8 answers
sam
Student
Rourkela, Odisha, India
1
Question
Asked
572 views
what should i do about career gap?
what should I do? I passed my b tech in 2022 and till i have a career gap of more than 2.5 years. During this period I took few courses on AI and Data Science but I always feel that I cant do it and I am not good and feel anxiety. I take over other things use distraction of movies and web and now i feel that i am losing my thinking capability and I want to get a job but dont know how.
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8 answers
Iryna Tam
Writer, copywriter
188
Answers
Hagerstown, Maryland
Updated
Iryna’s Answer
Hi Sam!
Facing a career gap can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to regain confidence and position yourself for future employment. Here’s a structured approach to help you manage the gap and move forward:
1. Self-Reflection and Mindset Adjustment
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's normal to feel anxious or uncertain, especially after a gap. Recognize these feelings but don't let them prevent you from taking action.
Focus on Achievements: Reflect on the courses you've completed and any skills you've gained during the gap. Recognize that learning new subjects like AI and data science is a valuable step.
2. Set Clear Goals
Define Your Career Objectives: Identify what kind of job you want to pursue. Is it in AI, data science, or another field? Having clear goals will guide your next steps.
Break Down Goals: Set small, achievable goals that can lead to your larger objective. For example, aim to apply for a certain number of internships or entry-level roles each week.
3. Revive Your Skills
Practice Regularly: Dedicate time daily or weekly to practice relevant skills in AI and data science through coding exercises, project-based work, or online platforms like LeetCode or Kaggle.
Build Projects: Create small projects on topics that interest you. This could be a data analysis project, a simple machine learning model, or contributions to open-source projects. These will bolster your portfolio.
4. Engage with the Community
Join Online Communities: Participate in forums (such as Stack Overflow, GitHub, or relevant subreddits) where you can ask questions, share your work, and learn from others.
Attend Meetups or Workshops: Look for local tech meetups, webinars, or workshops in your area on AI or data science to network and learn.
5. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Highlight Courses and Projects: Even without formal employment, include your education, relevant courses, and any self-initiated projects on your resume.
Use Action Words: Describe your learning experience and skills using action-oriented language to emphasize your initiative and growth.
6. Consider Temporary or Part-Time Work
Internships or Freelancing: Look for internships, part-time roles, or freelance projects that can help you gain experience and build your resume while providing a structure to your work-life balance.
Volunteer Work: Participate in volunteer opportunities that leverage your skills, such as helping nonprofits with data-related tasks or projects.
7. Practice Interview Skills
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or use platforms like Pramp to prep for common interview questions relevant to your field.
Prepare STAR Responses: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) technique to structure your responses to behavioral questions, emphasizing your learning journey and any relevant experiences.
8. Seek Support
Consider Counseling or Coaching: If your anxiety is significantly impacting your confidence and ability to move forward, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or career coaching.
Build a Support System: Talk to friends or family who support you and can encourage your steps back into the workforce. Sharing your goals can create accountability.
9. Focus on Well-being
Limit Distractions: Set boundaries for leisure activities like movies and internet browsing, using techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to balance work and breaks efficiently.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices or exercises that enhance focus and reduce anxiety, helping you create a more productive mindset.
A career gap can feel daunting, but by acknowledging your past experiences, setting clear goals, and actively engaging in skills development and community involvement, you can build the confidence needed to re-enter the job market. Remember that many people experience similar challenges, and with dedication and persistence, you can successfully bridge the gap and find a job in your desired field. Take things one step at a time, and don't hesitate to seek support along the way. Good luck!
Facing a career gap can be challenging, but there are steps you can take to regain confidence and position yourself for future employment. Here’s a structured approach to help you manage the gap and move forward:
1. Self-Reflection and Mindset Adjustment
Acknowledge Your Feelings: It's normal to feel anxious or uncertain, especially after a gap. Recognize these feelings but don't let them prevent you from taking action.
Focus on Achievements: Reflect on the courses you've completed and any skills you've gained during the gap. Recognize that learning new subjects like AI and data science is a valuable step.
2. Set Clear Goals
Define Your Career Objectives: Identify what kind of job you want to pursue. Is it in AI, data science, or another field? Having clear goals will guide your next steps.
Break Down Goals: Set small, achievable goals that can lead to your larger objective. For example, aim to apply for a certain number of internships or entry-level roles each week.
3. Revive Your Skills
Practice Regularly: Dedicate time daily or weekly to practice relevant skills in AI and data science through coding exercises, project-based work, or online platforms like LeetCode or Kaggle.
