I get it. You’re stuck at home bored and wondering what things to do during quarantine. You are likely to fill your time by sleeping in, scrolling social media, and playing video games. What if I listed some things to do during quarantine that can get you ahead? Here are seven ideas to ditch the boredom and propel your future!
Seven Things to Do During Quarantine
1. Write Your Resume (or update it)
As a general rule, I recommend updating your resume every six months whether you are looking for a job or not. Why? Because you will have engaged in activities, professional development, and completed coursework that you might otherwise forget about if you only update it when you are searching for a job.
Writing or updating your resume is one of several things to do during quarantine that will equal success in the long run! I have several resources to help you with this task:
- Writing a resume for the first time and have no work experience? Use this guide.
- Writing a resume for the first time with work experience? Use this guide.
- Already have a resume and want to update and polish it? Use this guide.
- Want help with your resume so you stand out in a pool of applicants? Go here.
Once you’ve written a killer resume, consider writing a cover letter.
2. Write a Cover Letter
One of the most grossly underestimated actions a job seeker (or future job seeker can take) is writing a cover letter. Even if the job application doesn’t require it, write one anyway. Writing a cover letter is an excellent way to stand out and showcase your written communication skills. Are you not sure where to start? No problem, I’ve got a guide to writing cover letters, too.
3. Look for Summer Jobs and Internships
Times are a bit tough right now; however, many organizations will still be hiring temporary or summer help once the coronavirus has gone. Use the resume and cover letter you have written to apply to jobs and internships. Many companies are still conducting interviews via video conferencing software such as Zoom. Don’t miss out on awesome opportunities later this year simply because the virus is keeping us indoors right now. Learn where to find the best internships here!
4. Conduct an Informational Interview
An excellent quarantine activity is conducting an informational interview! You can never learn too much about your future career field. And, now is an excellent time to have conversations with professionals as many are working from home and have lighter workloads (unless you are considering the healthcare field). I have an excellent free guide that can help you set-up a great informational interview. It includes the best questions to ask while you are on the call or video chat!
5. Learn a new professional skill or take a short course
Quarantine is an excellent time to learn a new skill or complete a short-course or credential. Coursera is offering a number of free, online courses. You’re sure to find one that interests you!
6. Read a professional or personal development book
This is one of my absolutely favorite things to do during quarantine. In fact, I sat in the back yard this afternoon soaking up the sun and reading Brene Brown’s book Daring Greatly. Need a list of ideas? Check out my list of favorite books here.
7. Find industry-relevant organizations to join
Add finding an industry-relevant professional organization to join to your list of things to do during quarantine. Professional organizations offer excellent networking opportunities, professional development, and also look great on a resume. Many offer free or reduced membership rates to student members making it very affordable. A quick Google search should uncover several options for you. For example, “Professional Organizations for Teachers” or “Professional Organizations for Engineers” is all you need to search for!
Want more ideas for things to do during quarantine?
Here is a list of more great ideas:
- Schedule a virtual college visit
- Begin learning a new language
- Attend virtual networking events
- Fill out scholarship applications
- Complete a mock interview
- Connect with an old friend or supervisor
- Listen to podcasts
Welcome to a world of career opportunities! I’m Loren.
If you or a student in your life could benefit from some thoughtful planning or help to navigate the future, oftentimes an unbiased third-party can be a powerful tool! As an experienced educator and career coach, I sit down with students one-on-one, meet them where they are, and assist them as they articulate their goals and develop a plan to achieve them!
Book a free consultation today!
