By Lauren Coffey
There’s always a sense of excitement and relief once spring break rolls around on campus. The warmth in the air seems to ignite the momentum needed for students to persist through the rest of the academic
year. However, upon the return to campus this year, we found our world changed virtually overnight. As the semester progressed, we found ourselves standing face-to-face with the dreaded “R” word: Recession.
With all the buzz in today’s national news headlines, I found myself having flashbacks to my own graduation in December 2009. While it was also not the ideal time to enter the job market by any means,
as a college graduate, I still recall feeling an initial sense of invincibility. Little did I know there was an uphill battle in store for me. In addition to hiring freezes and skyrocketing unemployment, two weeks after walking
across the commencement stage, I underwent an emergency eye surgery, requiring extensive recovery and limiting my mobility.
I think back on those days as some of the most challenging ones of my life. Having performed well in school I found myself holding a diploma and thinking, “I’ve done everything right, but
so much is completely out of my control.” Health problems. Recessions. I felt inadequate and my lack of confidence undoubtedly bled into some of my early job interviews. It took several months
to regain my footing, both personally and professionally.
After multiple rounds of networking, strategizing, applying and interviewing, I finally received my first job offer. And just like that, my professional journey began. When I reflect on those difficult months, the
days felt long and the hustle never-ending; however, in hindsight, I was growing tremendously in a very short span of time. The physical and emotional scars have since healed, and that period of my
life helped me develop a grit and resiliency that I would otherwise never have gained. The skills I cultivated during that time have had a profound impact on my entire professional journey to this point, and
so I want to share what I have learned with our graduates from the Class of 2020. Here are my five tips to finding a job during a recession:
Expand your network -- For many of us, networking can often feel like a four-letter word (or at least, make you want to use one), but it is immensely important. The US Department of Labor and Statistics tells us that
over 70% of jobs are found through networking. Networking is vital to any job search, particularly in an uncertain economy, but it does not have to feel stuffy or forced. Every encounter -- large or small – has an
opportunity to expand your network.
Try to also think of networking as “COVID-proof.” Through virtual networking sites like LinkedIn, users can connect with employers and professional associations online, even when traditional
brick and mortar buildings are not open. Use these tools wisely and keep your content up to date. These social networking sites are also a great way to connect with Bellarmine alumni. Remember that Bellarmine alums are
deeply engaged and want to see you succeed, so use your alma mater as a great initial talking point.
Finally, don’t forget that networking is also a two-way street, so once this uncertain time passes – and it will pass! -- be ready to return the favor. As I think back to my own job search, it’s clear that all
of us enter the job market only because someone is willing to take a chance on us. That’s a remarkable gift. Be sure to pass along the opportunity whenever called upon to stay engaged and mentor.
"Bellarmine alums are deeply engaged and want to see you succeed, so use your alma mater as a great initial talking point."
Consider the short-game for the long haul – Looking for a job can often feel like a full-time job, but setting a schedule – like a syllabus you’d receive for class – can help keep you on track and create a
sense of accountability. Instead of large-scale job boards, which can feel impersonal and often lead to frustration for students, I recommend a more strategic approach. Devote more energy to industry-specific
job boards and subscribe to updates from relevant professional associations. Couple this approach by also paying attention to economic trends. Even in a down economy, there are often industries that still see significant
gains, so consider creative ways to “get your foot in the door” at these organizations and industry sectors.
During an uncertain market, you may also opt to rewrite the playbook you originally planned. When I graduated and discovered there were limited full-time opportunities in my field, I instead interned at
high-profile organizations to expand my career network and freelanced on the side, while also juggling a part-time job to offset my financial obligations. It was challenging to balance all these commitments, but the short-term
struggle paid off because it allowed me to gain relevant professional experience, while also expanding my network.
Use your resources -- Bellarmine cares deeply about students, even after they graduate. That’s why Bellarmine offers free career services for life to our alumni. And one element that makes Bellarmine’s Career Center so
unique is that all staff members come from a wide range of backgrounds and industry pathways that aim to serve and support you as you embark on your own unique career journey. From Accounting to Philosophy, and everything in between, we’re
here to help when you are ready.
Remember that resources also exist within you! You are not “just a student.” This semester in particular is part of your story, so use the skills you have gained and what you’ve
learned to your advantage. You have already shown immense adaptability, problem-solving and communication skills during the transition to virtual learning. You have used a variety of digital tools and virtual collaboration
software to connect with your peers and faculty. You have completed one of the most unique semesters in the history of higher education, and that shows immense strength and resiliency on your part. These are qualities
that employers desperately need to succeed in a 21st century economy, so don’t downplay those qualifications when speaking with a prospective employer.
Know your “why” -- Even though the job
market looks very different than it did 6 months ago, it is as important as ever to know your “why”. Why this job? Why this company? What makes you uniquely qualified for this position specifically? Despite
our increased reliance on screens these past few weeks, remember that employers connect with people, not machines. They want candidates that care about their mission and that can uphold their company values. It takes research on your
part to know what about an employer resonates with you, but as Angela Duckworth states in her book Grit, “effort counts twice,” and employers recognize that in candidates.
Speaking of effort, uncertain economies are also a fantastic time to “skill up.” Platforms like LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of certifications for learners who want to gain a competitive edge over other
candidates. From project management to conflict negotiation, creative courses to technology skills, there is a certification for every interest area. Add these badges to your resume and LinkedIn profile and
you’ll have a great talking point for your next interview.
Stay positive, and remember you’re not alone – If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it is that none of us are immune to setbacks. A virus doesn’t care who you are, what your plans were
or what impact it has on a global economy. In this, you are not alone. After I graduated, there were days that I felt like a hamster stuck in a wheel, constantly working and
getting nowhere. There were days that I told myself it would be easier to wait until the recession passed to start my job search. But I suspected then and know now that there is no such thing as a perfect moment when
it comes to pursuing your goals. Maybe you’ve already learned this lesson at an early practice on a rainy morning or during a late night putting finishing touches on a project you’re proud of:
if you wait for the perfect moment you’ll be waiting a long time.
"...if you wait for the perfect moment you’ll be waiting a long time."
Though the outlook may seem uncertain today, don’t wait. You’ll be playing a game of catch up that you may later regret. Had
I not put in the effort when times were difficult, I would have missed out on my first opportunity-- one that shaped the foundation of my professional career.
Even on the days when you’re feeling down, there are ways to move forward by taking care of yourself. My mom seems to have an adage for every occasion (it's a trait I suspect is inherent to being a
mom), and there’s one that applies here: “Get all the right people on your bus.” This phrase is applicable to many aspects of life but resonates with me particularly in terms
of career planning. Your ‘career bus’ should be filled with all your greatest cheerleaders and advocates, the people who encourage you to keep moving forward and remind you that you can and will succeed. Save
a spot on your bus for your friends in the Career Development Center at Bellarmine. We’re here for you. And we know you’ve got this!