Build Projects: Create small projects on topics that interest you. This could be a data analysis project, a simple machine learning model, or contributions to open-source projects. These will bolster your portfolio.
4. Engage with the Community
Join Online Communities: Participate in forums (such as Stack Overflow, GitHub, or relevant subreddits) where you can ask questions, share your work, and learn from others.
Attend Meetups or Workshops: Look for local tech meetups, webinars, or workshops in your area on AI or data science to network and learn.
5. Update Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile
Highlight Courses and Projects: Even without formal employment, include your education, relevant courses, and any self-initiated projects on your resume.
Use Action Words: Describe your learning experience and skills using action-oriented language to emphasize your initiative and growth.
6. Consider Temporary or Part-Time Work
Internships or Freelancing: Look for internships, part-time roles, or freelance projects that can help you gain experience and build your resume while providing a structure to your work-life balance.
Volunteer Work: Participate in volunteer opportunities that leverage your skills, such as helping nonprofits with data-related tasks or projects.
7. Practice Interview Skills
Mock Interviews: Conduct mock interviews with friends or use platforms like Pramp to prep for common interview questions relevant to your field.
Prepare STAR Responses: Use the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) technique to structure your responses to behavioral questions, emphasizing your learning journey and any relevant experiences.
8. Seek Support
Consider Counseling or Coaching: If your anxiety is significantly impacting your confidence and ability to move forward, don’t hesitate to seek professional help or career coaching.
Build a Support System: Talk to friends or family who support you and can encourage your steps back into the workforce. Sharing your goals can create accountability.
9. Focus on Well-being
Limit Distractions: Set boundaries for leisure activities like movies and internet browsing, using techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to balance work and breaks efficiently.
Practice Mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices or exercises that enhance focus and reduce anxiety, helping you create a more productive mindset.
A career gap can feel daunting, but by acknowledging your past experiences, setting clear goals, and actively engaging in skills development and community involvement, you can build the confidence needed to re-enter the job market. Remember that many people experience similar challenges, and with dedication and persistence, you can successfully bridge the gap and find a job in your desired field. Take things one step at a time, and don't hesitate to seek support along the way. Good luck!
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
617
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Sam,
Hi Sam,
First, it’s important to acknowledge that you’ve taken a step in the right direction by recognizing where you stand and wanting to move forward—that’s a big deal. Career gaps happen, and they don’t define you or your abilities. What really matters is how you choose to approach the situation now. Here’s a practical way to tackle this:
1. Shift Your Mindset: The feelings of anxiety and self-doubt are completely normal, especially during periods of uncertainty. But remember, the courses you took in AI and Data Science were not wasted—they’ve added value to your skill set. Instead of focusing on what you think you can’t do, start small and focus on what you *can* learn and accomplish daily.
2. Address the Career Gap: You don’t have to shy away from the gap on your resume. Instead, highlight the fact that you used this time to upskill in AI and Data Science. You can frame it as:
"During this period, I took courses to enhance my technical knowledge in emerging fields like AI and Data Science. It was a time of growth and self-directed learning, which I’m now ready to apply in a professional setting." Employers appreciate honesty and effort.
3. Build Confidence Through Small Wins: Sometimes, anxiety stems from feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. Break it down into smaller steps:
- Start working on a small, manageable data science or AI project. You don’t need to build something groundbreaking—just get your hands dirty. Use platforms like Kaggle to practice with datasets.
- Contribute to open-source projects or join online communities. Collaborating with others can build your confidence and expand your network.
4. Focus on Job Readiness: Since you’re looking to get a job, here are actionable steps:
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn: Highlight the courses and any practical projects you’ve completed. Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your efforts in AI and Data Science.
- Networking: Reach out to alumni, professionals, or connections who are in data-related fields. Even a simple "Hello, I’d love to hear about your career journey" can open doors.
- Apply Smartly: Start with internships or entry-level positions, even if they don’t exactly match your ideal role. These can serve as stepping stones.
5. Manage Anxiety: It’s hard to focus when your mind is clouded with self-doubt. Try these:
- Set a daily routine with specific times for learning, applying to jobs, and relaxation.
- Use mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling to manage your thoughts.
- Remember, progress isn’t linear. Small steps forward still count.
6. Believe in Yourself: You’re not alone in this. A lot of people feel like they’re losing their edge after a break, but you haven’t lost your capability—you’ve just paused. The skills you’ve learned and the passion you have are still there. They’re just waiting for you to trust yourself enough to take that first step again.
If you feel stuck, don’t hesitate to talk to a career coach or mentor who can guide you. It’s okay to ask for help. You’ve got this, —take it one step at a time.
