Life in the time of coronavirus: COVID-19 news, resources and more

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Estimated reading time: 34 minutes

New admissions deadlines, news and resources around the global coronavirus pandemic,
how we’re adapting, how to help others & navigate unprecedented times
BSchool in the time of coronavirus | MBA in the time of coronavirus

UPDATED (5/13/2020):

Survey on MBA hiring (<– click to complete it!)
How has your internship, full-time offer, or enrollment changed?

This is 9 coronavirus articles in one, but wanted to keep it all in one place.
Will keep this updated and appreciate your updates and additions;
use the links below to help navigate and jump around

We’ve never lived through times like these. The coronavirus pandemic has completely upended the way we work, go to school and live our lives. It’ll be interesting to see, the long-term impacts on our work, play and lives. Many of us are complying with orders to stay home and practice social distancing. Despite the pangs of cabin fever, it’s nothing compared to what essential workers are going through. The hospital and healthcare workers fighting coronavirus on the front lines with inadequate PPE, the grocers and pharmacists risking their own safety to keep stores open to allow us to get necessities like food and medications, those working in industries that quite literally keep the lights on. Despite the uncertainty that lies ahead, they keep our world moving.

Across social media we’ve been sharing updates, resources and many efforts you can join to support those in need right now. If you have an update from your school or company, or an organization or effort we can help support, please share. We’ll keep this as up-to-date as possible, and appreciate your help in keeping each other informed.

Click any of the links to jump to the section below

Click any of the links to jump to the section below

Current Students Shifting Online

As social distancing orders and closure news unfolded, we maintained (with your help!) a live list of schools shifting online. To keep students informed, we are sharing resources to help with sudden requests to vacate campus and head home for online classes.

If you’re trying to make the move home, here are some resources that can help. Also sharing some developing stories around student loan payments and more resources:

  • Early on, U-Haul announced they would offer 30 days of free storage to all students who needed to move out of dorms immediately. This is typically extended to communities following natural disasters, but this is the first time U-Haul extended it company-wide. Based on availability. No price gouging. Minimum age is 18.
  • To book an urgent, unplanned trip home from school, Frontier Airlines announced students can fly free before March 20. You will receive a voucher for future use. Here are their updated FAQs that have gone up.
  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car helped students get home by waiving young renter fees. They’re also lowering the minimum age from 21 to 18 years old across the US and Canada.
  • Spectrum offered K-12 and college students free Spectrum WiFi as schools closed and classes shifted online, following announcements from AT&T (lifting overage fees and removing internet data caps) and Comcast (free internet for low-income and qualifying families and reducing introductory service fees). See Internet / Data Access for more.
  • Congress passed a $2 trillion stimulus package aimed at coronavirus relief and preventing “economic devastation” for the US. The package is not without controversy, but does have big impact on those currently making payments on federal student loans. Now through September 30, you do not need to make payments on federal student loans. During this period, interest will not accrue, and you also do not need to fear that your wages, tax refunds, or Social Security benefits will be garnished. Think of it as an opportunity to push Pause, or take a break from paying. If you decide to continue to make payments, good on you, but there will not be any penalties if you don’t. (Also, your future chances for Student Loan Forgiveness are not impacted if you take advantage of this.)
  • In a discussion March 31 with Ellevest CEO Sallie Krawcheck, she advised those who will be pausing federal student loan payments to divert those funds to a number of places. If you are taking advantage of the pause in payments, she recommends first putting that money toward paying down credit card debt – that’s high-interest and you certainly want to clear that out as soon as possible. If that is covered, you want to start putting together your emergency fund. (An emergency fund is 3-6 months worth of pay to fund any emergencies or surprise expenses.) After that, you can start to invest and look to build a diversified portfolio. If you’re in this boat, note that Ellevest requires no minimum; Sallie confirmed that even $50 is enough to start to build. Check them out for more information. Signing up through their app is quick and easy and right now they are making sure to answer each and every financial question you send their way. Email questions@ellevest.com and one of their qualified investment professionals will get back to you with answers.
    (full disclosure: We’re excited to be working with Ellevest to start this conversation about women and money. We will receive compensation if you become an Ellevest client.)
  • Another developing story amid coronavirus is one where Senator Elizabeth Warren is calling for the cancellation of a minimum of $10,000 of student loan debt per borrower in relief during this emergency. Here’s an interesting take on how these conversations have evolved but certainly stay tuned on that front.

