In the wake of tens of thousands of federal layoffs by the current administration and more anticipated soon, the Kellogg Institute brought together a group of alumni, some who have recently lost positions within federally-funded programs, on a video call to discuss next steps and provide career resources for those facing employment transitions.
“A supportive community is essential when taking on unexpected career changes,” says Associate Director Holly Rivers who directs Kellogg’s undergraduate programs and organized the call and invited alumni to submit questions and topics for discussion in advance. “We wanted to remind our alumni, from recent grads to those who graduated more than 10 or 20 years ago, that we are here for them during these difficult and potentially discouraging times.”
Notre Dame Assistant Director of Undergraduate Career Services Tyler Grant and Nielsen Senior Manager of Corporate Citizenship Shannon Coyne Rosado ‘11, who have both navigated their own significant career transitions, led the call. Together they offered advice on networking best practices; how to approach different sectors and industries; how to identify, define, and talk about transferable skills; how to tailor and target a CV or resume to stand out to potential employers; how to secure and be successful in informational interviews; how to stay organized and proactive in the midst of a job search; and more.
Grant reminded alumni to tune into their strengths and approach employment opportunities from sincere interest. “Lean into the reasons why this opportunity is next, work on talking about what matters to you, successes you want to build on, problems you can solve. Think about what you’re moving toward instead of what you’re moving away from.”
Rosato, a Kellogg International Scholar alumna, encouraged other alumni to stay open and identify what makes them special. “Whether you are here by choice or pushed into a job search, your work matters, even if it doesn’t feel like that right now,” she said.
Alumni on the call used the opportunity to connect with each other on LinkedIn and via email and brought up questions for discussion and shared ideas on what is helping them through this time. Rivers, Grant, and Rosato concluded the conversation by providing various resources including IrishCompass, an online professional community for Notre Dame alumni and students to network, gain career and industry insights, seek/serve as a mentor, and explore job opportunities. Further resources will be sent to the group via email, and the Kellogg team will consider additional ways to provide support to alumni amidst unexpected job losses and career transitions.