There’s one age-old question that plagues many young people starting their careers: How do I get work experience without work experience? It’s a catch-22 that can make many college students and young adults feel stuck, hopeless and anxious about their futures.
But there is hope.
For those of you who have yet to score your first internship or didn’t work a retail job in high school, you’re in luck. There are plenty of other assets worthy of your resume that will impress any employer. Here are a few add-ons that can, temporarily, take the place of a job on your resume.
1. Volunteer Experience
Many college students will recall community service as an integral part of their high school experience, whether it was a requirement for graduation or a way to explore their passions. Just because you’re no longer in high school does not mean that that those experiences aren’t still valuable today.
A display of volunteer experience can teach a hiring manager a great deal about your personality, values and work ethic.
For Amanda Goecke, a junior at Carthage College, including volunteer experience in her resume was vital since she had never previously held a job. She says, “[Volunteering] helps to show that you're willing to do things without pay and would rather focus on the experience you gain.” In this way, you might open yourself up to unpaid internships more easily, since you’ve proven that you can find motivation in work beyond money.
Related: How to Make Your First Resume
2. Objective Statement
Without work experience, your resume won’t clearly explain your career goals and what type of internship you’re looking for.
A strong objective statement is the perfect addition to a resume lacking in weight. Just 1-2 sentences can tell a story about your strengths, interests and aspirations. This, as a result, can make your resume more appealing to a hiring manager who might have trouble connecting the dots while navigating a list of experience in areas unrelated to your major.
Kiara Moore, a previous tech recruiter, understands the ability of an objective statement to help tailor your resume. She says, “The objective statement can be key in directing the hiring manager to focus on key qualifications that you want to stand out. For example, if you feel like it’s a stretch to say that you have any direct experience in the industry you’re targeting, the objective is an essential addition.”
3. Sports
Any student athlete will tell you that the skills they’ve gained while on a team have helped their performance not just in that sport, but also in life.
The amount of commitment expected of a college sport is commendable, proving your ability to manage your time efficiently and balance your priorities.
Additionally, participating in a sport displays teamwork, perseverance and trust—all skills necessary for a successful intern at any company.
Related: How to Land Your First Job in a Field You Have No Experience In
4. Student Clubs
While this may be the most obvious of all of the additional assets, it might also be the most important.
Involvement in campus organizations early on in your college career shows determination and an eagerness to take on a leadership role in your community. It is especially helpful to be involved in a club related to your industry of choice, but any organization will display your passions and interests.
5. School Experiences
The “Education” section of your resume need not be the only place in which you discuss your college and/or high school education.
Fill in some of that empty space and highlight courses you’ve taken that are related to your field of interest. This will show employers that, while you haven’t yet worked in their industry, you’re taking the steps necessary to move forward in your career via your choice in major and/or minor.
In the same vein, relevant school projects or research for a professor are equally important in showing that, when presented with a task, you can get the job done and do it well. Keep in mind that this shouldn't be the meatiest portion of your resume, but is helpful to include if you have extra room.
It’s not easy to obtain that first job or internship, and you need to start somewhere. These tips will provide substantial material to beef up you resume and appear desirable to any employer. Happy resume writing, collegiettes!