This semester has completely turned upside down, with many adjusting to new classes at “Zoom University,” but the situation also given rise to new efforts and innovations aimed at improving our lives and experiences as we navigate this together.

If you or someone you know is graduating this semester, please let us know in our Community Survey! We started gathering information on social media but would love if you could let us know in the comments below.

Also if you’re graduating, we shared this Grad Cap & Confetti IG filter to be able to have some graduation fun. Load it up and tap to find your school colors. Tag us so we can repost. Find ways to mark this achievement.

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Business School Applications and Deadlines

Whew! As if applications weren’t stressful enough, admissions departments across the globe are figuring out how to work with coronavirus. Programs are shifting deadlines, updating application requirements, navigating changing testing possibilities… (See the next section when you’re done here.) We’re doing our best to stay on top if it all. To be sure you’ve got the latest from your target school, click the school’s name linked below for their latest statement or FAQs:

  • Babson Olin accepting students on a rolling basis until their one-year and two-year MBA programs are filled
  • Brenau Executive Women’s MBA is accepting applications for Jan 2021 on a rolling basis (FYI: MBAchic Fellowship application is now open!)
  • Carnegie Mellon Tepper added an Extended Rolling Round to follow Round 4. (Apps due April 9, unofficial test scores for R4 due May 10.) Extended Rolling Round will consider applications on a rolling basis until the class is full (in response to the growing concern over GMAT/GRE testing availability)
  • UCLA Anderson extended deadlines to June 1 and will continue to accept all test scores through July 1 for Round 3 applicants on extension. Program start dates and requirements remain the same at this point.
  • UC Berkeley Haas added a Round 3 Extended Deadline of May 4 June 1 for those needing to work with test center closures and delayed recommendations. They will accept the new online GMAT and GRE and also introduced the Cal Advantage which provides UC Berkeley seniors and alumni with a streamlined application process (optional GMAT/GRE/EA, one letter of recommendation, one essay and resume can be presented after admission)
  • UC Davis extended application deadlines to June 15, and are offering GMAT waivers on a case-by-case basis (see site for guidance on eligibility)
  • UC Irvine Merage extended application deadlines for Fall 2020 start to June 1, applications will be considered until test scores are available (get in touch with them to coordinate applications without GMAT/GRE, and to find out about waiver eligibility)
  • Chicago Booth added a Round 3 extended deadline of May 31 (applications received before the original deadline of April 2 will be notified May 21, the rest will be considered and decisions sent out on a rolling basis)
  • Columbia extended applications for August start to June 1; also the deadline for test scores (GMAT, GRE or EA) has been extended to July 1
  • Copenhagen Business School kept deadlines of June 10 (non-EU candidates) and July 10 (EU candidates) for its October 2020 intake.
  • Cornell Johnson extended the final deadline for the newly STEM-designated Two-Year MBA until June 1; SAT or ACT scores can be submitted in lieu of the GMAT or GRE
  • CUNY Baruch added a Round 5 deadline of July 1 for Full-Time and Evening MBA; Evening MBA candidates may apply for a GMAT/GRE waiver (Fall 2020 MS applicants are exempt)
  • Dartmouth Tuck kept its Round 3 deadline of March 30 but also adding a one-time Round 4 for those needing more time; applications will be considered on a rolling basis until June 1
  • Duke Fuqua added a Round 4 deadline of May 19, and starting with Round 4, the Executive Assessment will be accepted without prior approval
  • Emory Goizueta extended its final deadline to July 1 for the two-year MBA, applications will be considered and notified on a rolling basis
  • Florida Warrington moved deadlines to 4 weeks prior to the program start date, get in touch with admissions regarding delayed GMAT/GRE scores
