When talking with students about finding an internship or job, I will often ask to look at the latest version of his or her resume. This is a natural step, right? The resume is the standard way of introducing oneself and getting your information to the perspective employer. While looking over the resume and looking for potential jobs, the issue of experience often arises. It is not uncommon for students to feel s if they have no valuable experience or nothing to contribute to the employer. This is often not the case. As I work individually with each student, we often find relevant material to include in the resume. However, it is important to address the question, "How can I gain more experience when employers tell me I am under-qualified?"
As I mentioned before, almost always there is relevant experience to put down on a resume. But it helps to best prepare yourself for the future! Volunteer work is an excellent entry point for students. It can serve several purposes:
1) It can give you insight and experience in a career you are thinking of, and hopefully answer some of the following questions: "I have an interest in this, but is this something I really want to do on a daily basis?", "What does someone in this career really do?"
2) It can give you valuable experience that you can put on your resume and talk to employers in an interview. Employers are impressed with applicants that have experience in a professional working environment. Applicants with this experience often develop what employers call 'soft skills': how to work with coworkers and supervisors, how to work in a professional manner, problem resolution, how to communicate well with people. Remember that the number one reason why people leave or are forced to leave a job is something related to the fact that people sometimes don't get along well. Development of soft skills can often address this.
3) Professional development: You will most likely learn new skills, and possibly a trade. Job training is often supplied, which will further enhance your skill-set. (another thing to put on a resume)
4) Personal fulfillment: hopefully you can volunteer doing something that you are passionate about or that gives you a sense of enjoyment or personal satisfaction. Volunteer work can be philanthropic in nature, and can help solve issues in your or someone else's community. In the end, hopefully you will feel good about your experience.
5) Networking: Volunteering is a great way to get out to meet and work with new people. Chances are you will meet people along the way that you will keep in touch with beyond your volunteer stint. (and sometimes people continue to volunteer despite finding another job, or go back to volunteer at the same place years afterwards) The more people you can stay in touch with and invite into your network, the more likely you are to have someone help you either find a job in the future or enter the workforce in a specific industry. Think about it--if you were in a position to hire an employee, the first thing you would do is to ask friends if they knew of someone they would recommend for the job. Hiring in a professional environment often works this same way. People in your network can also act as a reference for a potential employer. It is always good to have people that can vouch for the good work you are capable of doing.
More on how to get started and where to look for volunteer opportunities in upcoming posts.
JV
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