Gaining Work Place Experience

Posted by David R. Wetzel Jul 30, 2008

I have been approached many times by people who want to enter a new career and have had difficulties obtaining a job, even after completing an education program related to the career field. They just cannot seem to understand why they are unable to get any interviews.

After questioning them about their program and its requirements, a common gap seems to always appear. Their programs recommended an on the job experience, such as an internship or externship; however it was not mandatory. Their answers when asked why they did not participate in an internship or externship were typically centered on two facts, it was not mandatory or they did not have time.

So how do you avoid the same fate as these people?

The first thing is to complete some sort of work experience in the new career field before your complete your program. Today, few employers will hire anyone without experience. Here are some examples I recommend you consider:

• Internship – allows you to experience a job in the new career field, typically unpaid.
• Externship – same as an internship however you are paid for your participation.
• Practicum – focuses on your completion of specific applications of what you learned during course work to gain firsthand experience in the work place.
• Service Learning – allows you to apply your new knowledge in a community related project to gain practical experience.
• Apprenticeships – this is very good for entering one of the trades. You follow experienced workers who help you gain experience.
• Volunteer Activities – allows you to gain experience in a new career field when you have free time.

Visit Changing Careers and Transferable Job Skills and Community Education for Lifelong Learners to learn additional ideas, which can help you build the level experience needed to gain that all important new career job.