Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, many students wonder: Will I still find an internship, summer job or full-time position? What is my next professional step? The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s career services community is here to help navigate career development during these uncertain times. Celeste Spier, associate director for career and professional development in the Business Career Center, shares the following tips to help students with the internship or job search.
Don’t stop your internship or job search
Organizations still hiring could be doing so in a different way now. Also, the number of opportunities might be fewer. For example, the hiring process could be done virtually, and the role itself might look different, such as remote work or part-time employment. Keep a positive and open mind, thinking broadly. Any paid work during this time provides experience and income.
Understand the most affected industries
Fields most likely to continue or increase hiring include financial services, health care, supermarkets, pharmaceutical companies and pharmacies, technology companies and services. Fields likely to reduce hiring include entertainment, such as sporting events and concerts, hospitality, restaurants, transportation, tourism, recreation, manufacturing, automotive and real estate.
Use your resources
University Career Services has created resources to help your student navigate their career development during the COVID- 10 crisis at https://careers.unl.edu/covid-19. Many tools exist as resources no matter where you live. Search and follow hashtags #CoronavirusHiring, #NowHiring or #Remote on LinkedIn. Check job and internship posts on Handshake. Schedule a remote career coaching session via MyPLAN. Take the time now to secure access to technology such as a computer, internet and webcam as well as identify a workspace where you can interview or work remotely.
Upgrade your skills
Use this time to upgrade your skillset. LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, EdX, Microsoft, and many other platforms offer free online courses. Look for training in areas or skills useful in your desired field to expand and improve your opportunities.
More advice for those who secured job offers
Some students who previously secured an internship or job offer now worry about it being rescinded. It’s true, organizations must consider instances of transitioning the work to virtual, delaying start dates or canceling an offer. However, know they are trying hard not to cancel offers, Spier noted.
In the meantime, Spier encourages students to be patient and adaptable. Stay in communication with your employer and reply promptly when contacted, but understand the organization may not yet know all the answers. Make a financial plan in case you cannot begin working when you originally thought you would.
Finally, Spier said it is important you do not seek other job opportunities until you know the future of your position. However, if you find out a position is no longer an option, then start searching elsewhere.
University Career Services is available to all current students and to students even after their graduation. Students may speak with career coaches remotely about any internship or job search-related needs by scheduling an appointment through MyPlan. For more information contact careerservices@unl.edu or 402.472.3145.