Keep Learning, Keep (Net)working: Professional Development During a Pandemic

February 2020 had hopes on the horizon. I was in my last semester of undergrad and began applying for jobs in the public relations/marketing industry. My heart was set on the tourism and entertainment industry, specifically museums. I've had a passion for history for as long as I can remember, every family trip we took, we would visit some variation of a museum, and come home with a new thirst for knowledge surrounding that historical focus. I can remember every trip to Mackinaw City wanting to visit Colonial Michilimackinac for the millionth time and my mom saying, "It's the same thing every year!" (Biggest lie I have ever heard come out of her mouth).

March 2020 – things came to a crashing halt. Students got word that in-person classes would be suspended for two weeks and that "just the flu" had been taking over the whole entire United States of America. March 2020 was also the month The Henry Ford Museum would host the Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes traveling exhibit, which I had been working on a media relations project for my capstone course on. My partner and I got the call. "We are postponing the exhibit." Shortly after, I got news that DSW Inc. would be closing their doors to the public for the next couple of weeks. This is when I knew, COVID-19 was not going anywhere, anytime soon. 

April 2020 – I "graduated" from Eastern Michigan University with my bachelor's in public relations. I was also looking for a full-time job in the midst of a pandemic, in an industry that had been completely shell shocked for months to come. Yikes.  

Today, the future seems uncertain for many people. Countless people have been furloughed, laid-off, let-go, etc. The list of words for "unemployed" are endless. For recent grads and seasoned practitioners alike, the world of unemployment can be a scary one. I myself have heard frequently "We're in a pandemic, no one is hiring!" To me, this just isn't true! It is not the fact that no one is hiring, it's that few are. 

"I might just have to get a job at the local grocery store..."

Surprisingly enough, there are companies hiring. Whether it is the local grocery store, or even a marketing agency, there are jobs out there. Remember, we are all experience the current global situation in different ways, but many are doing what they can to survive. 

Your next employer might see that from March 2020–???? you were unemployed. This is an understood gap that will be on a number of people's resumes. They also might see that you worked for your local Meijer, Costco, Kroger, to make ends meet, as well as, putting yourself in a position to help the local community. This shows character. If you're still working the retail job you've had throughout college during the pandemic, keep working it until you find that full-time gig. This will show longevity! And who knows, you might just get a shot to be on TV!

"You can't win a fight lying down."

COVID-19 has been a difficult opponent. It's taken a lot away from many people. For example, my mom who has been a nurse for over 30 years became sick with COVID-19, was furloughed from her job (yes even nurses lost their jobs during a pandemic), and is still unsure whether or not she will get her job back. Something not only she has taught me, but countless others, is you can't win the fight lying down. 

Make the most of what you have. Think of the skills you are learning in your current situation. This may be a time to grow and reflect personally, and professionally. 

Keep learning. Attend webinars, read books, read blogs, do anything! Just don't stop learning. What can you do to better yourself during this unsure time. Maybe it's getting certified in countless Google Skillshop courses. You might start a blog documenting what you're learning during this time of growth. Some have even started companies that are finding success in this current world climate. Whatever you do, find a way to build your resume.

Work your network. Reach out to people you know. Get active on your LinkedIn. If people don't know you're looking for work, they can't help you find it. Putting yourself out there and highlighting positive achievements during this global pandemic shows a great sense of character. Showcase your enthusiastic can-do attitude, even when you think all odds are against you. Do what you can to find a job. 

Get more experience. If you're still having a hard time finding that full-time gig in the fall, look for an internship. You may not have that full-time job with benefits, but you can try your hand at finding an internship. This will give you experience in the industry you can use to land that full-time gig. 

I may not have my dream job in the tourism industry, and I likely won't for longer than I previously thought. And that's ok. There are jobs out there. I have applied, been offered, and decided not to take a job (in my field, during a pandemic, when no one was hiring). And that's ok. Employers in my industry will understand that. Keep doing what you need to do, to win the fight.