  • Georgetown McDonough has extended their deadline beyond Round 4 (April 27) to consider applications on a rolling basis through June 24 July 13 (the sooner you apply, the sooner you are considered and potentially invited for interview); Flex MBA applicants applying to enter in Fall 2020 may take the Executive Assessment
  • Harvard extended its 2+2 deadline (deferred enrollment for college seniors or those finishing a master’s program) to June 1; exam scores are required by then as well but get in touch with admissions with any other questions
  • HEC Paris kept the rolling admissions process, with deadlines of May 4 and June 8
  • IE Business kept the rolling admissions process until the class is full
  • INSEAD will consider Fall 2020 MBA applicants after the March 4 deadline, just use the January 2021 application form and admissions will contact you if there is a space for you this fall
  • London Business School extended its deadline to allow late submissions until June 4 and will consider applications without test scores; get in touch and keep them posted on your online GMAT/GRE plans as you may not receive a decision until they’ve seen your scores
  • Maryland Smith added rolling deadlines through July 1 for applications to be considered
  • Michigan Ross extended its Round 3 deadline to May 29; applications received after the Priority (/Original) Round 3 deadline of March 30 will be considered on a rolling basis
  • MIT Sloan extended its Round 3 deadline from April 9; the Extended Round 3 Deadline and will accept applications up until June 15, 2020, providing decisions on a rolling basis (“If you apply without a score and are admitted, your admission will be conditional upon obtaining a minimum score set forth in your admission letter, prior to matriculating.”); also extended its Early Admission (deferred enrollment for college seniors) deadline to June 2
  • UNC Kenan Flagler has a final Extended Round 4 deadline of July 13 for the full-time MBA; new applicants (those applying for fall 2020 entry only) can submit a GMAT/GRE waiver request. In lieu of the GMAT/GRE, applicants are encouraged to submit any of the following to demonstrate quantitative ability: additional standardized test scores (SAT, ACT, LSAT, MCAT), expired GMAT or GRE scores, academic research in a STEM field, master’s or PHD program in a technical field, a terminal degree (e.g. JD, MD), significant academic or professional quantitative experience, professional certifications with a quantitative focus (CPA or CFA, FINRA, Six Sigma, etc.)
  • NC State Poole extended the deadline for their full-time MBA to April 1, and 2+2 program deadlines (early enrollment / deferred admissions) will consider applications after their deadlines on a space-available basis
  • Northwestern Kellogg kept its deadlines but extended Round 3 to accept applications through June 1, providing decisions on a rolling basis. They’ve also waived GMAT/GRE requirements for those applying in Round 3, and are allowing for appeals and reconsideration of applications waitlisted and/or denied in previous rounds.
  • Notre Dame Mendoza added a new application deadline of May 1, and will proceed with rolling admissions through Monday, June 15. Mendoza will accept applications without test scores, but stay in touch with admissions regarding GRE / GMAT so they can make a note
  • NYU Stern accepting applications for the full-time MBA through May 1, stay in touch with admissions regarding incomplete applications (most likely due to testing)
  • Ohio State Fisher is expediting decisions and extended the final application deadline to May 31, but domestic students now have until August 1, 2020, to submit an application and complete all required materials (including test scores). Fisher will move to rolling admissions after their final deadline (contact admissions if you plan to be late and they will support you as best they can)
  • Oklahoma Price extended their application deadline to July 15, and will consider applications from those who haven’t yet taken the GMAT or GRE
  • Oxford Saïd extended application deadlines to May 29
  • Pepperdine Graziadio extended deadlines to May 18 (supplemental materials must be submitted by this date, as well); you may submit GMAT waivers for part-time and accelerated MBA programs (no waivers for full-time MBA applicants)
