student internships

Here is a common scenario for the college grad: You have just graduated, or you are about to graduate, and you are searching job postings for entry level jobs that relate to your education. Theoretically, entry level jobs should be open to people who may not have much or any work experience in their fields, but have completed the relevant education or degrees. It's that "start" job. Right?

Wrong.

Many of the postings you see for "entry level" jobs, including those for filling clerical/receptionist duties, require some experience. Perhaps only six months or one or two years. But experience, nevertheless. Very frustrating. You have spent four years and thousands of dollars on your education so that you can acquire meaningful career employment, and you can't get the job. You don't have the experience. Now you're faced with no income and no health insurance. You may have big educational loans to pay off. You eventually find employment out of necessity, but it may likely be a job totally unrelated to your education and for which you have little enthusiasm.

You ask yourself: If everyone wants experience, how do I get the experience in the first place?

For those of you still in college, one answer is the student internship. Many students have the opportunity to work in their chosen field (albeit at a "clerical" or basic entry level with close mentoring and supervision) while obtaining their education. Most four-year college career centers and placement offices have programs established to assist their students with real work experience to enhance their employment prospects. If you are a student with at least two years to go before graduation, I strongly encourage you to check out the internships program as soon as possible. Make contact with the appropriate person in that office who is charged with coordinating or administering these programs. The sooner you get started, the better. Some internships are non-paying, but it's the experience you're after. Some students can accumulate up to one year's worth of experience or more, depending upon the internship hours and schedule.

Take it from one who has been there -- that's how I started my career, and I will always be grateful for that decision. It opened up a door that otherwise would not have been there.