COVID-19 has put many of us at a disadvantage, especially if you’re a recent graduate. Potential job opportunities have been canceled, work experience programs are rescheduled, and your volunteer programs were postponed. So what now? 

You can take advantage of many opportunities during this time, including future study, working elsewhere, or enhancing your CV. To impress your future bosses, you need to be busy, so take advantage of all that free time and remain productive doing one or more of the following.

Freelance Work

The layoffs and hiring freezes are still rampant since late 2019, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a need to fill many freelance positions. Working from home can be very fulfilling, as it can help you learn valuable skills while you wait out the pandemic. Getting involved in virtual paralegal services is a worthwhile option because you assist in drafting litigations, perform litigation support, corporate transaction documents, and more. You can also try your hand at being a virtual assistant, a court reporter, a legal nurse consultant, and more. You’ll also get paid for your work.

Focus on Your Studies

Even though you’re a recent student, there are plenty of skills you can learn while stuck at home. If you already have a full-time job during the pandemic, you can take part-time courses online at a university, a private institution, or through student collaborated networks like Coursera or Skillshare. You can even take this time to hone your communication skills, learn how to set up or start your own legal office, or how to market your practice. Use this time to start in a better position than you were before the pandemic.

Learn a Language

Learning a second language, or even a third, can help extend your law practices to a whole different audience. If you live in America, learn Spanish; if you live in Canada, learn French. In Europe, you can learn practically any language on the European continent, and you’ll be one step ahead of everyone else. There are many free ways to learn a new language while you’re free, like Duolingo and Babbel. You’re never going to get this time back, so it’s better to spend it productively while you’re waiting for this to blow over.

Volunteer

Although freelance work is a more profitable venture, volunteering still gives you valuable skills and significantly helps your local community. You’ll improve your application, even if that volunteer work has nothing to do with your legal career. It also makes you stand out against other applicants, especially since you took the time during a crisis to focus on others. Start by registering as an NHS volunteer, then set your sights on helping at a local food bank. However, you want to help your community is up to you.

Tutor

Universities always need volunteer tutors, or some places will pay you for offering your services. There are plenty of students looking to pass the bar or learn from someone who’s been through the process of getting their degree. You won’t have to do in-person sessions either – just set up a virtual tutoring through skype or zoom to get started. Consult forums or Facebook groups that are looking for tutors and offer your services there.