đ Hi DNetwork Friends!
Are you preparing to enter the workforce? If so, there are two important things you must master, especially as a person with a disability. These two essentials are hard skills and soft skills. You may have heard of them before, but do you truly understand what they mean and why they matter?
Let’s talk about them together.
Understanding Hard Skills and Soft Skills
Hard skills are technical abilities that you can learn through training, courses, school, or hands-on experience. These skills are usually directly related to specific jobs and can be measured or proven. For example: fast and accurate typing, operating a computer, sewing, repairing electronic devices, graphic design, accounting, or coding.
In other words, hard skills are proof that you have the technical competence needed to perform specific tasks at work.
Meanwhile, soft skills are non-technical abilities related to how you behave, think, and interact with others. These include communication, teamwork, discipline, positive thinking, and mental resilience in facing pressure or challenges.
Unlike hard skills, which are measurable, soft skills are harder to observe directly, but their impact in the workplace is significant. Soft skills help you grow, adapt, and work effectively in a professional environment.
Why Are Both Important?
Having hard skills alone isn’t enough. Many people are technically skilled but struggle to grow because they can’t collaborate, lack confidence, or have poor communication skills.
On the other hand, having only soft skills also isn’t sufficient if you don’t yet have the technical abilities required for a specific job.
That’s why a balance between hard and soft skills is so important. They complement each other and together shape you into someone who is ready for work and growth. Hard skills make you competent; soft skills make you adaptable.
Theory Isn’t Enough
As a person with a disability, understanding the theory alone is not enough. You also need to experience the real working world, because many things can only be learned through practice.
When you enter the workplace, you’ll encounter real-life situations that you may have never faced before.
You’ll learn to overcome self-doubt. If you’ve mostly interacted within disability-only environments—like schools or communities—you might feel awkward or insecure in a professional setting. But by experiencing the workplace firsthand, you’ll grow stronger mentally.
You’ll also learn how to communicate with colleagues and supervisors. Workplace communication is often different from casual social settings. You’ll learn to be more professional, respect time and structure, and understand workplace culture.
You'll face real challenges—things you won’t encounter in simulations or training sessions. These challenges build your resilience and adaptability. And sometimes, it’s through these experiences that you discover hidden potential within yourself.
Start with Small Steps
Now that you understand the importance of skills and real experience, it’s time to move forward.
You can start by joining job training programs that match your interests and talents. When you choose something you're passionate about, learning feels more enjoyable and relevant—whether it’s tech, customer service, crafts, or the arts.
Next, try to get an internship, even a short one. Internships are gateways to the real professional world. You'll get to understand work rhythms, learn responsibility, and practice socialising with coworkers in real situations. This experience is extremely valuable, even if you're still learning.
You can also get involved in communities and professional networks. A community like DNetwork is not just a place to share information, but a place to grow together. You can learn from others who’ve been on this path, find mentors, or even discover job and training opportunities.
Most importantly, don’t wait to be perfect to start. Begin building your career now. Try freelance work, join small projects, or volunteer in community activities. Don’t be afraid to fail—failure is not the end, but a part of the learning journey.
You’re Not Alone
DNetwork is here to support you every step of the way. We believe that every person with a disability has the potential to succeed—if given the right opportunities and support. An inclusive workforce is our shared right.
đ˛ Discover training, internships, and the latest job info at DNetwork.
đĄ Start small, and believe that every step you take matters.
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