Career Services During a Pandemic at Grantham University
Turning a Crisis into an Opportunity
As we all grapple with the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be very easy to while away the hours finishing up projects around the house, trying to homeschool the kids, catching up on TV shows or just working on a jigsaw puzzle.
But if you have extra time on your hands because you are out of a job or have shortened hours (or if this change of pace has you thinking about a career change), you could be facing a valuable opportunity.
Preparing for a Job Search
Whether you hope to change careers entirely or you are just seeking a way to advance your current path, 2020 can be a great time to pivot.
Though many sectors are facing job cuts in the face of this health crisis, some industries are actually thriving. For example, financial services and retail are experiencing big growth and surges in innovation. And, of course, there are increased needs in the healthcare and technology fields.
Regardless of the industry, however, it is likely that you will face steep competition in the job market as the country deals with record levels of unemployment. Take advantage of this time to prepare as much as you can for the years ahead. Make the effort to sharpen your skills, learn something new, and enhance your résumé to stand out in the crowd.
Career Services Can Help
Grantham University’s Career Services team supports students and alumni at every stage of their career search. And while their resources are always useful, there has never been a better time to talk to a Career Services coach than during these strange months.
Our Career Services representatives aren’t able meet with you in person, but that doesn’t stop them from providing guidance through everything from job-search strategies to mock interviews. As a 100% online school, we’re experts in helping students succeed in a virtual environment.
Identifying a Path
The Career Services team is eager to help both students and graduates define their career direction and develop their strengths into marketable skills. With your career goals established, the team will arm you with effective job-search strategies plus the résumé enhancement techniques you can use to get noticed in a sea of applicants.
Crafting Your Professional Profile
As you seek a promotion or career change, your résumé is certainly an important part of your professional profile. But there’s more to your application than just that piece of paper. The Career Services team will help you create (and curate) a professional social media and web presence before prospective employers start vetting you for the job. This is especially helpful and relevant right now, as more business is being conducted online to stay in compliance with stay-at-home orders or while following isolation protocols.
Building a Network
They always say, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” That’s often still the case, even in a digital world. Current students can begin building their professional networks by joining an online student organization, and graduates can join the Grantham Alumni Connections Group on LinkedIn. Plus, everyone can take advantage of the partnerships built through Grantham’s community outreach program to help expand their networks.
And More
The Grantham Career Services team offers tons of resources and recommendations through the Career Booster webinar series, including military-to-civilian transition guidance for veterans and phone/email support to help you at every step.
Are you ready to get started? The Grantham University Career Services team is ready to help you pursue all your professional goals—regardless of what else is going on in the world! Give us a call at 800-955-2527 ext. 173, or email careerservices@grantham.edu.
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