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Finding a Career Amidst a Pandemic: GCU Webinar Guides Graduating Students

Career services webinar

While the world seems to be indefinitely on pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, finding a career can appear more intimidating than ever before. On May 5, CEO of Career Prep Consultants and job search coach Mary Donahue Quinlan led an interactive webinar along with GCU’s Office of Career Services staff to discuss helpful tips and resources with graduating students.

With companies listing an increasing number of positions online and conducting video interviews, it is important to remain confident and active in your job search.

There is so much you can do to get ahead,” says Ms. Quinlan.

An overview of her key advice is as follows:

Be Market Ready

The first step in finding a career is being completely market ready. Completing and updating all necessary paperwork is essential. Those who are careful with details and keywords on résumés will stand out to employers who receive countless applications per day. Most importantly, become conscious of your online presence. Clean up social media accounts and take advantage of professional networking websites such as Linkedin.com. The Georgian Court University Linkedin page has an alumni tab, which allows you to connect with others currently employed in the field you are entering.

Set Your Focus

Develop a sense of the industries and positions that are the most interesting and fulfilling. Some recommended websites to research include Vault.com, Indeed.com, Glassdoor.com, WayUp.com, Idealist.org, and FindSpark.com. By making a schedule for researching and sticking with it, you will stay on track for success.

“Finding a job is a full-time job,” says Ms. Quinlan.

Don’t Panic

Investing enough time to ensure you find the right career will pay off.

“You get jobs by getting interviews, not by just sending out résumés,” says Ms. Quinlan.

Work on making valuable connections with others, and keep track of who you speak with for follow-ups. Reach out to anybody you can think of and let them know you are looking for a job. Relatives, friends, classmates, and neighbors could lead you to your dream job, or at least other contacts. Ms. Quinlan encourages you to never give up.

“Stick to your dreams and get the job you want. The one you don’t will always be there”, she said.

For additional guidance, reach out to znel@pnerrecercpbafhygnagf.pbz or the Office of Career Services.

Story contributed by GCU English major Melissa Grinvalds ’20.

Aerial view of GCU.

About Georgian Court University

Founded in 1908 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, Georgian Court University is Central and South Jersey’s only Catholic university. GCU is a comprehensive, coeducational university with a strong liberal arts core and a historic special concern for women. As a forward-thinking university that supports diversity and academic excellence, GCU is known for expanding possibility for more than 2,100 students of all faiths and backgrounds in 35+ undergraduate majors and 10+ graduate programs. The GCU Lions compete in 15 NCAA Division II sports in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference (CACC). In 2020, GCU was named a Best Value College by Money.com and a Best Bang for the Buck (Northeast) by Washington Monthly. High student retention and graduation rates also make GCU a Top Performer on Social Mobility on U.S. News & World Reports rankings. The main campus is located in Lakewood, New Jersey, on the picturesque former George Jay Gould estate, a National Historic Landmark. Georgian Court, which is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, also serves students at other locations, such as GCU at BrookdaleGCU at Rowan College of South Jersey–Cumberland Campus, and through multiple online certificate and degree programs.

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