Graduating from university has always triggered anxiety amongst students. Today, graduates are confronted with a unique set of obstacles as they attempt to enter the work force in the midst of a global pandemic and an economic recession.
Source: Seattle Times
Currently, students seeking internships and job opportunities struggle to secure any offers due to Covid-19’s global impact on businesses. With companies forced to lay off their employees, new hiring opportunities are scarce as 57.4 million Americans filed for unemployment since mid-March. Many families have found themselves financially unstable, increasing the pressure for some students to support themselves. In a recent Indeed survey of over 1,000 students graduating this year, 54% said that coronavirus' impact on the labor market has made them feel less confident in finding work. What's more, 33% said they feel they will struggle to get into the industry they've chosen to study. Despite this national sensation of hopelessness in today’s job market, there are still ways to find meaningful jobs.
How can students secure job opportunities during these uncertain times?
Staying Flexible
Your first job might not necessarily be what you had envisioned for yourself, but that’s okay! Matthew Temple, Senior Director of Alumni of Career and Professional Development at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, says “you might need to jump in somewhere, even if it’s not where you want to be, just to gain experience”. However, that does not mean you should abandon your ultimate career goal. Instead, Temple urges people to think about what other positions will give them the skills and experience needed to advance them towards their ideal job. This may involve taking an internship position at a company you would like to work for in the future, or a job at a company outside of your field of expertise. It’s critical to think long term, which may require you to be adaptive and make decisions that seem like compromises now, but that will ultimately guide you toward your goal.
Research conducted by LinkedIn in 2016, indicated that 85% of its users had found jobs through networking.
Networking
Networking is a crucial facet of professional development, this rings especially true for young adults beginning their careers. Networking helps you make connections and build relationships of support and respect to discover and create mutual benefits. When networking, it is important to remember what you wish to take away from the experience. “Being specific about what you hope to gain from these meetings and arriving prepared with thoughtful questions will help you stand out from others when reaching out for advice”, says career coach Megan Duffy.
According to Kingsley Aikins, Chief Executive of The Networking Institute, “Networking is more important than ever.”With in-person interactions at an all-time low due to enforced social distancing measures as a result of Covid-19, it has become vital to maintain existing relationships and expand one’s social circle. Along with the changes that is has imposed on our working culture, the nature of networking has also transformed. According to actor Adam Shaw, networking has become gentler and more supportive. The pandemic has affected everyone in one shape or another—this shared struggle has incited more empathy and, as a result, people have become more inclined to help each other.
Don’t look at the situation as, ‘What’s in it for me?’ Instead, consider how you can help—and not just in a professional sense.
Improving Your Skills
An economic downturn is a favorable time to develop your skills, as it helps you become more attractive to future recruiters. Take advantage of the lull to consider which positions interest you and what particular skills are necessary for the jobs you want. If your desired position demands that you are proficient in specific software programs, it will be
beneficial for you to take an online course and receive a certification. Having this on your resume will set you apart from other candidates and will exemplify how well equipped you are for the job.
A global pandemic and economic recession bring on their own set of professional and personal challenges. Adapting to these circumstances is imperative to ensuring your overall success. Whether it be adjusting your plans, continuing to form new connections, or further developing your skills, generating momentum and moving forward prompt fruition. As Milton Berle once said, “If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door.”
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