(content credit: Myriam A. Bartz)

1.  Depending on your goals, create a plan and set-aside time each day or week for your internship and job search. Read more here about how to develop a job/internship search strategy during the pandemic. 

2.   Start to reach out to others. Consider the strengths that have helped you move forward during difficult times and highlight the transferable skills that can be applied to a new job or an internship. List individuals in your network (friends, SCU alumni, faculty, staff, family) that can assist you in your search. 80% of jobs are found through networking. Read the Career Center’s Recently Asked COVID Career Questions for more about how to network and connect with SCU alumni. 

3.   Take care of yourself and your body. It starts with adequate sleep. Get seven to eight hours of sleep. Eat nutritious food, avoid junk food and exercise every day. These actions are central for wellbeing. 

4.   Design a positive portfolio. Think about objects or mementos that make you feel happy, thankful or inspired and that evoke positive emotions such as joy, pride or amusement. It could be looking at photos, listening to your favorite music, reading a book, painting, cooking or gardening. Have your positive portfolio at your desk, computer or phone.

5.   Be kind to yourself. Self-compassion is a better motivator than self-criticism. Treat yourself as if you were talking to your best friend.

6.   Help others. It will increase your sense of meaning and purpose. We all have something to share with others.  Find ways to help people in need. Donate money, goods or volunteer.

7.  Practice gratitude.  Keep a gratitude journal listing three positive things or blessings that have happened to you during the day and write an explanation for why that good thing happened. This will help rewire your brain for productivity and positivity.

6 action steps to help you apply your talents, become a leader, help others and build your future career plans - even during challenging times.

(Content Credit: Jobscan Blog)
 

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter for all positions that interest you. Use resume resources like VMock (launching this fall) and these resume/cover letter samples to help you get started.

2. Set reasonable goals. During times of economic uncertainty, prepare your energy for a marathon, not a sprint. Job and internship searches may and likely will take longer. You may have to apply to 5+ jobs a day over a longer period of time, applying to dozens of positions. Stay positive! See more tips here for the search process during a recession. 

3. Consider - how can you be a leader right now? Make connections on behalf of helping others. Be authentic and share your knowledge.

4. Seek out a variety of professional experiences. For example, no need to only focus on internships, consider remote project work, research/fellowships, or remote part-time jobs. Discover your working style and preferred work environment. Use this time to explore, gain experience/skills and test the waters.  Visit Handshake’s blog for information about how to secure remote opportunities.

5. Adapt, have more than just one plan and pursue them all at once. Pursue opportunities in organizations that are thriving and hiring. Remember, in times of crisis and uncertainty, no job or opportunity is too small. Think positively and make the most of every experience.

6. Consider how you can contribute your talents to help your community? Make a list of causes you are passionate about. Use your unique talents and skills to drive change.