Neurodiversity Career Summit – Neurodiversity at Duke

Annual Neurodiversity Career Summit

Neurodiversity Connections began hosting the North Carolina Neurodiversity Career Summit in 2022. This event was previously hosted through North Carolina State University under the leadership of Wesley Wade. Recognizing the need for such an important event, Duke University’s Neurodiversity Connection group agreed to take on the hosting task to ensure North Carolina students would continue to have the opportunity to support and engagement with neurodiverse-supportive employers. We partner with the Duke University Career Center to host this annual virtual event, and are fortunate to have received sponsorship from the Blackshear-Heaton Fund, Office for Institutional Equity and Office of Undergraduate Education.

The Summit is open to any undergraduate or graduate student from North Carolina. The event is helpful to those at any stage of career exploration– whether students are interested in understanding their future job prospects, to student actively seeking employment.

The Career Center recruits neurodiversity-informed employers from various fields. In years past we had representation from healthcare, journalism/publishing, government (federal and state), energy, information technology, biotech/pharmaceuticals, and consulting.

The event is co-planned by university staff, faculty and students. In years past we have included a keynote speaker or panel who discusses relevant topics related to neurodiversity (how to navigate the recruitment process, how and/or when to disclose to your employer about your neurodiversity, how to navigate management, how to navigate corporate or freelance employment). Career Fair participants have had the opportunity to interactive live with speakers and ask questions.

After the keynote, participants can enter one-on-one meetings with various employers. Since the event is virtual, students schedule meetings around their class schedule.

The Career Center offers resources for students to ensure they field comfortable and prepared for the event and how to follow up with employers.