Here’s how to keep building your career – in the middle of a pandemic

By: Nicole Heller / Contributing Writer

Diana Fernandez and Brittany Davis, counselors in the Center for Advising and Student Success, are encouraging students to keep working hard and be consistent in applying to jobs as there are still industries that need applicants and positions to be filled, despite the coronavirus. 

During the webinar “Know Your Rights”, students learned about the different resources offered and available for FIU’s community. 

Fernandez said that every student has access to a Handshake account, a tool and an excellent source to find out specific key characteristics of the job, minimum qualifications and also preferred qualifications. 

“A great feature is that you can read reviews to see what colleagues feel about the job,” said Fernandez.   

Furthermore, the speakers mentioned the importance of being aware of the eight career readiness competencies developed by the National Association of College & Employers (NACE) which will help students to be strong candidates for their future jobs. 

Davis took the opportunity to highlight that the eight competencies are also extremely useful for “our day to day interactions,” she said.  

Between these competencies, Career Management was highlighted as it refers to being able to navigate and explore job options, understanding and being able to take steps necessary to pursue opportunities, and understanding how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace. 

“Make sure you do have an employee handbook as it will have all the information you will need if you are facing a challenge,” advises Davis. The employee handbook is the key to go into a meeting when you do not feel safe and to always know what you have to do. 

The two speakers urge students to prepare themselves using the resources they have to be “your best self”, especially during the pandemic. 

“Continue to build on skills, expand your network, ask questions, and make sure you are knowledgeable,” Davis said minutes before ending the webinar.