There is nothing ideal about living in the midst of a pandemic. The evening news and social media remind us of this fact daily as we all struggle to wrap our minds around the situation that has seemingly taken over every aspect of our lives. Yet, even in the midst of this difficulty, many have found new opportunities to connect, to learn, and to grow. Those instances serve as a reminder to us all that we each have an opportunity to make the best of bad situations.
This opportunity is particularly timely in regard to professionals today, especially those seeking new opportunities in this tight market.
This truth was highlighted in a recent CBS interview with Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks owner, entrepreneur, television personality, media proprietor, and investor. While we at the Glasscock School are partial to our hometown team, the Houston Rockets, we certainly appreciate the mogul’s insights.
"The first question every interviewer is going to ask you is: 'What did you learn during the pandemic of 2020? What skills did you add during the pandemic of 2020?'" Cuban said.
As it has for the rest of the nation, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in staggering unemployment numbers in the Houston area. According to reports from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment in the Houston area has risen to 14.2 percent. Recent national reports do indicate an uptick in employment opportunities, however, those opportunities are limited. This means successful candidates will be those who set themselves apart from the competition.
To assist in that endeavour, the Glasscock School is excited to launch the Back to Work initiative. This series of five online workshops, beginning July 16, are designed to prepare individuals re-entering the workforce with skills necessary to differentiate themselves from other applicants, placing them a step ahead in the hiring process. Workshops include:
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Leading from Anywhere: Influence and Leadership at Work
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Job Search Fundamentals: Resume and Personal Brand
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Networking Online and Effective Job Search Communications
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Advanced Job Search: How to Stand Out in a Tough Market
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Persuasive Interview Techniques: Building the Case for You
“The Glasscock School has always served as a resource for career changers and advancers,” said Glasscock School Assistant Dean Dr. David Vassar. “In a highly competitive market like today’s, the skills needed to get a job can be just as valuable as those needed once an individual is hired. The Back to Work initiative gives job seekers the advantage they need to set themselves apart. At the same time, we have priced the series aggressively in order to maximize access to these important job search skills.”
The Back to Work initiative is a sister program to the Back in Business initiative, a partnership with The Ion to provide guidance to small business owners, helping them return to normal operations and recover from closures.
Given our current situation and the mission of the Glasscock School, we are doing everything we can to make these offerings available to as many as possible. All of the courses in both of these initiatives are provided at a minimum of cost, just $25, only covering instructor expenses. Additionally, those interested in registering for all courses within the Back to Work initiative will receive an additional discount, bringing the total for all five workshops to just $100.
In addition to these two initiatives, we are also offering a 15% discount on all professional courses and a 20% discount on all nonprofit courses.
“Much like wearing a mask, we must all take actions to take care of others during this time,” said Dr. Robert Bruce, Dean of the Glasscock School. “Houston has a strong history of pulling together during times of crisis, and at the Glasscock School, we recognize that this is an opportunity for us to serve our community. Houston has always been here for us, and this is a chance to return the favor.”