Undergraduate Blog / Career Development

10 Career Related and Productive Things to do During Coronavirus

During this coronavirus crisis, it feels like our world has been flipped upside down. Classes moving online, companies re-evaluating internship programs, and communities practicing social distancing, prevent all of us from being with friends and family. There’s no denying that we are dealing with some very challenging times. As Babson students, your unparalleled ability to envision and navigate change, to create and innovate, to seize opportunity, to take smart risks, to think globally and to make a positive impact, set you apart. You were made for times like this. Despite our heartbreaking reality, this moment is yours.  How you choose to spend your time during this crisis may help define your future.

If your summer internship or full-time job has been impacted because of the coronavirus, or if you still have yet to figure out next steps after the semester ends, use this opportunity to refocus and develop a new course of action.. We know so many things are out of our control, but here in the Hoffman Family Undergraduate Center for Career Development, we have some ideas on how you might turn the challenges of COVID-19 into opportunities that positively impact you and your community.

  1. Stay Connected or Get Connected with UG CCD
    Whether you have been to our office before or are just getting started, we are here to help! Reach out to our office and make an appointment to keep us updated on where you are in your career journey – via phone, video chat, or simply email. We can work with you to identify your next steps or help you start a new path. Remember CCD is open all summer long.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      
  2. Stay Connected with Companies
    Making the decision to cancel or postpone internships or full time offers is not an easy one. In fact, doing so probably felt just as bad for the employer as it did for you. COVID-19 is a new and evolving situation and there’s no telling how things will look in a month. Check-in with your employer contact and ask if there’s an opportunity to work remotely or have a delayed start date. Are there projects you could assist with from home? Could you volunteer your time and expertise to gain experience? Will they keep you in mind as a candidate when opportunities open up again? This is the time to build and manage relationships, not to burn bridges.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          <Insert a space>   . 
  3. Build your Personal Brand – Virtually!
    What better time to work on yourself and your online presence! Build your personal brand, update your LinkedIn and Handshake profiles so they tell your unique story. Are you pursuing something in the creative/digital space? Work on your online portfolio so it’s ready to go. This is also a good time to check your privacy settings on social media to make sure when someone Googles you – they only see the stuff you want them to see.                                                                                                                                                                              
  4. Re-Evaluate and Pivot if Necessary
    Have you been targeting an industry that was hit hard by COVID-19? What about pivoting your focus to industry sectors that are thriving: ed-tech, healthcare, virtual platforms/communications, K-12 education, internet/software, life sciences, management consulting, etc. Think about industries with growth potential or even companies that have pivoted their business plan in light of Covid-19 and remember that your internship or first job out of college won’t be your last. Opportunities are out there; CCD is approving new internships and jobs every day in Handshake.                                                                                                                                              As we head into May and companies begin to have a better idea of what their summer will look like, recruiting timelines may adjust accordingly, so it is important to stay connected and keep updated on job posting boards, like Handshake. Lastly, perhaps pre-coronavirus you were only looking at paid opportunities, this could be a good time to reconsider! Even though it’s not always ideal, a low-paid or unpaid internship can give you great experience to add to your resume. UG CCD understands how important internship experiences can be, so we offer an opportunity to apply for an Intern Sponsorship Award for low-paid or unpaid internships.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           
  5. Consider Expanding Your Geographic Preferences
    If the world is going remote then you can too! Don’t let your location limit your search. Virtual opportunities exist all around the world and something that never seemed like a possibility before might be an option. The world is at your fingertips…just be mindful of time zones!                                                                                                                                                        
  6. Build and Expand your Network
    Not all networking has to be done in person! Use your inner and outer circle to build connections and explore career options. Think friends, family, peers, faculty, alumni, and beyond. Most people would be willing to have a conversation to share their journey and offer advice.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
  7. Invest in Yourself and Upskill
    How many times have you said, “If I had extra time I would do….?” NOW IS THAT TIME! Expand your knowledge, skills, and competencies. Register for summer classes, take advantage of online learning platforms: LinkedIn Learning, Hubspot, webinars, certifications, badges or take up that hobby/passion you’ve never had time for.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
  8. Get Involved in Your Community
    What can you do to make a difference/have an impact during this pandemic (while social distancing)? There are so many ways to lend your skills and experience. Volunteer Match has identified virtual and on-site volunteer opportunities to aid communities impacted by COVID-19. Help with COVID-19 (Coronavirus) by Volunteering Remotely or On-Site | VolunteerMatch.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              
  9. Embrace Entrepreneurship – Start/Grow your Own Business or Pitch an Idea
    What better time to take that brilliant idea and make it a reality? Do you have a passion you could turn into an opportunity? Photography, crafting, coding, etc. Seek out companies you admire/aspire to work with and demonstrate what you can do for them.                                                                                                                                                                                                            
  10. Reach Out and Give Thanks
    Even though it can feel like bad things keep happening, remember that this situation is hard on everyone and we are all adapting and learning together. Use this time to reflect on those who have made an influence in your life and reach out to them. During this very stressful time, your kind words can have a big impact.