Using your downtime wisely during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we use our time. Indeed, this summer will look very different for everyone. Many of you had hoped to be working summer jobs and have recently been informed there will no longer be a job available. Some students have been notified of later start dates, many in virtual arrangements. And some students are still searching for work, either summer or full-time.

Needless to say, there is and will continue to be, downtime. When an employer asks you in a future interview, “What did you do during COVID-19”, what will be your answer?

Here are some career-related activities to consider:

1. Update your resume and cover letter – be ready to apply if a job does come up.
2. Continue to job search – there are sectors who are hiring. Think of anything to do with health care, delivery services, on-line services, take-out food and grocery, security. A job in any of these areas may not be your ideal job, but it would fill a gap.
3. Practice your interview skills – most will be virtual interviews
4. Create or freshen up your LinkedIn profile.
5. Think about self-improvement courses, like a new software or a presentation tool. As Carleton students, you have access to LinkedIn Learning for free (register with your cmail address). You could pick up a new hobby this way too.
6. Continue to network as best you can – social media, LinkedIn, Zoom

Other ideas:

7. Watch some free webinars – there are plenty out there right now.
8. Read a book! When was the last time you did that for pleasure?
9. Start your own blog – perhaps as a way to track what you do, or to help improve your writing skills.
10. Take a summer course to reach ahead.
11. Stay active, to help promote both your mental and physical well-being.

The Sprott Business Career Management Centre (BCMC) remains open for undergrad students – we are still taking appointments by email, by phone or virtually (MS Teams works well and all Carleton students have free access). Book an appointment through mySuccess (Sprott School of Business) as you normally would and we’ll get back to you.