If someone had told me years ago that today I’d be working and thriving in the world’s largest car rental firm I would’ve thought they were joking. Here I am though at my 3-year anniversary and loving every second of every day.
When I finished college I really didn’t know where I wanted to go career-wise. As a full-time wheelchair user, I was fearful ‘IF’ I could even take my career anywhere. The job market is tough for fresh graduates, but when you are someone with a physical disability it is even tougher. I was aware that some employers judge before they get to know you, and are afraid of what modifications they would have to make for you and the costs involved. They are also afraid that you won’t be able to do your job to the same standard as an able-bodied person. For most, it is simply just too much hassle. This belief led to me not disclosing that I had a disability on my CV.
From the very beginning, I could tell Enterprise were not one of those employers. During my first interaction with the recruiter, they made it clear that they were willing to make any and all accommodations to have me on board. From the interview stage, it was made clear that I had the support I needed in order to thrive at my job. From things like installing ramps into my local branch to organising hand controls to be installed in a rental car so I could do the same job as my peers and never be at a disadvantage. I was consulted at every stage to ensure that the work done was exactly what I needed and not what someone else thought I needed.
It was clear Enterprise wanted strong employees irrespective of their gender, disabilities or background. It can be daunting as a woman to think of a career in what many would perceive to be a ‘male-dominated industry’. My first time in the Enterprise office I was introduced to the plethora of strong women that run different departments of Enterprise. From branch managers to department heads, there were plenty of examples of women to admire and learn from. I never imagined I would become one of those managers.
Enterprise has allowed me to really showcase my skills and take my career into my own hands. For the first time I was on the same playing field as everyone else, my wheelchair could not hold me back. Within a year of joining Enterprise, I passed my Management Qualification Interview and was promoted shortly after to our Long-Term Rental Department. That was just the beginning of the promotions! There was never even a moment where I felt or was made feel any different. As a woman, specifically a woman with a physical disability, I have never felt more empowered than I do at Enterprise.
At Enterprise we’re committed to providing every employee with an inclusive workplace that offers the respect, training and opportunities to succeed – whatever your circumstances. So don’t let them stop you from applying today.
We’re Breaking Barriers this International Women’s Day – join us for a series of inspirational panel discussions and motivational talks focused around this year’s theme of #ChooseToChallenge.