  • Rice Jones extended applications for domestic students to June 15 (international deadline is June 1), waived application fees, and offer test requirement exemptions (you may provide your ACT or SAT instead of the GMAT or GRE; stay in touch with admissions)
  • RIT Saunders is accepting applications on a rolling basis (reviewing apps until two weeks before classes) and waived GMAT/GRE requirements for the Fall 2020, and Duolingo’s English test will be accepted in place of the TOEFL; scholarships are still available for qualified applicants
  • Rochester Simon added an application deadline of June 15 for Fall 2020 enrollment, applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and are providing a $90 application fee waiver. GMAT/GRE/EA waivers are being considered for some candidates; get in touch with admissions
  • Rutgers Business School extended final deadlines to July 5. Applications will be considered without exam scores but applications must be complete before acceptance
  • USC Marshall extended Round 5 deadline to June 5 and also added a Round 6, which will consider applications on a rolling basis. Marshall has also made the GMAT or GRE optional for the remainder of the Fall 2020 admissions cycle
  • USC Moore extended beyond their Round 4 deadline of April 15 and will consider applications on a rolling basis (get in touch with admissions for guidance)
  • SMU Cox extended their final deadline to August 2 (contact admissions if you plan to be late and they will support you as best they can)
  • Stanford will adhere to its original third (final) round deadline of April 8, but allowing for test scores to be submitted until August 1 (if you are a competitive applicant but cannot get scores ahead of Round 3 decisions, you may be placed in a waitpool until admissions receive your scores and can make a decision)
  • Syracuse Whitman added an additional round for applications to be submitted by May 15; Duolingo’s English test will be accepted in place of the IELTS/TOEFL
  • Texas McCombs added an additional round for domestic and Canadian applicants with a deadline of April 28, and will move to rolling Admissions on a space-available basis; they are now extending waivers for GMAT, GRE, TOEFL, or IELTS exams for those meeting one of three reasons: inability to take the test at home due to environmental or technical issues, virtual exams are not available in your home country, or if you or someone in your family have been diagnosed with or directly affected by COVID-19 (personally or professionally); get in touch with McCombs Admissions Representatives with any additional questions
  • Toronto Rotman extended the Round 4 deadline by two weeks for domestic applicants to May 14, but encourage applicants to submit without test scores, and applications will be considered on a rolling basis, taking into account test center closures
  • UVA Darden extended its final round to be rolling admissions through July 15, and expanded testing credentials to include the GMAT, GRE, LSAT or MCAT (SAT and ACT were accepted, not yet confirmed if they’re no longer allowed this cycle)
  • Vanderbilt Owen added a fourth round to be rolling admissions through June 1; application fee has been waived for this round, and applicants will have a decision in a week – availability of test scores will be considered as applicants move through the process (if you don’t have scores, or you self-report, you can still move forward, they will provide guidance). “Qualified candidates who are admitted to the program without a test score may be asked to complete additional pre-work before the start of the school year.”
  • UW Foster added a final Round 4 with an application deadline of May 19
  • WashU Olin kept Round 3 deadline of March 18 but moved to rolling admissions, during which applications will be considered on a first-come, first-served, space-available basis. Olin has streamlined applications and waived the application fee.
  • Wharton extended its Round 3 deadline to April 15 and Advance Access deadline to May 27; students may submit applications without having sat for an exam but test scores must be submitted by August 10 for Round 3, and by December 31 for Advance Access (more guidance on their site; they incorporated your feedback into their latest decision)
  • Yale added a Round 3 Extended deadline of May 27 who are unable to submit their applications in time for Round 3 (April 14; as of now, scores for Round 3 will be accepted by April 24)

