Recap: Neurodiversity and My Career by Arber Ismaili

As a young neurodiverse person, it can feel such a struggle to be heard, get support and the guidance to thrive in your career journey. In a world for neurotypical people, neurodiverse people especially young adults are often forgotten and left to navigate the world of careers on their own. In our latest session, Arber Ismaili shared his journey embracing his autism, experiencing networking for the first time and navigating the application process landing an apprenticeship at HSBC!

1. Arber's Early Days in Education

Arber's career journey started not when he applied for a job for the first time. It started all the way whilst he navigating education. Arber faced numerous challenges during his time at school ranging from struggling to socially connect with other children to having difficulty in understanding social dynamics.

Together with support from family, Arber forged his own path after he finished school:

• Had a gap year where Arber regularly attended gym which helped him develop his social skills and self-confidence.

• Participated in a 3-day virtual work experience with a large company

• Attended college where Arber completed an IT course and discovered an interest

Read Arber's blog here to find out more about his early journey in education and how he stayed resilient through the difficulties he faced in school.

2. The Job Application Process: A Journey of Resilience

Firstly, Arber found traditional application processes with the traditional CV format challenging but he found that companies such as, HSBC for example provided accommodations throughout the application process such as, extra time to complete a specific stage.

Secondly, there are organisations out there who actually support neurodiverse individuals through the application process or even job boards featuring neuro-inclusive employers. One such example is Radical Recruit, a charity which supported Arber with his interview preparation and strategies to succeed in the interview!

The biggest takeaway throughout the application process for Arber was to not let rejections make you feel down as the right company will recognise your potential!

3. Embracing my Neurodiversity: Finding My Voice on LinkedIn

How did Arber build his personal brand and what challenges did he navigate during the process?

• Arber decided to start his LinkedIn profile after he was recommended to during his work experience

• At first, he was shy but built his confidence on LinkedIn gradually posting positive comments which were appreciated.

• Arber shared his first post about his experiences being autistic which received 170+ likes!

• Arber has faced negative and rude comments on LinkedIn but he has pushed through to use his platform to raise awareness on neurodiversity and autism

You don't necessarily have to become an advocate or a leading voice on LinkedIn but building your personal brand is becoming hugely important help you stand out in the job application process.

If you want to start building your personal brand today, read the full blog here to get the best tips on building your LinkedIn!

4. Find Your True Self and Never Hold Back!

"Be authentic and don't change yourself to fit other's expectations"- Arber Ismaili

Embrace your authentic self, don't let other's expectations dictate what you do and show the world your unique strengths! This was just only a few pieces of advice Arber gave and his story testament that you can thrive in your career journey even if you are neurodiverse!

Don't think that your neurodiversity is an obstacle. Instead, it's your strength and embrace it as such! Arber shared further for young neurodiverse people to kickstart your own journey of embracing your true self:

Be selective with your social circle and surround yourself with understanding people

Learn to set boundaries and say “No” to overwhelming situations

Develop ways to handle unfamiliar or high-pressure environments (for example having a routine)

Start attending networking or local community events to start building your communication skills and learn how to navigate social situations.

Again, you don’t have to go into it alone. Attend the event with a familiar person you know whether that is family, friends or your teacher.

Look for companies that are inclusive and understanding of neurodiversity

Here are a few platforms to search for neurodiverse friendly jobs:

https://neurodiversityjobs.co.uk/

https://www.mentra.com/

https://exceptionalindividuals.com/candidates/neurodiverse-jobs-board-uk/

5. Let's Create Spaces for our Neurodiverse Youth

Arber's career journey ain't finished yet! It is only getting started as he embarks on his apprenticeship at HSBC starting in Autumn 2025. Neurodiversity is a strength not a weakness and Arber's story is testament to that as he achieved a role at one of the biggest banks in the world!

There is a long way to go but accommodations are being made for neurodiverse people in the job application process. More is needed so let's start the conversation now and start raising awareness on neurodiversity. Let's champion our neurodiverse youth!

If you have any further questions or want any further advice, reach out to Arber via his LinkedIn:

Arber Ismaili