commentr/StutterJune 9, 2021

Content

I already secured a job before I started my "stuttering journey" so I was in a different mindset and I probably would have handled it differently. I'll share my experience and then add some thoughts. After my bachelor's (comp sci..IT sound familiar to anyone lol)...had some interviews, didnt go so well. Not solely bc of stuttering, but also I wasnt as confident in my skills. Hindsight I also realized i was talking way too much in interviews. If they want to know more have them ask followups. I went on to get my masters. I was more confident in my skillset, which i think helped my speech as well. I was getting more interviews based on my resume. A couple times I had bad phone interviews, but I still got call backs. That was a lightbulb moment for me. But then sometimes I wouldnt get callbacks so that sucked. Obviously the more interviews you do the more comfortable you get. I landed my first internship bc at the final interview my hiring manager had a roommate in college who stuttered. He hired me on the spot. Sometimes the stuttering works for you! My graduating year I had 6 interviews with 5 of them being fortune 100 (maybe all top 50) companies. I had 2 offers with probably one more if I really pursued it. I've worked in the same job since graduation. I asked for a reference from a professor and she knew someone else who was hiring. The guy was hesitant to hire me, but I had a good resume. Later on I found out the director did not want to hire me explicity because I stutter. I know thats a downer to hear, but its also reality. My first day or two, my hiring manager also told me he didnt think I could ever be management because of my stutter. You may be asking yourself why am I still there? I was still insecure then and we have had staff changes since.

Themes

Anticipation & AvoidanceCauses & VariabilitySchool & Work

Subthemes

Avoidance & SubstitutionOverthinking & MonitoringSeverity & FluctuationEmployment & Career