We will do our best to keep this up-to-date but remember: programs understand the impacts the global coronavirus pandemic has not only on your MBA application process, but on your entire lives. They are not taking any decisions to change timelines, process or requirements lightly, and are committed to helping you thrive.

Stay in touch and be sure to reach out to admissions representatives if you have questions beyond what’s been addressed in their announcements, in live events and on social media. They are listening and want to help.

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Standardized Testing Changes

Times like these call for adaptation and innovation, and testing authorities have done both. In order to work around the global coronavirus pandemic and orders for social distancing, at-home options are being created for applicants who need to submit their test scores for consideration. Interesting how some things that always were, can evolve and change and be reworked to fit the current situation. Wonder if these options will exist in our post-COVID-19 world but meantime, these are options that will help you round out your bschool applications:

  • The GMAT™ Online Exam – Available Online April 20
    Registration for The GMAT™ Online exam is now open, and first available test dates start on April 20 (can book through June 15).
    “The GMAT™ Online Exam includes the Quantitative, Verbal and Integrated Reasoning sections (omitting the Analytical Writing Assessment Section). Each section will contain the same number of questions and time per section as the current in-person GMAT exam. The sections are as follows:
    – 31 Quant / 62 minutes
    – 36 Verbal / 65 minutes
    – 12 IR / 30 minutes
    Please note that the Section Order for the GMAT ™ Online exam is fixed at this time as Quantitative Reasoning, Verbal Reasoning, Integrated Reasoning“
    Available in English everywhere but Mainland China, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Slovenia due to regulatory & local data privacy rules.
    We will provide more information on this exam as it becomes available, but we know that that it will be offered at a lower price point than you might have paid for the standard GMAT exam. The exam previously only worked on Windows machines but is now working on Mac operating systems. There are similar space requirements as the GRE at-home option, but stay tuned for more from us later this week. Be sure to keep in touch with GMAC.
  • GRE® General Test at Home
    “To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the GRE® General Test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering a GRE General Test at home option in selected areas. The test is identical in content, format and on-screen experience to the GRE General Test taken at a test center. It is taken on your own computer at home and is monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®.”
    Review the requirements for equipment and testing room before committing but this provides a viable alternative to taking the test in the typical test centers that are closed due to the coronavirus.
    As of April 2, 2020 the GRE General Test at home is now available everywhere that the computer-delivered GRE General Test is offered, with the exception of Mainland China and Iran.
  • Interim Online Executive Assessment – Registration Available End of April:
    “Our goal is to open registration for an online proctored alternative to the Executive Assessment at the end of April. The test will be compatible with both Mac and PC, and will offer a comparable structure, time, and scoring as the exam delivered in the test centers. The check-in and security protocols will be modified to accommodate online delivery and remote proctors will be used to manage test integrity. The alternative interim test will be available in impacted markets, outside of mainland China. GMAC is continuing to work with the Chinese government authorities to present appropriate, alternative solutions for test takers in mainland China. We look forward to helping candidates and schools with an alternative that upholds our high standards for validity and reliability.. Further details on the registration timing and process will be announced in the coming weeks“
    Already a great alternative to the GMAT (learn more about the Executive Assessment and read our interview with a test-taker Laura), the Executive Assessment is the shorter, executive-friendly exam that even some full-time programs have started to accept (i.e., NYU Stern). Also it looks like this exam will be compatible with both a Mac and PC, which was a concern for the newly-announced at-home exams (update: The GMAT™ Online exam now works on Mac OS). We’ll share more information as we get it but definitely look into these if you’re going to apply!
  • TOEFL iBT® Special Home Edition:
    “To meet the needs of students who are unable to take the TOEFL iBT® test at a test center due to public health concerns, ETS is temporarily offering the TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition test in selected areas. The test is identical in content, format and on-screen experience to the TOEFL iBT test taken at a test center. It is taken on your own computer at home and is monitored by a human proctor online through ProctorU®.”
    This is another alternative to the standardized testing, and delivered quite quickly. Be sure to look at requirements, and also check in with your target programs as some are now accepting alternative exams or certification instead (i.e., Duolingo’s English Test)

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Supporting Healthcare & Fighting COVID-19

Without dwelling on politics or what could have been done, at what time, and how different things might be at this point, let’s try to focus on solutions. There are real life superheroes out there on the frontlines, risking their health to help combat this global coronavirus pandemic. The fact that they are working with anything short of perfect equipment and supplies is unconscionable. We’ve gathered here a list of efforts and programs that you can support, either in your actions or via donations, to help support their literal life-saving work. If you have any other efforts we can include and point people to, please comment below, and please share this with anyone who might be be in a position to help, in any way:

