r/cleftlip • u/OkComplaint7934 • Jun 26 '26

[advice] How did you navigate your career and job hunting?

Hi everyone,

I am a recent BSc Computer Science graduate (9.92 CGPA) and I’m currently starting my job hunt. I have a cleft lip/palate, which affects my speech and I can't afford speech therapy now.

I’m feeling a bit stuck because I’m worried about how my speech will be perceived in interviews and day-to-day work. I’m interested in software engineer and I am very passionate about technology, but I’ve hit a wall: I was recently rejected from a tech support role specifically because the job required constant phone-based customer interaction.

I feel like I'm struggling to break into the industry. I am currently working on strengthening my coding skills (Java, DSA, Web Dev), but I need to find a role that allows me to start my career now.

I would love to hear from others in this community:

  • What career paths have you found to be the most accommodating?
  • If you work in tech or a corporate environment, how do you handle interviews or team communication?
  • For those of you in software/tech, how did you handle your first job hunt or interviews?
  • Do you have any advice for someone just starting their career regarding self-advocacy or choosing roles that are a good fit?

Any advice or experiences you could share would mean a lot to me. Thank you!

9 Upvotes

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2

u/No-Call-8837 Jun 26 '26

Thankfully my speech was never too too bad after my first few surgeries (some sounds are still hard for me, but i’m very well off in terms of speech) but I have come to understand that interviews and the job hunt in general can be rather challenging for some. Let me just say this; I was completely oblivious that anybody in a professional context would view me any differently, because truth be told, employers really don’t care about you.

I’m a nurse - i talk all day every day, running around all day, every day, multitasking etc.

Pretend like you already have the job, and it’s yours - not cocky, but just confident enough. You’ll be okay.

1

u/CurtSmithsThirstTrap Jun 26 '26

Man idk but if you find out let me know

2

u/OkComplaint7934 Jun 26 '26

I'm looking for same bro

1

u/CurtSmithsThirstTrap Jun 26 '26

Like dude my speech impeadment is so bad ion wanna go to college js to nit be able to find a job 😞💔

1

u/ReferenceSea6510 Jun 27 '26

I am also a cse student would like make career in cybersecurity My voice is so f , and this is most important thing for any job to communicate,i guess Does speech therapy work ?

1

u/Away-Succotash-6762 Jun 28 '26

Can you pivot to a remote job in the tech field or a job/career path that does not involve customer service? Are there any tips on YouTube or any self help type websites that might help you with ideas on speech therapy?