In Tri Delta’s new series, “3 For You,” we’re covering the best tips from experts as we navigate our new circumstances during COVID-19. Tri Delta alumna and Regional Sales Manager at LinkedIn Courtney Condon, Millikin, shares her advice for career readiness. Read her three tips below, or listen to the podcast.
Tri Delta wants our members to be best prepared when it comes to the job market in today’s climate. While many of our collegiate members are approaching the end of their senior year and looking to start their careers, other sisters may also be making unexpected job transitions because of the COVID-19 crisis. Whether you’re ready to start your career or make a change in your professional life, read Courtney’s three tips for career readiness.
Tip #1 Evaluate your industry
These are unprecedented times. Many people graduating this spring likely had a plan in place about the type of job they were interested in. At this time, they may need to reevaluate that, based on who’s hiring and who’s not. Challenger Gray shows what industries are gaining new jobs and what industries are losing jobs. That’s a great place to determine where to take a look. While hospitality may not be hiring right now, healthcare is hiring. If you’re looking to do a customer service type role and you were in hospitality before, consider how that can translate into customer service at a hospital.
Look at your skills and talents and figure out how you can fit into some of those industries that are hiring. Medical devices, for example, has ramped up significantly; there’s going to be a lot of new roles there that maybe you didn’t consider before. It’s important to be agile with your skills so that you can position yourself for something new.
Tip #2 Be open to opportunities that come your way
A lot of people might have LinkedIn profiles or resumes posted on websites, and there may be companies approaching you for different opportunities. In the past you may have said you weren’t interested, but right now, really take advantage of those opportunities and have a conversation. You never know what could happen. Be open and look at every opportunity as a stepping stone and a learning experience. Consider what skills you can learn there that can position you for your dream job down the line.
Tip #3 Network, network, network
As a member of Tri Delta, you have access to a huge network…take advantage of that! Look at what other networks you have out there, whether it’s Tri Delta, your school alumni network or different groups you’ve been a part of. Start to reach out to those people and discuss your skills and what you think you could bring to a particular organization. Utilize LinkedIn to look up people who attended your school and are employed in an industry you’re looking to be a part of. Reach out to those people. Any connection you have matters, as that person might know someone who knows someone else. Look at setting up virtual coffee chats with people where you’re hopping on the phone for 15-30 minutes talking about where you are and what you’re hoping to do. Remember that CONNECTDDD is a great resource to use for networking. There are so many Tri Deltas that are already raising their hand and happy to speak with people!
Make sure you build out your LinkedIn profile. Especially if you are in college and don’t have a lot of professional experience, use the experience you do have, and put that into your profile. For example, you may have experience as the president of your Tri Delta chapter or maybe you were in another leadership role—don’t discount that. Add that to your profile because that’s relevant experience. Make sure if someone at a company is searching particular skills on LinkedIn that you’re going to surface. The more you put in your profile and the more you it build out, the better an opportunity you’re going to have.
Take a look at more tips for students on LinkedIn.
Want more? Watch this video, or find more helpful 3 For You topics.