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Ability Programme

Birkbeck is committed to being a truly inclusive environment in which all staff and students are treated fairly and with respect, and where diversity is championed.

Overview of the programme

The Ability Programme supports Birkbeck students and recent graduates with a disability, who are neurodivergent, or have a mental health or long-term health condition – including those with overlapping experiences – with bespoke events, guidance and micro-placements. We want to ensure you have access to tailored careers information, advice and meaningful work experiences to help you to successfully enter and thrive in the workplace.

Information for Students

  • Events: The Ability Programme includes a wide range of careers-related events to help you connect with other students, build your social capital, and develop your career. They include applying for work with a disability, declaring a disability, confidence building and resilience, communicating your unique abilities and strengths, networking and personal branding. At these events, alumni and employers with inclusive practices are invited to share more about their roles and organisations. Search for 'Ability' and other 'Careers’ tagged events on the Birkbeck events page.
  • One-to-ones: You can book Ability one-to-ones to receive personalised and expert careers advice and guidance from our Careers Consultants on Handshake.
  • Micro-placements: You can also apply for short-term paid Ability Micro-Placements on Handshake. Supported by the Ian Karten Charitable Trust micro-placements are fantastic opportunities to connect with Disability Confident employers looking for talented people like you.
  • If you have any questions about the Ability Programme, please email the Ability team.

Information for employers and organisations

  • The Birkbeck Careers and Enterprise Service is committed to working closely with employers to champion social inclusion and create positive change. Birkbeck was mentioned as an example of best practice in the 2021 Policy Connect All Parliamentary Group for Assistive Technology's report Talent and Technology: Building bridges to employment for disabled people.
  • Ways to work with the Ability Programme
    • Events: There are many ways to showcase your organisation to our students, including delivering workshops and insight events, participating on employer panels, outlining sector-specific CVs, reviewing cover letters, and offering mock and informational interviews.
    • Micro-placements: You could also host one or more Ability Programme students on micro-placements. Previous placement hosts have included Blueshift Education, The Telegraph, Reed Smith, Vice News, Disability Action Haringey, Omnicom Health Group, Wells Tobias and Bloomsbury Festival.
    • Watch this video for some insight into what it's like to host one of our students.
    • We are also open to working with you on other innovative ideas you may have.
    • If you want to work with us, or have any questions about the Ability Programme, please email the Ability team.