Career

What I Would Do If I Was Unemployed: 7 Smart Ways to Build Skills and Opportunities

Hi, it has been a hectic couple of days with earnings season in the United States. Most companies in the major indices have already reported, and AI has remained one of the dominant themes—shaping both business strategies and market moves. At work, we’ve also just finished interviewing interns for this year’s cycle. And in those interviews, I noticed something that struck me: there’s often a big gap between what candidates think they should prepare for and what helps them stand out.

That reflection took me back to a time before my current role, when I was unemployed for over nine months. It wasn’t an easy season, but in hindsight, it was one of the most transformative. During that time, I taught myself coding—Python, JavaScript, and CSS. I learnt Python mainly through YouTube and DataCamp, while SheCodes became my go-to for the others. I even experimented with ChatGPT as a learning partner, though the fundamentals came from going back to basics on YouTube and SheCodes. I also got the chance to work on a project with a professor and a group of students on structured projects around financial products. Those experiences gave me something real to talk about in my interviews and, more importantly, built my confidence.

🔆

Now that I am working in the field I’ve always wanted—investment analysis—I often think back to that season. If I found myself unemployed again, here’s how I would approach it. Maybe some of these steps can serve as a guide for anyone out there navigating unemployment and trying to prepare themselves for the career they want.

1. Start a Blog to Document My Journey

Writing is one of the most powerful ways to build credibility. A blog keeps you accountable, forces you to structure your thoughts, and leaves behind proof of your journey. Over time, it becomes a portfolio of your growth. Beyond your blog, there are platforms like Seeking Alpha where, after approval, you can publish your research and analysis for a wider audience. Writing about markets, products, or trends not only sharpens your communication skills but also builds your confidence in articulating ideas.

2. Engage With Top Voices on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is more than a CV platform—it’s an underrated classroom. If I were unemployed, I’d spend time following thought leaders in finance, reading what they share, and engaging meaningfully with their posts. This doesn’t just keep you updated with industry trends; it also helps you grow visibility and build connections. Some voices I follow include Wei, Ryan Lemand, and Anthony Cheung. Each one has taught me something different, either about the markets or about how to think better.

3. Practice With Demo Accounts

Theory is useful, but execution is where real learning happens. If I were exploring finance, trading, or investing, I’d use demo accounts to test strategies. These platforms give you market experience without the financial risk. For U.S. stocks, it’s a little tricky depending on where you are, but being based in South Africa, I have access to Webull, which allows paper trading. EasyEquities also offers exposure to U.S.-listed names. Back in Zimbabwe, CTRADE even has a fantasy trading account—perfect for practice. The market doesn’t have to be far away; you can start with what’s accessible. The key is to trade with structure: research first, then test, then reflect.

4. Explore Certifications (and Scholarships)

Certifications can be game-changing, though they come with a cost. If I had resources, I’d aim for designations like CFA, FRM, or FMVA. For some, an MBA or a master’s degree could also make sense. But if I didn’t have the funds, I’d look aggressively for scholarships, sponsorships, or employer-funded opportunities. Sometimes, the difference between being “stuck” and moving forward is simply knowing where to look for support.

5. Build a Habit of Deep Learning

When you’re unemployed, you have the luxury of time—time to go deeper. Whenever I came across new financial terms, I didn’t just skim past them; I would research until I fully understood. That habit helped me speak the same language as professionals in interviews and at networking events. A good place to start is with the economic calendar—it may seem basic, but if you go deep, you’ll begin to understand market fundamentals at a higher level. When I started, I relied heavily on Bloomberg Market Concepts and Bloomberg Fundamentals to structure that learning.

6. Use AI Smartly, But Don’t Depend on It

AI is everywhere right now, and it’s not going away. Tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and Claude have made it easier to research, summarise, and even edit your work. I use AI as an editor most of the time—I even used it to refine this letter you’re reading. But here’s the key: don’t let AI think for you. The real skill is being able to understand concepts deeply enough to explain them confidently without a tool in the room. AI should be your assistant, not your crutch.

7. Stay Curious and Open

Finally, I’d remind myself to stay curious. Unemployment is tough, but it doesn’t have to mean stagnation. It can be the best season to reinvent yourself, pick up new skills, and expand your horizons. The key is to keep learning, keep building, and keep showing up until the right door opens.

🔆

Closing Thought: Being unemployed doesn’t mean being unproductive. Some of the most important seeds of your career can be planted during that season. The steps you take now could be the foundation for the career you’ve always wanted.