Best wishes!
Hi Sam,
First, it’s important to acknowledge that you’ve taken a step in the right direction by recognizing where you stand and wanting to move forward—that’s a big deal. Career gaps happen, and they don’t define you or your abilities. What really matters is how you choose to approach the situation now. Here’s a practical way to tackle this:
1. Shift Your Mindset: The feelings of anxiety and self-doubt are completely normal, especially during periods of uncertainty. But remember, the courses you took in AI and Data Science were not wasted—they’ve added value to your skill set. Instead of focusing on what you think you can’t do, start small and focus on what you *can* learn and accomplish daily.
2. Address the Career Gap: You don’t have to shy away from the gap on your resume. Instead, highlight the fact that you used this time to upskill in AI and Data Science. You can frame it as:
"During this period, I took courses to enhance my technical knowledge in emerging fields like AI and Data Science. It was a time of growth and self-directed learning, which I’m now ready to apply in a professional setting." Employers appreciate honesty and effort.
3. Build Confidence Through Small Wins: Sometimes, anxiety stems from feeling overwhelmed by the big picture. Break it down into smaller steps:
- Start working on a small, manageable data science or AI project. You don’t need to build something groundbreaking—just get your hands dirty. Use platforms like Kaggle to practice with datasets.
- Contribute to open-source projects or join online communities. Collaborating with others can build your confidence and expand your network.
4. Focus on Job Readiness: Since you’re looking to get a job, here are actionable steps:
- Update Your Resume and LinkedIn: Highlight the courses and any practical projects you’ve completed. Make sure your LinkedIn profile reflects your efforts in AI and Data Science.
- Networking: Reach out to alumni, professionals, or connections who are in data-related fields. Even a simple "Hello, I’d love to hear about your career journey" can open doors.
- Apply Smartly: Start with internships or entry-level positions, even if they don’t exactly match your ideal role. These can serve as stepping stones.
5. Manage Anxiety: It’s hard to focus when your mind is clouded with self-doubt. Try these:
- Set a daily routine with specific times for learning, applying to jobs, and relaxation.
- Use mindfulness techniques like meditation or journaling to manage your thoughts.
- Remember, progress isn’t linear. Small steps forward still count.
6. Believe in Yourself: You’re not alone in this. A lot of people feel like they’re losing their edge after a break, but you haven’t lost your capability—you’ve just paused. The skills you’ve learned and the passion you have are still there. They’re just waiting for you to trust yourself enough to take that first step again.
If you feel stuck, don’t hesitate to talk to a career coach or mentor who can guide you. It’s okay to ask for help. You’ve got this, —take it one step at a time.
Best wishes!
Trisha Borme
Talent Acquisition - Hiring
30
Answers
North Kingstown, Rhode Island
Updated
Trisha’s Answer
The market has been very challenging over the last two years. MANY people have career gaps. The first thing is you must practice and be comfortable talking about it giving a concise overview. For example,
During this period I worked on my technical skills and personal development. While the market has been more challenging, I utilized the time to focus on my overall development. I agree take it slowly. Work into the working/job search world. Try to find a place to interact with professionals either locally or within LinkedIn. These skills are so relevant for the employment market. Feel proud that you have expertise in such a great filed. Good luck!!
During this period I worked on my technical skills and personal development. While the market has been more challenging, I utilized the time to focus on my overall development. I agree take it slowly. Work into the working/job search world. Try to find a place to interact with professionals either locally or within LinkedIn. These skills are so relevant for the employment market. Feel proud that you have expertise in such a great filed. Good luck!!
Angel S
UI/UX Design Aspirant
369
Answers
India
Updated
Angel’s Answer
A career gap can feel discouraging, but it’s important to focus on the progress you've made, such as the courses in AI and Data Science. Start by acknowledging your feelings and understanding that it's okay to have gaps; many people experience them. To regain momentum, set small, achievable goals. Begin with updating your resume, highlighting any courses or skills gained during your gap, and start networking through LinkedIn or local meetups. Consider internships, volunteer work, or freelance projects to build confidence and experience. Seek support for your anxiety, either through a mentor, counselor, or peer group, to help combat feelings of inadequacy. Lastly, practice time management to reduce distractions, allowing you to regain focus and push towards your career goals.
Hitesh Haran
Product Management
25
Answers
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Updated
Hitesh’s Answer
Hi Sam,
It's great to see you being open about your situation and seek guidance. So, firstly, I commend you brevity here.
