Whether you have a new degree or want a complete career change, there’s usually an obstacle preventing that step into a new career. If that obstacle is not having relevant experience for your new industry, there are inexpensive ways to overcome it. Lack of direct experience isn’t an impossible obstacle to overcome, but you might have to be creative and do work for little to no pay. In the end, the investment of time and talent will pay off if you end up in the desired career. Here are a few ideas to get started gaining experience in your industry.
Internships
Internship work is often for minimal or even no pay, but it’s a great way to gain career-specific experience, make connections, and learn straight from industry experts. You get the ability to apply those theories you’ve studied into “real world” applications and situations. If you work hard in an internship and prove yourself during that period of time, the internship could have the potential to turn into a legitimate position for you.
You can locate internships through your school or program director, by utilizing websites like Chegg.com, or even through our Career Corps program.
Four Ways to Gain Experience this Year
Written By Zanetta Padilla