Early on in the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear that the U.S. economy would be taking a sharp downturn, one that could take a long time to recover from. And yet, many people were stunned to see the historic job losses that were sweeping the nation by April of 2020. Not since the end of the Second World War had America experienced such a dramatic decline in employment. 

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 22 million jobs were lost from February to April 2020. When job numbers began plummeting in April 2020, the workers most likely to find themselves unemployed included older individuals and the Black and Asian communities. And beyond the racial disparities, there were also certain industries hit particularly hard, including media and technology. 

Thankfully, by August of last year, a significant portion of lost jobs had been restored. And currently, all signs are pointing to a brighter – and better – future. Many Black professionals are turning their job loss into an opportunity to pivot in their career journey, either making the leap to an exciting new field or strengthening their skills with education and training. 

As we return to our “new normal,” there is a diverse range of companies and organizations in search of potential employees, and Black workers are rising to the challenge. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic had a serious impact on the Black unemployment rate, community resources, education, and the tenacity of Black professionals are all helping to support an outstanding recovery. 

If you’re one of the many Black professionals in search of work opportunities, we’re breaking down some tips for finding a career you love – and commanding respect as a highly qualified candidate. 

Career Resources for Black Workers

At this present moment, finding work is a top priority for unemployed Black professionals. And in addition to steady job growth, there’s more good news: there are a number of career websites and resources specifically created to serve Black workers searching for jobs. 

Here are some of our top picks for job sites that can help you get your career back on track:

 

• Job Well: Both students and experienced professionals (specifically from the Black, Latinx, and Native American communities) can explore options for advancing their careers on this site.

• Womeneur: Are you a Black woman ready to embark on a new professional adventure with an early-stage start-up? If so, then this is the job site for you.

• The Life Currency: Black millennials, entrepreneurs, and young professionals who are just beginning their careers can browse tailored resources to support their journeys.

• Black Creatives: Looking for creative jobs in media and other similar fields? This career platform offers a multitude of tools and resources for you to utilize.

• Black Career Women’s Network: Another job resource for Black women, this online resource provides information about digital mentoring, events, coaching, and workshops.

• The Memo: Women of color are invited to join this online resource for career development coaching and advice.

• The Mentor Method: As a growing number of companies become more aware of the need to better support workplace diversity, resources like The Mentor Method are helping them do so properly.

 

Jumpstart Your Career with New Knowledge and Skills

Regardless of the industry in which you work, staying committed to ongoing education will also benefit your career path. But particularly in the fast-paced field of media, building new skills and experiences is key for advancement.

As the job market continues to rebound from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (albeit slowly), there’s never been a better time to strengthen your resume with training and education. Whether you’re on the hunt for media marketing, sales, production, or broadcasting jobs, the Media Schools of Colorado, Miami, Ohio, and Illinois have a broad range of programs and courses to boost your career. At one of our campuses, you can make a smart investment in your future when you sign up for the course of your choice.

And if you aren’t already a media professional, this could be the perfect opportunity to completely change the course of your career. You may have felt uninterested or unfulfilled in your job before COVID-19, and now, you can find your way to a new position in the exciting field of media. 

With campuses in Chicago, Ohio, Miami, and Colorado, the Media Schools can help you begin developing the skills and expertise you’ll need to jump into the media industry. Our program options include:

• Radio & TV Broadcasting
• Media Sales & Marketing
• Audio Production
• Film & Video Production
• Sports Broadcasting
• Hispanic Media Broadcasting
• And more!

Whether you’re picturing yourself working in front of the camera or behind the scenes, our hands-on approach to learning will prepare you for success. Spending time both in the classroom and on sets, and in the studio can give you the competitive edge you need to stand out as a job candidate. 

Apply to the Media Schools to Find Your Future Today

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a monumental impact on all of our lives, but now is the time to take charge of your career once again. Explore new possibilities and start working towards your dream job when you enroll at the Media Schools now.

For more information about our courses and programs and additional details about the application process, contact our team at Media Schools today.

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