February 21, 2024

Unlocking Your Career Path with Shell Mendelson

40 minutes

On this episode of Successful with ADHD, I spoke with career coach Shell Mendelson about how to find the right career path when you have ADHD. Shell has over 35 years of experience in the career and vocational counseling field. After being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, she has dedicated the past 14 years to working specifically with ADHD adults.

Shell shares insights from her new book, "A Course for ADHD Adults and Teens: Unlock Your Career Path," which guides readers through exercises to identify their ideal work skills, environments, knowledge areas and more. She explains how the standard job search process often doesn't work for ADHD brains, since we thrive when we're doing work we're genuinely interested in.

Throughout our conversation, Shell stresses the importance of tuning out others' expectations and getting clarity on what YOU really want in a job or career. We also discuss tips for asking for accommodations in job interviews, transitioning from school to work, and more.

Episode Highlights:
[02:22] - How Shell got into career and vocational counseling.
[05:56] - Transitioning from general counseling to disability counseling.
[08:29] - Why vocational training should be for everyone, not just special ed students.
[11:07] - Matching strengths to interests, passions and environments.
[13:50] - Tailoring vocational training and accommodations for teens too.
[15:26] - The dangers of the "fake it ‘til you make it" mentality at work.
[16:59] - Focusing on what makes YOU energized, not what impresses others.
[18:05] - When and how to ask for accommodations in job interviews.
[21:05] - Scripts and narratives to help communicate your needs.
[23:29] - Researching company culture and environment before interviewing.
[27:02] - Options besides 4-year college if you're unsure of career path.
[28:59] - Trying different majors before picking one as a college student.
[30:04] - Creating a career book tailored to ADHD brains.
[33:37] - Who this book can help - both ADHD and neurotypical job seekers.
[35:22] - Example visuals from the book to map out your "Career Galaxy".
[37:49] - Importance of knowing what you really want in your ideal work.

Connect with Shell Mendelson:
•Career Coaching with Shell - Shell's website: https://passiontocareer.com/
•A Course for ADHD Adults and Teens: Unlock Your Career Path - Shell's new career guidebook: https://passiontocareer.com/course-book-live/

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