It sometimes seems like a chicken and the egg deal when it comes to finding your first job/internship -- employers want someone with experience, but you cant have experience until you have...an employer. So, whats the best idea in this situation? Here are the top 5 ideas for making up for the lack of experience in your resume!
1. Research - Since you are reading this blog, its assumed you have some connection to your university...USE IT! Email professors from your university (even if you are not sure if they will remember or know you) who are possibly doing work in a subject you are interested in. Offer to be their research assistant. Once they know you are doing awesome work, you can let them know that you are interested in a full time position in this subject...chances are, they will have some connection who may help you get your foot in the door! (Next post, I will tell you the best tips in getting research opportunities).
2. Get Out! Out of the Country that is. Either move to a country you wanted to live in, or find a service to help place you in a full time position abroad. Also, read the job bulletins on most job search engines, and apply, apply apply!
3. Create Opportunity ! Find local start-ups, and look at their business model (or what they reveal about it), and see if there is something that you may be able to help them out with. Email as many people from the company, tell them about your suggestions, and small ways in which you believe you may be able to help. Somebody, somewhere can use your help! (Especially if you dont expect money from this however).
4. Fight for a Cause! Work on a project that seems interesting to you. Whether you are raising money for environmental cause in your area, or whether you go to South Africa to help children with AIDS, spend this time doing something you enjoy. That way, when asked in an interview, what you do with your time off, you have an exciting answer ahead!
5. Be there, Everywhere! Look up industry events, or scholarly lectures at local universities, professional organizations, or even on google search, and attend AS many AS YOU CAN! Even if you have to pay to get in (makes sense given that people spend a lot of time on organizing these events and have to pay the speakers), it'll most likely be worth both the knowledge and networking!
Do any one of those things, and take action towards getting ahead. Use your connections wisely, and let everyone know that you are looking for a position! Once you do those things, you are that much closer to riding out these times, and cracking the chicken-and-the-egg problem. Good Luck! Next Post - Getting Research!
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5 comments:
iam liking the new face lift, but not the fonts, kinda hard to read.
good article though
btw, this is Tam hahaha
Hey, This is awesome and relevant advice! I love it!
I think I may give it give it a couple more months, and if nothing works out, I may go work at a non profit in Africa! Thanks for the idea!
I cant wait to learn about your research post...please post soon!
Hi, I am a counselor at a 4 year university in Kansas. I told all my students to refer to your blog as it is excellent, and frequently updated. Keep up the Good Work!
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