Career Development

A period of unemployment can be an opportunity to upskill or reskill, making you an even stronger candidate. Strengthening your qualifications not only boosts your resume but also your confidence. Here are resources and strategies for skill-building and career development:

Skill-building Resources

Skill-building not only improves your qualifications – it fills your time with purposeful activity, which is good for mental health and gives you something positive to talk about in interviews (“What have you been doing since leaving your last role?” “I’ve completed a certificate in machine learning and been volunteering on a robotics project…”). Employers will see that you use setbacks as opportunities to grow.

Coursera

eDx Online

Udemy

LinkedIn Learning

Career OneStop

American Jobs Center

Clearance Jobs

O*Net

Online Courses and Certifications:

Take advantage of free or low-cost courses on platforms like Coursera, edX, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning to build skills in data science, cybersecurity, project management, and more. If transitioning fields, consider industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, PMP, or AWS to showcase expertise and initiative to employers.

State and Local Training Programs:

Many states offer workforce development programs through WIOA, which may cover training for in-demand skills. Check your state’s labor department or CareerOneStop for options like free manufacturing tech training or coding bootcamps. American Job Centers provide career counseling and may offer training grants if you qualify.

Professional Development Workshops:

Professional organizations and community colleges offer workshops on topics like project management or leadership, often at low cost or free for displaced workers. These courses provide both learning and networking opportunities—check with local colleges, libraries, and industry groups.

SkillBridge and Veteran Programs:

DoD SkillBridge offers industry training for transitioning service members, while veterans can use the GI Bill and VR&E for education. Some military-focused programs now accept broader audiences due to talent shortages—explore available opportunities.

Mentorship and Informational Interviews:

Mentorship provides industry insight, skill guidance, and potential project experience, helping you navigate career development through formal or informal connections.

Build Projects or Portfolio:

For technical fields, create tangible work like an open-source contribution, a small project, or a research paper. Showcasing these in your resume or interviews highlights initiative and continuous learning.

Career Development Resources:

Beyond skill training, use resources like CareerOneStop to explore careers, assess skills, and match them to job options. Tools like O*NET’s Interest Profiler or Myers-Briggs can provide insights for career shifts.

Keep Certifications and Clearances Active:

Keep professional licenses active with required continuing education. Security clearances stay current for two years post-employment, so mention them in applications. Use resources like IEEE Xplore to stay updated in your field.