Cancelled internships, closed research and project positions or limits on in-person networking don’t have to put a halt to your professional advancements and career development. It’s no secret that the pandemic has certainly made some aspects of securing these opportunities more difficult and there’s no shame in being disappointed and down about things you were looking forward to getting postponed or cancelled. Fortunately, it’s possible to find ways to get meaningful experience that can give you an edge — even if we have to trade a foot in the door for a Zoom call or a stern handshake for a well-wishing email greeting.
Career networking over the internet
While many in-person career fairs and networking events aren’t being held right now, there’s still plenty of ways to build your network and connect with professionals in your field.
“You should never have the mindset of, ‘You know what? It’s a tough economy, tough market, I’m just not going to search right now.’ That’s probably the worst thing you can do. You have to keep putting yourself out there, you need to leverage the new reality,” said Emilio Lorenzo, associate director of employer relations for the Center of Academic and Professional Success.
Utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake, as well as taking advantage of NSU’s events like Recruit a Shark (check out page 3) can provide means of communication that you would have otherwise been able to find by attending in-person events.
Turning your location filter to “remote”
To some companies, the switch to online working was entirely new when many employers made the decision to shutter their in-person offices last spring.
“Companies were struggling with their full-time employees going remote, let alone doing an internship program,” said Lorenzo. “I think over these past six months a lot of employers have readjusted and have now put themselves in better positions to be able to house students for internships remotely.”
Additionally, some companies are recruiting for the spring and summer as well. Revisit opportunities you may have found in the past to see if they’ve been adjusted or moved online.
Finding other ways to get experience
Remember that professional development doesn’t only come in the form of internships. Taking this time to brush up on things you’ve previously learned, getting up to date with the technology in your field or mastering something completely new can potentially boost your resume and performance in future positions. Additionally, Lorenzo recommends checking out websites like Parker Dewey that offer shorter project-based opportunities that can be completed between internships or other jobs.
Don’t give up — just “tweak your approach”
If internships are cancelled or postponed, staying in touch with hiring managers and supervisors can help determine whether or not the internship will become active again and what the timeline for that might look like.
“In the meantime, transition over to start identifying opportunities that are available right now, whether in person or remote that are looking to hire… It’s about being able to tweak your approach,” said Lorenzo.
Even if companies aren’t currently hiring at all, making an impression and leaving them with your resume might help you out in the long-run if that hiring freeze suddenly thaws.
If you want more expert advice and guidance with your career planning, make an appointment with your career advisor by visiting nova.joinhandshake.com, and check out the Center of Academic and Professional Success by going to www.nova.edu/career.
