Pandemic Impact on the Career Planning among College Students

Pandemics have always had an impact on career planning among college students. For example, the 1918 flu pandemic caused many students to delay their plans and postpone their education. Some never returned to college after the pandemic ended.

Today, students are once again postponing their education and career plans in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some are even dropping out of school altogether. This is largely because many colleges and universities have closed their campuses in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.

The impact of COVID-19 on career planning will likely be long-term. Students who have dropped out of college may find it difficult to return to school later on. And those who continue their education may find that they need to delay their graduation date.

The pandemic has also caused many employers to delay or cancel job interviews. This is making it difficult for students who are looking for jobs.

The latest Student Voice survey reveals that:

• 1 in 4 students planned on graduating earlier or later than planned,
• 1 in 4 students changed their career plans after graduation,
• About 17% of students changed their major, and
• About 16% of students changed their plans about grad school (either to attend or not to attend).

Students need to stay positive during this difficult time. They should continue to plan for their future, even if that future looks a little different than they originally imagined. There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a long-term impact on the career planning of college students. But with hard work and determination, they will be able to overcome these challenges and achieve their goals.

Transtutors advise about making informed academic and career choices now!

As the threat of corona is decreasing, the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic and professional lives are surfacing. Experts from Transtutors offers some advice for students looking to make informed choices about their future in these uncharted waters:

1. Talk to your professors and career center on campus: Your professors are a wealth of information and may be able to help you connect with resources on campus. The career center can help you assess your skills and find appropriate jobs or graduate programs.
2. Research majors and careers: Take the time to research different majors and career paths. This can help you better understand what you want and don’t want from your academic and professional life. The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact showed the world how certain majors and career paths are more helpful than ever. For example, majors in health sciences and technology are seeing a surge in interest.

Some of the disciplines that have gained steep popularity in students include:

• Healthcare and Medicine: This sector was already growing in demand before the pandemic hit. The COVID-19 pandemic has only accelerated the need for talented medical professionals. If not for doctors, nurses, and other medical staff, the pandemic would have had a much worse impact.
• Nursing: Nursing has always been in high demand, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased the need for nurses globally. The novel coronavirus has exposed the lack of nurses in some countries and the need for more nurses in other countries.
• Dentistry: The COVID-19 pandemic has also highlighted the need for talented dentists. Many people have had to postpone their dental work due to the pandemic, putting even more pressure on the dental industry.
• Veterinary Science: The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the need for veterinarians. With the increase in livestock and poultry, the veterinary industry is seeing a surge in demand for its services.
• Business Administration: The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of business administrators in every sector. In the current climate, businesses need talented professionals to help them stay afloat. Right now, job markets are in dire need of talented business administrators who can help with business continuity planning.
• Engineering: Engineering has always been a popular field, and the COVID-19 pandemic has only increased its demand. Engineers are in high demand in both the private and public sectors. In these times, engineers are much-needed in various sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and technology to revitalize the economy.
• IT and Computer Science: The COVID-19 pandemic has also increased the demand for IT and computer science professionals. With the increase in cybercrime and the need for more secure systems, these professionals are in high demand. The pandemic also demonstrated how information technology, big data, and artificial intelligence can work together to help medical researchers, pharmaceutical scientists, and others combat the pandemic.
• Public Relations and Mass Communication: Awareness has been the key to containing the COVID-19 pandemic. The role of public relations and mass communication professionals in raising awareness about the pandemic cannot be overemphasized. These professionals have been on the frontlines, helping to shape public opinion about the pandemic. The importance of this discipline has never been more evident than in the current climate.

Some of the best career planning websites include Outlook, CareerOneStop, and Zippia.

1. Consider online education: With so many colleges and universities closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, online education is a great option for students looking to continue their education. There are many reputable online programs available, and many employers are willing to hire graduates of these programs. Websites like Khan Academy and Coursera offer free online courses in a variety of subjects.
2. Utilize online resources for career planning: The internet is a great resource for career planning. Many websites and articles can help you assess your skills, explore different careers, and network with professionals in your desired field. Some of these include:

• O*NET: This website offers detailed information about different careers, including salary ranges and job outlooks.
• LinkedIn: LinkedIn is a great site for networking with professionals in your desired field. You can search for jobs, read articles, and connect with other professionals on the site.
• Glassdoor: Glassdoor is a great resource for researching different companies and their salaries, benefits, and company culture. 

1. Network: One of the best ways to find a job or get into a graduate program is to network with people in your field. Attend career fairs, connect with professionals on LinkedIn, and attend industry events. The COVID-19 pandemic may have caused many networking events to be canceled, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find ways to network online.
2. Stay positive: It can be difficult to stay positive during a time of crisis, but it is important to remember that things will get better. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes, but that doesn’t mean that your future is set in stone. With hard work and determination, you can overcome any obstacle.

Transtutors wishes all students the best of luck during these challenging times!