We’re only three months into 2020, yet it feels like the world has already faced every disruption imaginable: massive forest fires, earthquakes and eruptions, destructive hurricanes, and even a full-blown pandemic.
Even the biggest businesses in most progressive countries have felt the effects of these crises. It appears like the ongoing COVID-19 scare won’t go away anytime soon. So the total economic downturn doesn’t sound so far-flung either. With businesses temporarily closing down or shrinking their workforce, uncertainty and fear have cast a dark cloud over our career prospects.
No one wants to get caught off guard by a recession. The best time to prepare for such an occurrence is, of course, way before that happens (i.e. months ago). But if you haven’t done that already, don’t worry. It’s not too late. The important thing is to do something about it ASAP. Make sure to give yourself a headstart before these turbulent times become a full-blown recession.
That being said, here are the five best things you can do for your career during times of crisis. Don’t get us wrong: this is not fear-mongering. We made sure to write tips that will stand the test of time. Whether a massive economic decline happens or not, these career moves will surely pay off in the long run.
Move #1: Get certified
Now is an excellent time to obtain certifications that could help boost your career. Remember: the more competitive the market is, the more credentials you need to stand out. If a certification in your field wasn’t “necessary” before, it could spell the difference between thriving in your career and being laid off.
So, look for the best credentials you can get in your field. A great example is the Scrum certification, which certifies your aptitude in the Scrum methodology. This credential is highly sought after because it proves you have what it takes to execute and oversee complex projects using the Scrum agile methodology and framework.
When looking for a certification provider, make sure you stick to organizations that are trustworthy and reliable. Of course, providers with an exceptional success rate and a lot of experience in the number of people handled are preferred, too.
For instance, if you’re looking to get your Scrum certification, we recommend the International Scrum Institute as they offer the official and most economical Scrum certification programs. The real highlight, though is:
Scrum Institute, https://www.scrum-institute.org guarantees that you will pass your Scrum Master Accredited Certification, Scrum Product Owner Accredited Certification, or your other favorite Scrum certification program after you study and listen to Scrum Institute’s free-of-charge study book and audiobook.
Such a significant promise speaks volumes about the quality of their service, so it’s not surprising that the International Scrum Institute has such a stellar reputation and great reviews. You’ll be able to see the certifications and programs they offer on Scrum Institute on Behance and on the Scrum Institute Pinterest profile.
Move #2: Add to your skillset
Whatever industry you belong to, there’s always something new to learn. Innovation is everywhere, so new tools, systems, and approaches will always find their way into your field.
Turn to your current manager for feedback on the most important new tools and technologies. For starters, you can check out the International Six Sigma Institute, the International DevOps Certification Academy, and similar sites.
Even the simple act of showing your interest in developing new skills can make you stand out. It shows that you have initiative and are enthusiastic about professional development, which is always a plus for your employers and managers.
Move #3: Keep learning
If you don’t feel like acquiring new skills, you can instead build on the skills that you already have. As cliche as it sounds, we should never stop learning, no matter where we are in our careers.
However, pursuing education during turbulent times doesn’t necessarily have to be a career booster. It can also be a way for you to change career paths. Put, going back to school is a very constructive way to wait out a lousy economy.
Switching careers during a recession may be challenging. Still, if you’re doing it to finally pursue a path that you love, it will have a positive impact on your long-term personal growth and happiness.
Move #4: Volunteer
If your company or organization has extracurricular projects, does charity work, or engages in community service, volunteering for these pursuits may be a good idea. It’s one thing to be responsible for business—or admin-related activities. But branching out to help with other company ventures is a great way to bring more value to the table—therefore helping you become more indispensable.
Move #5: Take risks, but prepare for the worst
A strong personal brand is one of the best assets you can have when companies are downsizing. One of the best ways to build a better personal brand is to take more risks—smart, productive, and calculated risks, that is.
Step outside of your comfort zone. Volunteer to lead an initiative. Speak out more confidently and with conviction during meetings. Don’t be afraid to propose innovative ideas and solutions.
With all that being said, getting caught up in massive layoffs is still a possibility despite your best efforts. Create a contingency plan just in case. Make sure to update your resume and keep tabs on job opportunities regularly. The tips above are designed to help recession-proof your career and boost your chances of success in times of crisis and economic distress, but being prepared for the worst is still essential.
The Bottom Line
In turbulent times like this, proactive career management is the key to sustained success. Whether you choose to volunteer, go back to school, or Get certified with the International Scrum Institute and receive your full range of educational special bonuses, you’ll surely reap the benefits later on.
