Theresa Smith
Mobile: 0427 434 720
Email: theresasmith@aapt.net.au
I completed a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in 1999. During my final year at university I applied for several positions with large banking and finance related corporations as part of their annual Graduate Recruitment. I did not reveal my vision impairment until the interview stage. My reason was that I wanted to ensure that if I was unsuccessful in the initial application stage, then it was not a result of my vision impairment. I attended a number of interviews. At one large government institution they were accommodating during the interview process by making the written section of the assessment process available electronically for me to complete. However this is probably more a result of their legal obligation to do so. Through a friend who managed a management recruiting company in Sydney I obtained an interview with one of the major banks, Colonial (now merged with Commonwealth Bank). Subsequently I was offered a position on their graduate recruitment program. The offer was made in December 1999 and I started in January 2000.
Since I was from country NSW I had the challenge of moving to Sydney, finding a place to live and then undertaking mobility training. I contacted Guide Dogs for mobility lessons on traveling from my new home to work and around the workplace. The Royal Blind Society helped to set up the adaptive technology I needed in the workplace. I received funding from the federal government as part of their workplace modifications scheme to fund the cost of the adaptive technology. This included the purchase of JAWS speech software and a scanner. This technology was vital in giving me access to the Bank’s computer databases. The RBS also provided training to my work colleagues regarding what assistance I needed in the workplace and how to act as a sighted guide. I must admit that my manager and other staff members were extremely supportive and their willingness to accommodate my needs was very encouraging.
My duties at the bank included telephone contact with Bank clients, completing various research projects regarding possible product changes, compiling performance reports for senior management and the Board, and a range of other ad hoc duties. Since I was part of the Bank’s Graduate Recruitment Program I attended various training workshops in both Sydney and Melbourne. At all times my manager and other graduates were quite accommodating of my vision impairment and I never felt left out of both work and social functions.
Following the merger with Commonwealth Bank, I moved to a higher position as Assistant Product Manager for BPAY. Once again my new manager and work team were extremely friendly and accommodating of my needs. Over the 18 months that I worked with both banks I moved from offices at Parramatta, Chattswood and then into the head office in the city. This was probably my greatest challenge as I constantly needed mobility training to orientate myself around Sydney. After coming from the country, I felt a great sense of achievement to increase my mobility and to master catching public transport.
The greatest lesson I learnt from my experiences is that a positive attitude can go a long way. After explaining the degree of my vision impairment and how I could use adaptive technology to function in the workplace, I was able to reassure my prospective employers that there would be no problems.
I am now undertaking my Ph.D in the area of Human Resource Management at the University of New England in Armidale. I hope to be completed by the end of the year. I then wish to embark on an academic career, hopefully becoming a lecturer at a university. I will be performing some part time tutoring at the University of New England next semester.