  • Mask-Match: send your N95 masks to healthcare workers without leaving your house. If you have masks from construction or home improvement projects, crafting, or working in some way that required them, this peer-to-peer platform helps you send your unused masks to the frontline healthcare workers who desperately need them.
  • WHO COVID-19 response fund: “The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading and coordinating the global effort, supporting countries to prevent, detect, and respond to the pandemic. Everyone can now support directly the response coordinated by WHO. People and organizations who want to help fight the pandemic and support WHO and partners can now donate through the COVID-Solidarity Response Fund for WHO at www.COVID19ResponseFund.org.“
  • 100 Million Masks. Launched by Providence as an effort to secure necessary PPE, this now national effort joined by the American Hospital Association (AHA) has gained massive support from individuals, community organizations and local manufacturers. People are sewing and manufacturers have stepped up to produce masks and face shields at scale. You can donate to support their efforts or find out more about how to help on their website.
  • Joann Fabrics is coordinating and teaching volunteers to sew masks for healthcare workers to protect against coronavirus. You’ve seen massive effort by designers like Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell and others whose teams are working from home and producing masks, but this really has become an all-out effort where every mask counts. The site offers tutorials and video lessons; please be sure to use medical grade fabrics that will provide adequate protection (some hospitals are not accepting handmade masks)
  • American Red Cross. During the coronavirus pandemic there is ongoing critical need for blood product donations. Blood drives continue to be canceled at an alarming rate. Patients need a sufficient blood supply throughout the many weeks of this crisis and beyond. Healthy individuals are needed to help patients counting on lifesaving blood, platelets or AB Elite plasma.
  • America’s Blood Centers. It remains safe to donate blood, and America’s Blood Centers urge healthy individuals to schedule appointments to donate. Additional info and resources can be found on their COVID-19 page.
  • At times like these it’s easy to feel helpless, but efforts to help from home have been popping up in communities across the country. If you can, consider sending a food delivery or shipments of snacks to your local hospitals or emergency room. You might want to call ahead but taking a minute to DoorDash some meals allows you to offer your thanks, support and encouragement to those putting everything on the line for us.

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Supporting Communities in Need

We’ve shared a lot on social media in the last few weeks, but want to gather this information all in one place; even though we all are worried about money and trying to navigate the uncertainty of the future, many of us do not live with the uncertainty surrounding how and when we will get our next meal. If you’ve received a stimulus check and are in a position to pass it along to others in need, please consider some of the organizations below.

Food Insecure

When New York City public schools closed (a system of over 1,700 schools and over 1 million students, many of whom rely on school for their [only] meals), there were huge efforts and donations mad e by individuals and corporations far and wide. The concern now is maintaining that momentum, as food runs out and continues to be an issue. And it’s certainly not just an issue for kids in New York City.

Food Bank NYC is one of many organizations achieving economies of scale through their efforts. A $1 donation will provide 5 meals to those in need (it ranges per organization, but every dollar really does go far). Even if you only decide to donate the Subway fare you’d be paying for a day — let’s round that to $5 — you can provide 25 meals to people who wouldn’t otherwise have them.

The ones in our area are listed here to help the food insecure population of our large cities, but that’s certainly not all of them. Would love your help calling attention to more efforts. Comment below or send a note!

