Graduate Profile - Disability Studies

Name: Kate Mieglich
Degree Awarded: Bachelor of Applied Science - Disability Studies
Position Gained: Inclusion Consultant
Organisation: Inclusion SA
Commencement Date: January 31, 2005

Could you give us a description of what your position involves or will involve?

Assisting staff of child care, vacation care and out of school hours care services to include children with additional needs by providing specialised training on issues relating to children with special needs, support and advocacy for inclusion, support and assistance in developing and adapting programme activities to encourage the participation of a child with additional needs in a mainstream program and promoting effective liaison with parents, staff and other professionals.

With your experiences in securing employment what advice would you give to students who are in their first, second, and final year of study?

Gaining work experience is really important as your degree teaches you what you need to know, but putting what you know into practice is more valuable and employers look for this in potential employees.   If your degree does not include practicum placements try to obtain a job or complete some voluntary work in the field related to your degree.

How did you go about finding graduate employment?

I received information from the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre at uni throughout my second and third year at uni that was helpful because it gave me an idea of what types of jobs were available and introduced me to some organisations that I did not know of previously. I also looked through the careers section in the Advertiser each Saturday which is where I found the job with the organisation I am working for.

Can you briefly describe the application process relevant to your position?   What interview questions were you asked?

Applicants were required to write a cover letter, stating their wish to apply for the position.   In the cover letter I also addressed some of the desired and essential skills/qualifications stated in the job ad.   The cover letter was sent with three copies of my curriculum vitae.

The interview I attended was a panel interview.   Before entering the interview I was given two written questions and I was allowed 15 minutes to prepare a response.   I was then interviewed by four people on a panel, including the CEO of the organisation.   I was asked another 5 unseen questions in addition to the written questions.

Questions asked:(can't remember them all!)

•  Why are you applying for this position?
•  What is your understanding of a team?
•  The position often involves a heavy work load and for employees to work independently, how and why do you think you would manage this?
•  Part of your role would be to support good communication between child care, parents and other agencies.   What are the issues that might arise and how would you deal with them?

In your opinion, what factors enabled you to be successful in obtaining employment?

Having worked in the field of disability for 5 years and in several different areas of the field while studying and travelling meant that I had quite a lot of experience working with people with disabilities and their families.

Having worked overseas was also a bonus, I think that it shows employers that you have initiative and are willing to go out there and try something new. Travelling provides you with invaluable life experience.