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Finding your first job after college can be stressful for anyone, but for those on the autism spectrum, it can be even more pronounced.
That’s why the award-winning Mercyhurst Autism Initiative (AIM) will launch a new career intensive at the start of the 2024-25 academic year.
Starting Monday, Aug. 12, a group of freshman and fifth-year graduate students will return to campus a week before school starts to participate in AIM Career Week, a pilot program organized by Ryan Palm, executive director of the Brad McGarry Neurodiversity Center, which oversees AIM.
The goal is to equip students with the tools, knowledge and confidence they need to make a smooth transition from academia to the workplace. Through a series of workshops, networking events and career coaching, this new initiative aims to address the unique challenges faced by neurodiverse job seekers and provide them with customized resources and strategies to succeed in diverse professional environments.
The Autism Initiative already includes an innovative career readiness component, which will be integrated into the program’s overall curriculum.
“We received feedback that some students felt overwhelmed preparing for the job search while continuing their studies, so we decided to offer an intensive week-long course focused on resumes, interviews, networking and more,” Palm said.
Palm said 18 eligible students were invited to participate and 12 signed up, and he was pleased with the turnout. Since taking over as director of the McGarry Centre in 2023, Palm has had his eye on further enhancing AIM’s career modules.
Widely publicized studies have shown that 85 percent of adults on the autism spectrum who graduate from college are unemployed. To AIM’s credit, 60 percent of its graduates are employed.
“Something more is needed,” Palm said. “We are committed to bridging that gap and helping students not only graduate but also find meaningful, fulfilling careers. AIM Career Week is just the beginning — it’s about building a solid foundation for students’ futures and opening doors that lead to real opportunity. We look forward to seeing how this initiative helps students take the next step toward successful, rewarding careers.”
Before arriving on campus, students participated in virtual sessions with occupational therapist consultants who taught them strategies on dealing with stress, promoting self-care and cultivating the right mindset for pursuing their careers.
As a highlight of the week, students will hear from guest speakers representing JPMorgan Chase, the Philadelphia Neurodiversity Employment Network and a local vocational rehabilitation office.
On Monday, he’ll attend the equivalent of a business dinner and get advice from hospitality manager Pete Zohos on how to behave professionally, and later in the week he’ll visit Macy’s to shop for business attire for interviews.
The team will also conduct a site visit, including a visit to KeyBank in Cleveland, where they will meet with the hiring team and learn about the bank’s workplace autism programs.
Another highlight of the week will be a panel discussion with three AIM alumni — Paul Cohen, Ben VanHook and Noam Mingolelli — who will share their thoughts on achieving success in the job market.
The week, which simulates a 9-to-5 work schedule, is made possible by a grant from the Edith L. Trees Charitable Trust.
Photo: Ryan Palm, Executive Director of the Brad McGarry Neurodiversity Center