Victims of Domestic Violence
Mental Health for Everyone
  • The coronavirus pandemic is wreaking havoc on the mental health of many, not just those on the frontlines in hospitals and clinics. Many of us are truly struggling with the challenges of today, and the uncertainty that lies ahead.
  • This article from Medical News Today talks about how to look after your own mental health during a pandemic
  • This article from Harvard Business Review articulates that the feeling many of us are trying to make sense of is, in fact, grief
  • If you or someone you know is struggling, there are resources here at Mental Health.gov
  • If you’re looking for tools to support meditation and relaxation, consider downloading apps like Headspace and Calm
  • In partnership with New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, Headspace has curated a series of free meditations available to all called New York State of Mind (there are some meditations for kids, as well); highly recommend the Sleep ones, too
  • The New York Times released this outdoor meditation.
  • If you’re looking to speak with someone, try a service like TalkSpace, which is the #1 online therapy provider out there
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline. For those who need help immediately, you or someone you know can call the hotline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or visit the website for their chat option. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
  • Crisis Text Line. The impact of this situation on all of our mental health is going to be huge. If you’re in need of someone to talk to, text SHARE to 741741 (text SHARE to 686868 if you’re in Canada, and text SHARE to 85258 if you’re in the UK). Visit their website for more, and also, if you’d like to volunteer to help people through these hard conversations, visit https://crisistextline.org/volunteer. To listen to a great conversation with Crisis Text Line CEO Nancy Lublin on The Gotham Gal Joanne Wilson’s podcast, click here (and make sure you subscribe, wherever you listen to podcasts).
  • Veterans Crisis Line. If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, or visit their website.
  • Find more great Mental Health / Therapy Apps here
  • We are living in truly unprecedented times, and many of us are adapting and dealing in different ways. We’ve shared some ways to calm your nerves here but that certainly doesn’t cover the half of it. Be kind to yourself, be patient with yourself, and understand that we all are going through this together. Ask for help if you need it. It’s not a sign of weakness, but rather, the opposite. Reach out here, reach out to loved ones, and help each other through this.

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Working from Home

If you’re lucky enough to be in a position that allows you to work from home, it’s an amazing option, but it also is pretty challenging, no matter your situation during the coronavirus pandemic. Those who live alone, managing your schedule and structuring your days is tricky, as is ensuring you don’t get lost or too lonely along the way.

If you’re partnered, with or without children, even the largest of living spaces starts to feel crowded. Every interaction starts to feel pressurized as you jockey for computers and devices and take things day by day. Trying to home school your children while managing your own workload and trying to manage your household and make sure that everyone eats… that’s a completely different ball game (much respect).

Sharing resources to help adjust to this new normal of working from home, every. single. day. of. the. week:

General WFH Tips
Setting the Scene
Combatting Loneliness, Anxiety, Sadness
WFH with Kids, Keeping them Occupied, Keeping them Alive, etc
Job Searching from Home

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Internet / Data Access

If you’re in need of internet, major carriers are offering some help during this coronavirus pandemic. First off, in the FCC’s “Keep Americans Connected Pledge,” wireless carriers and internet providers promised that for the next 60 days (through mid-May), they will:

(1) not terminate service to any residential or small business customers because of their inability to pay their bills due to the disruptions caused by the coronavirus pandemic,

(2) waive any late fees that any residential or small business customers incur because of their economic circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic, and

(3) open … Wi-Fi hotspots to any American who needs them.

Keep Americans Connected Pledge (https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DOC-363033A1.pdf)

Here’s what they’re doing on top of the pledge during this time of coronavirus:

  • Spectrum is offering households with K-12 and college students free Spectrum WiFi as schools close and classes shift online
  • AT&T is lifting overage fees and removing internet data caps
  • Comcast is offering free internet for low-income and qualifying families. They’re reducing introductory service fees, removing caps and giving all customers unlimited and Xfinity Hotspots are free for all
  • Verizon is also providing all wireless and small business customers with 15GB of extra data through April 30. No customer action required. We recently received texts from Verizon about this… you?
  • TMobile is providing unlimited data on all plans for 60 days and offering free international calling to CDC’s Level 3-impacted nations.
  • Sprint is providing unlimited data on all plans for 60 days and offering free international calling to CDC’s Level 3-impacted nations. (Offer is for those with long-distance calling plans.)

Finally, you’d be surprised at what a single phone call can do. If you’re worried about bills, try calling your cell phone provider to ask for a better plan. Whether you’re looking at shifting to a new provider or cancelling entirely, call your provider first and make the ask.

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Supporting Small Businesses

If you’re looking to support local businesses and restaurants in staying afloat, there are ways big and small to help.

