I don't really know any senior bankers in wheelchairs but I know an S&T VP who is. Maybe after you secure your in you can move around internally to see what fits best for you.
Imma be honest, if you are capable mentally. I really hope you get it. I feel like that is a huge disability, but can be worked around. The only thing that may turn them off for is that it is more difficult to present when you are in a wheelchair. I think is would be sick tho if you land it. If my intern had a wheel chair the first thought in my head would be “this guy gotta be cracked”
I remember there were guys at GS who had permanent disabilities (wheelchair bound / partially blind). Would target BB’s, they’re more open to diverse abilities and backgrounds. Unfortunately, don’t see boutiques being as open to it
I wish I could say it doesn’t affect people’s perceptions of you but unfortunately it will. That being said I knew some people who had noticeable physical disabilities that landed great jobs at top banks in Houston.
The most important thing is that they remember you in the interviews for a good reason, be it your background, your motivations, or your networking. If you can wow them, it’ll make you stand out.
No. I would personally respect you more when you show up at those networking events, and put your name on the list if you ask for the referal.
The honest truth is yes, it will be something taken into account. Just like race/ethnicity, gender, and other visible characteristics are immediately clocked by someone you are meeting for the first time (date, cashier, and in this case banker).
That being said, I agree that they key will be to own your narrative and your recruiting story. I maybe deviate from other posts and suggest you do not really mention it unless it is something that is brought up by the banker. There is no reason to discuss things that really will have no impact on your ability to perform the job.
If I saw someone with a disability recruiting I would be incredibly impressed because I can only imagine it is more challenging then for an able body candidate. That being said, I dont think you want to solicit any sympathy or pity from anyone, bankers included.
Focus on your skillset as it relates to what bankers do (excel, powerpoint, modeling, current events, technicals, and general networking).
Best of luck.
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