Voices of experience
Ing Wong-Ward, journalism ’93 grad and current producer for “Here and Now” on CBC Radio One.
Who better to give career tips than someone who has already been through it? The Career Centre has launched a new speakers’ panel and networking series called Voices of Experience. It’s an on-campus interactive series to hear first-hand from professionals about the career journeys they took and lessons learned along the way. October’s event focuses on persons with disabilities and below is a Q&A with School of Journalism ’93 graduate Ing Wong-Ward (external link) about her path in broadcast media.
What skill, attitude or behaviour do you think has been key to your career success so far?
One thing I learned early on… take every opportunity presented to you. You’ll gain valuable experience no matter what. Plus, you can’t know what you’ll like or what you’re good at until you give something a try. Also, ask for feedback and consider how you can do your job better. That will help you long term. Guaranteed.
What advice would you provide to current students who have an invisible or visible disability on establishing their career?
First and foremost, know your own worth. Know what you can bring to the job. At times, although others may not see it, the perspectives you’ve gained as a person with a disability can be an advantage in the workplace. You’ve already learned to do things in an innovative fashion, you’ve learned to problem solve and you can adapt to a variety of situations. Be proud of who you are. An employer who doesn’t want to hire you because of your disability is not worth working for.
Read more Voices of Experience interviews in the 2015/16 edition of Career Compass, Ryerson’s Job Search & Career Planning Guide.
Attend tomorrow’s Voices of Experience event to hear from professionals with visible and invisible disabilities speak about their career paths. Limited seating - book your place at http://ow.ly/TpfqK (external link) .
This is the second article in a series of stories in Career Insider, geared towards students looking to build their careers.
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