Here are few thoughts you might find helpful
1. First and foremost, I would encourage you to get into some sort of 'calming yourself down - keeping yourself active' exercises, like meditation, sport activity, gym, running, cycling, yoga. This is very important to keep you anxiety part and online distraction under check
2. Take a step back and reflect if you really wanted to do B-Tech (including AI and Data Science) because of your own interests or was it more of a "following a herd" decision. Please remember - just adding AI and Data science tags will not help you get a job unless you have real interest/aptitude for these topics.
3. Based on your reflection, try and arrive at your real passion and interest.
4. Get internship or small assignments (these might be non-paid to begin with) related to your interest area. Please remember, as a B Tech graduated you have the respect of any potential employer as long as you are confident about what you want to do and achieve.
5. Figure out a way to clamp down your distractions of movies and web. I have similar challenges and I tend to take daily vows in front of spiritual/religious power I believe in (and hence less likely to break it!). For e.g. "Do not exceed screen time above 2 hours per day" "No browsing after 10 pm - this helps going to bed on time and hence waking up on time next morning"
Hope these points are useful.
I can tell you one thing for sure, you are not alone and you are doing right thing to discuss it to come out of it. This is a great first step!
Wish you all the very best. Cheers!
It's great to see you being open about your situation and seek guidance. So, firstly, I commend you brevity here.
Here are few thoughts you might find helpful
1. First and foremost, I would encourage you to get into some sort of 'calming yourself down - keeping yourself active' exercises, like meditation, sport activity, gym, running, cycling, yoga. This is very important to keep you anxiety part and online distraction under check
2. Take a step back and reflect if you really wanted to do B-Tech (including AI and Data Science) because of your own interests or was it more of a "following a herd" decision. Please remember - just adding AI and Data science tags will not help you get a job unless you have real interest/aptitude for these topics.
3. Based on your reflection, try and arrive at your real passion and interest.
4. Get internship or small assignments (these might be non-paid to begin with) related to your interest area. Please remember, as a B Tech graduated you have the respect of any potential employer as long as you are confident about what you want to do and achieve.
5. Figure out a way to clamp down your distractions of movies and web. I have similar challenges and I tend to take daily vows in front of spiritual/religious power I believe in (and hence less likely to break it!). For e.g. "Do not exceed screen time above 2 hours per day" "No browsing after 10 pm - this helps going to bed on time and hence waking up on time next morning"
Hope these points are useful.
I can tell you one thing for sure, you are not alone and you are doing right thing to discuss it to come out of it. This is a great first step!
Wish you all the very best. Cheers!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
780
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Firstly, it's crucial to understand that career breaks are more prevalent than you might believe, and they don't determine your future success. The key is how you adapt to this phase and direct your efforts moving forward. Your decision to invest in yourself by taking AI and Data Science courses demonstrates your drive and eagerness to learn, both of which are highly prized attributes. It's natural to feel nervous or unsure about your capabilities, particularly after a break, but this can also be a chance for personal growth and exploration.
To tackle this, begin by shifting your perspective. Instead of dwelling on what you haven't accomplished, concentrate on what you *have* acquired, be it technical expertise from your studies or personal wisdom from this period. Contemplate your strong points, including the abilities you honed during your B.Tech and the projects you've undertaken in your courses. Breaking down your job hunt into smaller, more manageable tasks can also help you avoid feeling swamped. Start by defining your precise career objectives—whether that's in AI, data science, or another sector—and strive to match your abilities with those fields. Investigate companies, connect with your network, and seek entry-level roles or internships that align with your skills. By limiting your focus, you can bypass decision paralysis and gain confidence in your chosen path.
If you believe your skills have dulled, set aside some time to practice and update your knowledge. Begin by revisiting the courses you've taken and applying what you've learned to real-world challenges or personal projects. This will boost your confidence and provide you with concrete evidence of your abilities to show potential employers. Also, consider seeking guidance from professionals in your industry. Mentors can offer advice, support, and direction, assisting you in understanding how to bridge your career gap and effectively navigate the job market.
Finally, remember to be gentle with yourself. It's normal to have moments of uncertainty or worry, but keep in mind that everyone's career path is different, and stumbling blocks or pauses don't equate to failure. The secret is to take small, regular steps to regain your footing, whether that's through practice, networking, or introspection. By concentrating on what you can influence and taking proactive measures towards your objectives, you'll gradually build both your confidence and your career momentum.
