With many people facing decreased work availability or being laid off because of the pandemic, some people may urgently try to be re-trained to find a new career path. There are several strategies that can help you turn your current struggles into a success. As you work with a career center to broaden your horizons, keep these things in mind.

Look For New Funding Sources

Some states have used federal funds to provide educational dollars to people who are currently receiving pandemic-related unemployment. Every state will be different in the types and length of programs they will fund, but many provide several thousand in grants to help people complete in-demand programs that can be completed in a matter of months. These programs are typically in the healthcare field or those with applied learning, such as HVAC technician programs. If these funds are available, they usually apply to two-year colleges and workforce development training programs.

Choose Programs Carefully

Since the objective is to find a new career quickly, you should choose your program carefully. Career counselors are usually available at every post-secondary institution to help you decide between available programs and which careers have the best employment statistics after graduation. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is another invaluable resource for determining the projected growth in a specific field. You should start with programs that may last less than a year, especially in the allied health professions. These programs might include certified nursing assistants (CNA), radiology technicians, and medical assistant programs. Jobs in the allied health professions are often considered recession-proof, meaning they are typically in high-demand regardless of the state of the economy.

Consider Technology Careers

Many schools have strictly online programs that may last less than a year that are technology-related. One of the advantages of technology careers is these jobs can be done remotely and as a freelancer. For people with family obligations or the inability to relocate to find employment, having skills that can be used remotely expands their options in the job market. Some fields you should consider are graphic design, computer programming, game development, and cybersecurity. If you choose to learn a programming language, find programs that incorporate the most frequently used languages like Java, Python, and C++. These languages are used in a wide variety of settings, whether in software development or statistical analyses.

If you face the sudden need to change career paths, there are plenty of resources available to help you on your journey. Training in fields that are always in the demand will give you the best chance at finding and maintaining employment, regardless of what happens in the future. For more information, contact a local career center.

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