Gaining Job Experience

Today, companies are looking for a much qualified job seekers in terms of education, skills, abilities and experiences.

If you just graduated from college, then congratulations and welcome to the real world! However, the big problem for college graduates is that they have no job experience, and today, potential employers of different industry are looking for new hires which do have at least a year or two of experience. So how do you get that job experience?

I have two Categories on how to gain this kind of Job experience, During School Years or College Years, and After College Graduation.


During School or College Years:


1.) Joining School Organization

During our event at our school organization, HRDMA

If you are wondering on how you can get experiences or at least have an idea on what kind of activity of the job that you are going to apply for, you should enter a school organization, not just a member but as an official. It doesn't matter when you are on a low position at first, as long as you are being active on the activities or on training program of that organization, you should be doing fine.

There will also other benefits on joining on school organizations. You can find out yourself by joining one and being active ones you join.


2.) Community Service Learning

In this type of program, colleges form alliances with local agencies, businesses, non-profit, and social service organizations that will allow students to complete community service while earning academic credit. Many of these community-academe partnerships have a goal of addressing the needs of under-educated, underemployed, and under-served members of the community.

The benefit of joining in this Service will allow the students to become more civic-minded and improves their attitude, achievement, and motivation. The programs have also help students to improve their self-worth because they are helping others and contributing to society. Examples of these activities are volunteering to help build houses for the needy, delivering food to the sick and shut-ins, and helping homeless mothers develop resumes and improve their speaking and job-interviewing skills.

You can ask your School about this activity if you are interested.


3.) Build a Portfolio

Showcase yourself and your work by creating a portfolio of projects related to your chosen career field. This is an especially useful tactic if you are unable to volunteer or intern in your industry prior to college graduation.

A portfolio can be made regardless of the industry that you aspire to enter, but it is especially important in industries such as architecture, graphic design and art. So start compiling yours early.


4.) Shadow Professionals

Though not really an easy way at start, this could be an alternative to get an experience. While it won’t be able to put this experience on a resume, you will be able to network and meet people in your field. Considering that almost 45% of people found their current jobs via networking, more than any other method. I believe that a goof network is a crucial element to any job search. Especially in my country.


5.) Part-time and Summer Job

These can be your stepping stone to getting a competitive internship later at your college years. Entering a part-time or summer job is one of the good ways to get a job or work experience. The value hinges on the job’s relevance in your chosen field or industry. Also a good way develop your skills and to promote your level of responsibility.

After College Graduation

1.) Volunteer

Volunteering is usually what nurses do to gain job experience. The down side is, oftentimes, you get paid a salary below the minimum wage, or no salary nor allowance at all. The up side is that no one turns away a volunteer and you can get a favorable recommendation afterwards. Always bear in mind that you must volunteer for a job in your selected field so that you will be able to gain experience that is relevant to your future career job.


2.) Apprenticeship or learner-ship

You only get 75% of the minimum wage but being an apprentice or a learner entails you to be able to learn how to master the skill of your job. Usually apprenticeship is available for skilled jobs while learner-ship is available to non-skilled jobs. They don’t last longer than a few months but this is a valuable job experience that your next potential employer may find impressive.


3.) Blog Your way up

I want to put this one during the college years but this could be helpful too for those who already graduated. I have read an article here online on the benefits of blogging. “Why bloggers are Smarter than a normal Person.”

Employers sometimes would like to look at any online blog that you have. It is also a good addition to your resume. Online blogging means that the employers get to know who you are, what you have experienced, and the things that you know. If you already have a blog, try to make it more professional and if you are planning to make, remember to only talk about the relevant information that could help your growth to your field to make an added effect to your reputation.

These are only a part of the tips that could be really useful.

There are actually many good places for you to get the work experience that you need. My tip, start early! Plan what you want to do with your life.  Be responsible and motivate yourself to do the work. Either you are working for money or for your career advancement; a responsibility for the job is needed. If you are graduating from your high school, it is better to plan out what your goal is. If you are in your college year, be responsible enough and do not add to the problem of the society by being unemployed because of your tardiness. And if you already graduated and is looking for a green pasture, develop yourself further.