Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Every mind matters!

Supporting neurodivergent talent at Imperial.

Neurodiversity Celebration Week (16-20 March 2026) offers a valuable opportunity to recognise the great contributions and achievements of neurodivergent individuals. It is also an important time to challenge stereotypes, broaden understanding, and shift perceptions around neurological differences.

At Imperial, we are committed to fostering an inclusive community where every individual feels empowered to thrive. By celebrating differences, and valuing the unique perspectives they bring, we continue working towards an environment where all students can succeed on their own terms.

How the Careers Service supports neurodivergent students

The Careers Service plays a key role in supporting neurodiverse students as they explore their aspirations and navigate their career journeys. Through personalised guidance and collaboration with specialist teams, across the University and externally, we help ensure every student can approach their future with confidence.

As part of Neurodiversity Celebration Week, we spoke with Mark Allen, our Careers Consultant who works closely with the Disability Advisory Service (DAS), about his work, motivations, and advice for students. This is what he had to share:

What motivates you to work with disabled and neurodivergent students, and what do you find most meaningful about this work?
“I’m motivated by helping students recognise their individual strengths and understand how to use these effectively during recruitment. I particularly enjoy supporting disabled and neurodivergent students to highlight the abilities that stem from their lived experiences, and to recognise how these strengths can become genuine Unique Selling Points (USPs) that employers actively value.”

How does the Careers Service support disabled and neurodivergent students in their career development?
“We offer tailored one to one appointments where students can explore their goals, strengths, and any concerns about the application process or workplace environment. We also provide practical guidance on adjustments, discussing disability or neuro conditions with recruiters, and navigating recruitment confidently.

Alongside close collaboration with the DAS to ensure students receive joined up, holistic support, we also work with external disability specific organisations, so students are aware of the full range of support, networks, and opportunities available to them.”

What is one piece of advice you’d give to disabled or neurodivergent students as they navigate their career journey?
“One piece of advice I’d give is to be assertive, confident, and unapologetic when discussing your condition with employers to request adjustments. You’re in control of what you share, and they only need the information required to put the right support in place.

It’s also helpful to remember that most recruiters are well intentioned and genuinely want to get things right, but they’re unlikely to be experts in your condition. You may need to explain what you need and why it helps, and that’s completely okay. Clear, simple guidance can make it much easier for them to support you effectively.”

Is there anything you would encourage disabled and neurodivergent students to focus on during the Easter vacation?
“Probably to have a well earned break from their studies and recharge their batteries!
Having said that, the Easter vacation can also be a good moment to take stock of your career plans. That could be booking a Careers Service appointment, updating your CV, or exploring roles that interest you. Even a small step now can help you feel more prepared and less pressured later on.”

Find out more

To explore tailored careers support, guidance on adjustments, or resources for neurodiverse students, visit our Disability & neurodiversity webpage or book an appointment with a Careers Consultant.

Careers Service opening times during the Easter vacation

We will continue to support you throughout the Easter break at the usual times, Monday to Friday 10.00 – 17.00, as follows:

• Monday 23 – Friday 27 March: online-only service on Monday and Friday; hybrid service (online and on campus) Tuesday to Thursday.
• Monday 30 March - Friday 10 April: online-only service (except during Imperial's Easter closure days: Thursday 2 - Wednesday 8 April).
• Monday 13 - Friday 24 April: online-only service on Mondays and Fridays; hybrid service Tuesdays to Thursdays.
• Monday 27 April and onwards: back to fully hybrid (online and on campus) Monday to Friday. 

If you have any questions, please contact us at careers@imperial.ac.uk, call 020 7594 8024 or visit us in person on Level 5, Sherfield Building. 

And finally, don’t forget to check JobsLive for seminars and workshops running throughout the vacation period.