Hey guys,
I'm currently a college student who is applying for SA 2022 internships. For context, I have a history of disabilities; however, previously, I have never listed disabilities on my application in fear of it leading to a negative impression. I recently heard from my friends that listing disability on my application actually can give you a bit of a boost since it's part of diversity initiatives. This also seems to be confirmed by diversity events listed on firms like GS's website.
What do you guys think about this? Do you guys think that I should list disabilities on my applications or is it better to just not list them?
Thanks!
I think it's pretty dishonest to not disclose your disabilities. A company has the right to know if their hired employee is going to be seizing out, handicapped, at risk of mental breakdowns, colorblind, ability to not focus, etc. If I hired a fresh grad and when he hit the desk he told me he couldn't focus for long periods of time I'd try to fire him on the spot.
1) Nobody can be forced to disclose medical conditions or disabilities BEFORE an offer is made. However, an employer can ask if you can perform the duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
2) The company may ask for any reasonable accommodation to enable a normal work environment for an employee, if required. (AFTER making an offer)
3) An employee can not be fired because of a disability (regardless of whether that condition was disclosed or not).
If you require any accommodations at the workplace, but otherwise are able to fulfill the requirements of the role: it is up to you to ask for reasonable accommodation(s) AFTER an offer has been made.
I can't tell you what you should do but I can walk you through my personal choices. I decided to disclose on most apps (companies I was seriously considering) because it is a part of my life that I am proud of. If a company truly wouldn't even give me a first round because I checked that box on their app, then I realized that I wouldn't prefer to work there. I will also network with analysts before submitting an app. I will either ask them directly about my situation or I will use my judgement based on our conversation about how checking that box will be perceived. This isn't exactly a precise method, but it worked for me.
It sucks that we have to think about that, but I decided to disclose on the majority of my applications. I got very far in the interviewing process for several companies and nearly all of those were disclosed apps. I ended up getting an offer from GS/MS/JPM which I am very happy with. Because I disclosed it in my app, I felt more comfortable discussing my disability in those interviews. I discussed it openly and showed how its sudden onset gave me qualities that the company is looking for so I think that made for a unique story. BUT, obviously if you disclose it only HR knows, none of your interviewers will know so don't feel like you have to address it in an interview where you disclosed on the app. I tried to strike a balance of bringing it up in only some interviews, because I didn't want to be known as that intern with ~insert disability here~ so be careful with this.
I understand that this is a hard choice and I personally didn't have anyone I could ask questions to about this who was actually contemplating the same thing so if you have any questions you can ask.
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