  • Buy gift cards. An easy way to inject cash into your favorite small business or restaurant is to purchase gift cards now for future use. When you do, share it online and encourage others to do the same. (Get your friends to pitch in what you’d normally spend on a group dinner, and “pay that future check” today.)
  • Stock up on toiletries and household supplies from smaller vendors. Try a new deodorant, shaving supplies, creams, cleaners and other things you use on the daily. It’s easier to try new personal care items in this new, low-stakes environment, where you’re home 24/7. (Worst-case: if that deodorant isn’t doing the trick, you’re only offending those you live with.)
  • Cook at home. Join a local meal prep service or find out which local growers and farms are doing home deliveries. Some farms only sell in bulk, so text your neighbors or friends to join in (while distancing).
  • Order food delivery. Opt for contactless delivery and tip your driver well (like, very, well… it’s coronavirus out there). So long as you wipe down containers upon arrival, medical experts say we’re fine to support local restaurants this way.
  • Support your local gym or fitness studio by streaming their classes. Some are offering them free while others are charging discounted rates to partake. Check out MINDBODY if you’re looking for something new.
  • Be social and share online. Promote small businesses to your networks, purchase their items and rave about your favorites online. Follow collectives and groups like The FFC that help you find great new businesses to Shop Small.
  • Donate to efforts like iFundWomen’s COVID-19 relief fund to support female founders who are navigating coronavirus. Again, donate, then share it everywhere
  • Ask them. Ask what small businesses in your community could use in terms of support or resources, and listen. We’re all in this together. Even listening to someone right now, hearing them vent, helping to problem solve, is a lot. Ask how you can help.
  • How small businesses can get money from the stimulus package via Vox. Understand more about Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and how to apply.

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Job Searching
  • If you find yourself newly job hunting due to the coronavirus pandemic, we will keep pushing out resources to help you navigate.
  • Candor is managing a dynamic master list sharing companies, small and large. See the list for those who are hiring, those who are on hiring freezes and more. Send a note about your company if you can, but more importantly, browse listings here.
  • Similarly, LinkedIn is compiling a #HiringNow list of companies actively seeking new joiners, browse the list here
  • If you’re preparing for interviews from home, we’re helping you get ready for that first phone screening. Read it here.
  • If you lost a job or internship you were counting on, tell us about it here, and send your resume. resumes@MBAchic.com. We’re doing our best to help, between sharing resources and helping to make connections for new opportunities
  • Sign up for our MBAchic network. We’ll share resources, courses and, perhaps most importantly, jobs around the world. *If you’re hiring, get in touch!*

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Combatting Boredom

Working from home is sometimes just plain boring. (Honestly, how many times can you organize your closet / every square inch of your living space? Although that’s in here, too.) This is a start, but will keep adding ways to pass the time. Share your favorite projects, articles, general fun, distracting your kids, etc…

Life in the time of coronavirus

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We will work to keep this updated with the latest resources and information. Please send us any updates or suggestions you have in the comments! Stay tuned for more on how to navigate these unprecedented times. We’ve got more coming on how to position yourself for success at work, how to keep your startup or small business running, how to navigate the job search and more, and there are almost 100 articles here already to help you navigate bschool, apps, careers and more as we go.

As we deal with the realities of coronavirus, it’s important to maintain a long-term view and visualize what life will be like on the other side of this. For many of us, it’s vital to our mental and psychological health during a situation like this. Don’t underestimate the power of visualizations of the future and planning ahead. Even a short wishlist of things you’d like to do once life is back to normal can help.

Most importantly, be kind: to each other, and to yourself. There is no one correct way to act or feel in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic. We are in this together. No one on the entire planet has not had their life somehow disrupted by coronavirus. Kindness and gratitude in all of this is key to all of this. One phrase that comes to mind a lot these days is advice Diane von Furstenberg shared in her autobiography. “The only thing that you have 100% control of is your character.” Situations like these reveal who we really are. How we react is the one thing, perhaps in all of this, we can control.

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Photos from PxHere

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