{"id":8966,"date":"2026-07-01T12:45:44","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T11:45:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=8966"},"modified":"2026-07-01T13:50:54","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:50:54","slug":"adhd-and-your-career","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/careers\/?p=8966","title":{"rendered":"ADHD and your career"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Lego<\/a><\/strong>Career planning and job hunting can be challenging, especially for individuals with ADHD (Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder). If you\u2019re currently studying, you may already be developing strategies to manage such challenges. It\u2019s always useful to start with building your confidence<\/a> and realising you have a lot to offer. Studying with ADHD<\/a> includes techniques that can also be useful when preparing for employment and follow our practical tips below to help you prepare for a job search \u2014 or to support someone with ADHD or related conditions.<\/p>\n

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1. Make the most of your skillset<\/h2>\n

Take time to audit your skills and strengths<\/a> and create a portfolio for job applications<\/a>. ADHD can affect concentration, communication, and task completion which makes it more difficult to follow strict schedules or engage in tasks that require sustained focus. However, rather than concentrating on perceived challenges, it can also bring valuable strengths to the workplace, such as creativity, resilience, empathy, energy, and the ability to hyperfocus on areas of interest.<\/p>\n

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2. Seek work that ignites your interest<\/h2>\n

People with ADHD are as diverse in personality, interests and values as any other societal group. Explore our wide range of vacancies and work experience opportunities<\/a> to find a good fit for you. Interest and engagement are key to success \u2014 especially for individuals with ADHD. For example, ADHD can make sustained attention difficult. However, when you are genuinely interested in a role, it is often easier to maintain focus, manage challenges, and perform at your best. Rather than limiting yourself to certain types of roles, focus on choosing a career that motivates you<\/a>, environments where you feel comfortable and roles that play to your strengths.<\/p>\n

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3. Know your rights<\/h2>\n

Understand your rights<\/a> and get some hints and tips about how to discuss your neurodivergence with an employer<\/a>. Employers we work with aim to create inclusive workplaces, and in the UK they also have a legal duty to do so. Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments to reduce disadvantages at work. These can include:<\/p>\n