Strategic Growth During Career Transition | 2023–2024
Like many professionals in 2023, I experienced an unexpected layoff. I chose to view it as a turning point—an opportunity to reflect, realign, and reinvest in my professional and personal growth. Here’s how I’ve used this time with intention:
✅ Professional Development
- Currently pursuing my CAPM® (Certified Associate in Project Management) certification
- Completed certifications in Diversity Recruiting, AI Sourcing, and more
- Enrolled in online courses covering data-driven recruiting, AI for Talent Acquisition, and project management fundamentals
✅ Volunteering
- Serving as a U.S. Citizenship Class Leader, supporting immigrants preparing for naturalization
- Leading civics education, conducting mock interviews, and helping students build English language skills
✅ Lifelong Learning
- Read 25+ books on leadership, resilience, and talent strategy
- Notable reads: Atomic Habits, Grit, The Talent Code, Think Again, Emotional Intelligence Habits, Can’t Hurt Me
✅ Creative Projects
- Remodeled my home office to create a more productive, remote-friendly workspace
- Designed and built custom furniture using woodworking skills
✅ Supporting Others
- Provided resume reviews, interview coaching, and job search strategy guidance to peers
- Actively engaged with the recruiting community to share insights and stay current on industry trends
✅ Consulting
- Completed a 3-month independent contract for a former colleague
- Contributed to recruiting operations, hiring strategy, and process optimization
Angela Malagon 