To tackle this, begin by shifting your perspective. Instead of dwelling on what you haven't accomplished, concentrate on what you *have* acquired, be it technical expertise from your studies or personal wisdom from this period. Contemplate your strong points, including the abilities you honed during your B.Tech and the projects you've undertaken in your courses. Breaking down your job hunt into smaller, more manageable tasks can also help you avoid feeling swamped. Start by defining your precise career objectives—whether that's in AI, data science, or another sector—and strive to match your abilities with those fields. Investigate companies, connect with your network, and seek entry-level roles or internships that align with your skills. By limiting your focus, you can bypass decision paralysis and gain confidence in your chosen path.
If you believe your skills have dulled, set aside some time to practice and update your knowledge. Begin by revisiting the courses you've taken and applying what you've learned to real-world challenges or personal projects. This will boost your confidence and provide you with concrete evidence of your abilities to show potential employers. Also, consider seeking guidance from professionals in your industry. Mentors can offer advice, support, and direction, assisting you in understanding how to bridge your career gap and effectively navigate the job market.
Finally, remember to be gentle with yourself. It's normal to have moments of uncertainty or worry, but keep in mind that everyone's career path is different, and stumbling blocks or pauses don't equate to failure. The secret is to take small, regular steps to regain your footing, whether that's through practice, networking, or introspection. By concentrating on what you can influence and taking proactive measures towards your objectives, you'll gradually build both your confidence and your career momentum.
Christina Michaels
Solution Engineer Manager
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Don't hold back until you believe you're perfect.
Formulate a strategy, because "A lack of planning is a roadmap to failure".
In reality, your pastimes can equip you with abilities that can be applied in future positions. All you need to do is identify these skills and consider how they could be valuable to a prospective employer. For example, if you're a movie enthusiast, you could highlight your expertise in storytelling and how crucial it is in a pre-sales role for revenue generation.
Here's a simple guide to crafting a plan:
- Be precise
- Ensure it's achievable
- Make it quantifiable and consider using tools like the V2MOM!! If you're unsure about V2MOM, don't worry - follow this link to learn more: fhttps://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/manage_the_sfdc_organizational_alignment_v2mom
Have you thought about Salesforce? They're currently a top software company in India!
Formulate a strategy, because "A lack of planning is a roadmap to failure".
In reality, your pastimes can equip you with abilities that can be applied in future positions. All you need to do is identify these skills and consider how they could be valuable to a prospective employer. For example, if you're a movie enthusiast, you could highlight your expertise in storytelling and how crucial it is in a pre-sales role for revenue generation.
Here's a simple guide to crafting a plan:
- Be precise
- Ensure it's achievable
- Make it quantifiable and consider using tools like the V2MOM!! If you're unsure about V2MOM, don't worry - follow this link to learn more: fhttps://trailhead.salesforce.com/content/learn/modules/manage_the_sfdc_organizational_alignment_v2mom
Have you thought about Salesforce? They're currently a top software company in India!
Lavanya Naram
IT Quality Consultant
13
Answers
Hyderabad, Telangana, India
Updated
Lavanya’s Answer
Hi Sam, happy to help!
Firstly, a career gap can be difficult phase to handle. Don't worry, you will get your chance soon!
You are in Odisha, if possible, move to IT happening cities like Bangalore, Chennai or Hyderabad, but choose a city where you are comfortable to work for next 10 years or so. Network with professionals on LinkedIn and attend events. Start connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. Reach out to someone LinkedIn and see how it helps. Try Internshala - look for unpaid internships of 1 month in various areas and explore to see what interests you much.
Additionally, during this time, focus on improving your AI and Data Science skills. Mention in interviews that you used this period to enhance your abilities. Update your resume with the courses and projects you completed. Tailor your resume for each job application and consider internships. To manage anxiety, set small goals, stay positive, and seek support from career coaches or groups. Many face similar challenges, I too had a gap before joining the job world, so be patient. You've made progress, keep going! Good luck, Sam!
Firstly, a career gap can be difficult phase to handle. Don't worry, you will get your chance soon!
You are in Odisha, if possible, move to IT happening cities like Bangalore, Chennai or Hyderabad, but choose a city where you are comfortable to work for next 10 years or so. Network with professionals on LinkedIn and attend events. Start connecting with professionals on LinkedIn. Reach out to someone LinkedIn and see how it helps. Try Internshala - look for unpaid internships of 1 month in various areas and explore to see what interests you much.
Additionally, during this time, focus on improving your AI and Data Science skills. Mention in interviews that you used this period to enhance your abilities. Update your resume with the courses and projects you completed. Tailor your resume for each job application and consider internships. To manage anxiety, set small goals, stay positive, and seek support from career coaches or groups. Many face similar challenges, I too had a gap before joining the job world, so be patient. You've made progress, keep going! Good luck, Sam!