WeeklySA_AdminINTERNSHIP:This is a great move to gain hands-on experience
By Isaac Moledi
You have just finished your hard-earned career at the college or university and you are looking forward to that great job to make your plans come true.
After all, finishing years at school and getting that first job may be like your best day in your life. What you are looking for now is to be hired in the job that pays well in order to be able to afford your first car and a house of your own.
When you submit your CV for the job you think is great for you, you are met with either no response at all or what other experts call a “common conundrum – you have no work experience. This could be frustrating.
Then what do you do? This is a question asked by a lot of new graduates. How do I land that dream job when each and every company where I submit my CV require that I must first have experience in order to be employed? How do you get that experience as you are just from college?
Here are some of the ways experts say you may think of in order to gain experience and get your foot on the door to get your first job.
• Internships: While there may be some students who complete an internship as part of their undergraduate degree requirements, it may be important that you apply for another one at another recognized institution. Interning with a company in your career field is a great way to gain hands- on experience doing the kind of work you would like to do. Often companies offer a salary or stipend for new graduates who intern with their company. An internship can sometimes lead to a job with that company or at the very least, give you experience and references to add to your CV.
• Volunteering: There are many non-profit organizations that have volunteer positions where you can gain work experience. Whether you have a degree in Web Design or Education, there are ways that organizations can put your skills to good use. Some companies look favourably on volunteer activities, so you must reach out to organizations that interest you.
• Networking: Networking is a great way to make professional connections that could lead to a first job. You can do this by joining student and professional organizations based on your career objectives. Most organizations sponsor networking events, conferences and workshops. Each interaction you have with people in your career field could foster a new relationship or contact that can get you an interview for a job you really want. Check out organizations based on your major for more information.
• Freelancing: Experts believe that freelancing can sometimes prove that you can do the work before you are hired. This is a great way to show what you can do. You may do your first freelance job for free or low pay just to gain the experience and positive reference. After your first time however, you now have more experience that you can add to your resume. Freelance jobs can be as short as a day or two, to several months. Sometimes a job that starts out as freelance can turn into a full-time position. Employers not only want to see what skills you have, but also how dependable you are as an employee.
The next time you are told that you don’t have enough experience for the job you want, try using one or more of the techniques above to gain more experience and quality references to help get your foot on the door to a job you want.
