Being a job seeker who’s eager to work without finding any potential employers is undoubtedly one of the most frustrating experiences in the world. Since many employers want skilled and experienced applicants, fresh graduates might find it hard to land entry-level jobs.
Having no experience or background in your field of interest doesn’t mean that you’re forever unqualified to be hired. After all, even most executive-level employees started without any experience. All they have to do is find ways to gain work experience to serve as a foundation for their resume.
Here are ways to build your work background:
1. Take An Internship
Internships are a popular choice among students and fresh graduates alike. After all, they’re typically held during the summer, when most young adults are free from schoolwork. Although there are countless internship opportunities, only some are paid programs. However, adding a company or organization to your resume is a surefire way to boost your chance of getting hired. The company might even consider absorbing you after completing the internship program.
2. Do Volunteer Work
Struggling job seekers who approach workforce Australia providers and other job agent programs are often recommended to consider joining non-profit organizations to start building experience and professional background. Since these are ‘non-profit’ organizations, volunteering means offering your skills for a good cause. Even though your time wasn’t paid, the skills you’ve learned and developed from volunteering can be used as valuable groundwork for gaining experience.
3. Find A Mentor
Unlike internships, having a mentor guide you through the process is a one-on-one learning experience. Under the mentor’s supervision, the things you’ll learn from them range from professional advice to personal recommendations they’ve done in their line of work.
Having a mentor either means you’ve taken an apprentice position or you’re simply shadowing them while they work. Apprenticeships involve hands-on participation, considering trade professionals often hold them. Shadowing is similar in spirit when you’re taken under an expert’s wing. However, the only difference is that you’re only there to witness what your mentor does ‘in their element.’ Either way, both are effective methods for building work experience.
4. Work Part-Time
Even though it’s exhausting or tedious, part-time work is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills or brush up on your older ones. On top of that, part-time employees often have the opportunity to interact with both co-workers and customers. For those who don’t know, learning to socialize with customers and cooperating with co-workers are some skills that some companies look for in their employees.
5. Participate In Community Events
Community-based events like talent shows, feeding programs, and donation drives, constantly need volunteers and talents who can help make the event successful. These activities will also need leaders and point persons who will be in charge of various committees. You can participate in these activities and take advantage of the roles that are available.
Although these are mostly unpaid work, the time and effort you spend participating and organizing community events will help you connect with other community leaders who can refer you to suitable job opportunities. The experiences you gain from these activities are also worth mentioning in your resume.
6. Be A Freelancer
Unlike part-time jobs, being a freelancer doesn’t have much when it comes to stability. The workflow can either be demanding or not at certain times of the year. Some freelancing positions may be fortunate enough to upgrade to full-time positions. But essentially, the main goal of freelancing is to hone your skills and add more experience to your resume.
Being a freelancer also introduces you to different fields and skill sets. This will be an opportunity for you to upskill or learn new things that can help give you an edge over other applicants in the job market.
7. Build Connections
Joining professional or student organizations is one way to build a professional network. After all, these organizations have the means to connect with potential employers and industries that may align with your objectives. They’ll act as a bridge for you and potential employers to learn about what they look for in their employees.
Takeaway
Gaining work experience, especially as a fresh college graduate, should be taken seriously. Sufficient experience will help you land a job position more quickly. Aside from that, your initial work experiences can also dictate the career growth and direction you’ll have in the future.
Looking for work opportunities and gaining professional experience might seem slow at the onset. But don’t waste your time being impatient with your current job. Always maximize the opportunities you have and look for opportunities to upgrade after a definite period. With so many ways to gain work experience, it’s only a matter of time before you fill up your resume.