Hi Marissa,

Thanks for writing to us. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been struggling with figuring out your professional path, but it’s great that you’re focusing on the future and thinking critically about what you want to do next.

To start, I have a few more questions for you that I think will help us think about your situation more clearly.

• What did you study/what was your major in college?


• In terms of work, what kind of work are you interested in doing?


• Have you made a list of things you enjoy doing? That would make you want to get up every day? (That can help lead to figuring out what kind of work would be satisfying).


• Are you open to volunteering or interning to expose yourself to different kinds of jobs/industries?

In the meantime, I would recommend reviewing the following resources:

• Job Search webinar recording: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/community/videos/bwc/job-search
  


• Job Search Toolkit (2^nd Edition): http://www.cancerandcareers.org/publication_orders/new (features advice on improving resumes, cover letters; interview and networking tips and other useful tools to help you during a job search)


• Resume Review: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/resume_reviews/new (free program where a professional coach will review your resume and provide feedback to help you refine it towards your current work goals)


• Resource Directory focused on Young Adults with cancer: https://www.cancerandcareers.org/resources/categories/resources-for-young-adults.

CAC offers a Professional Development Micro-Grant program that provides cancer patients and survivors professional development opportunities to build or enhance their skillsets. The application period for 2020 grants is currently open (until November 15^th). For more information and to apply: http://www.cancerandcareers.org/en/resource/micro-grants

I would also recommend checking out FlexJobs (https://www.flexjobs.com/), which is a useful resource to learn more about telecommuting jobs and the companies that hire for them. They have a very robust job board that is fully vetted and focused on those types of roles.  Many are full-time and might provide health insurance and other benefits.  It is membership-based but you can explore everything before you commit, and if you decide to join you can enter the code CANCER when you check out to receive a 50% discount. If the fee is too high, please let me know and I will try and work something out for you.

We look forward to hearing back from you!

Kind regards,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Senior Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers