Changing Your Job or Career in the Face of COVID

Categories: MasterU
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About Course

 A Wall Street Journal writer, Kathryn Dill, recently said, “Some U.S. workers, buffeted by a pandemic that has ravaged the labor market and reconfigured the workplace, are questioning whether to stick with their occupation or start an entirely new career.”  Layoffs, businesses closing, and going out of business are why many people find themselves having to make changes with their job and professions.  A July 2020 labor report said that the labor market has almost 15 million fewer jobs than in February, the month that the COVID pandemic first reared its ugly head. 

So, why change? Is this change involuntary because you got laid off or your business was closed due to the pandemic?  Or voluntary because you think you need a change?  

Our work plays a massive role in our lives.  We spend time going to and from work during the week and very often spend a lot of time thinking about it when we’re not there.  This can take a considerable toll on our mental and physical well-being.  Many of us feel frustrated, anxious, depressed, and can’t enjoy the time at home knowing that tomorrow means another day in the job we hate.

This course presents some important things to consider when contemplating a career or job change, voluntarily or involuntarily.  At the end of the day, if your current job is not where you should be or no longer exists, then follow the steps outlined in this course to put yourself in a position to make a change, the right change.

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Course Content

Lesson 1- Evaluate Current Job Satisfaction
This lesson describes why meaningful work is important to each individual. If the change is voluntary, it may not be realistic for you to make the change. It will clearly show the important distinction between changing jobs and changing careers, provide you with the tools for Self-assessment that would be necessary no matter how long you have been out of work.

  • Lesson 1
  • Lesson 1- Quiz

Lesson 2- Evaluate New Career Opportunities
If you decide to make a job or career change, the steps outlined in this lesson will put you in a position to make a change, the right change.

Lesson 3- Everybody has skills, or things they are good at.
In this lesson, you will learn the difference between the two kinds of skills most employers look for, soft skills and job skills. You will be guided in determining which careers to explore, based on your existing skills and knowledge, and the best way to decide your best career fit.

Lesson 4- Career Myths- Fact or Fiction?
Career myths can cause you to overlook many possibilities. Sometimes, people don’t realize that a career exists. Many times people exclude a known career based on false impressions. In this lesson, we will identify what myths or misconceptions are out there, how to keep misconceptions from limiting your options, and how to keep these myths and misconceptions from getting in your way as you try to pinpoint your ideal career.

Lesson 5- Career myths that stop people cold.
Some career myths are less about occupations than about the working world in general. Myths like these can derail a career search and sap motivation. We will take a look at the five most common myths and realities about careers.

Lesson 6- Applications, Resumes and Cover Letters
For many people, the only thing harder than being out of a job is searching for one. In the lesson, you will learn how to avoid many of the mistakes that keep you from winning a job, how to choose the best channels for applying, why you shouldn’t rely on online resources exclusively, how to use your contacts effectively. You will learn how to create a resume with a cover letter that will spark the employer's interest and the best way to introduce yourself to prospective employers to create a lasting first impression.

Lesson 7- Interviewing and Getting the Job
This lesson will discuss the two major types of interviews and teach you basic interviewing skills. You will learn how you can make the most of any interviewing opportunity by being prepared, knowing how to describe your qualifications, and how to present yourself professionally.

Lesson 8- Interviewing Tips and Skills
The following lesson will provide you with tips and suggestions that will help prepare for your job search and add just a little bit of “icing on the cake” as we wrap up this course. So, the time has come to put your knowledge into practice! Completing your interview successfully increases your chances of landing the career you love.