When job experience is required (and you don't have any)

When you think of your future career, do you know what you want to do? Do you already have a certain company or organization in mind that offers the kind of work culture you can’t wait to be a part of? Have you thought about what it will take to create a competitive resume or portfolio to get you through to an interview? If your answer to any of these questions is “no", then ASU’s new Career Readiness experience-builder is for you.

Two questions we hear a lot from students about their future careers are:

1. How am I supposed to get a job that requires experience if no one will hire me without any?
2. How do I figure out what kind of job I'm going to want when I graduate?

Great questions. The good news is, if there’s one thing you can count on at ASU, it’s opportunity. We can help you gain experience and discover a career path you love, through a number of options.

• Consider a part-time job. Working on campus is not only convenient (since you’ll be here for class anyway), but you can land a job in a professional setting and in an area related to your major. The job titles will definitely make your resume stand out — Entrepreneurial Catalyst, Student Event Planner, and Research Aide are all actual student worker positions. And, if you’re an online student, we can help you connect with an off-campus job.

• Get an internship. Perhaps you really want to work for a particular company or organization because you love their culture, but you don’t see any part-time jobs posted. See if they offer an internship. Not only will this provide you with the chance to “try on” a company, but they’ll get to try you out as well. And it isn’t uncommon for a job offer to follow a great internship experience.

• Become a volunteer. What if you’re not really drawn to a certain company or organization yet AND you have no idea what you want to do? Volunteering is a great way to build leadership skills, and connect with a cause or organization. Opportunities range from gardening with Keep Phoenix Beautiful, helping the homeless with Valley of the Sun United Way, mentoring kids through Boys & Girls Club, or one of many other causes that work with ASU students.

While your professional career may be a few years down the road, you have valuable time on your side right now that could be used to collect as much resume and skill building experience as possible. Think of how that will immediately put you in front of those applicants without any experience and set you apart from other college grads! We really encourage you to check out the Career Readiness page and start paving your career path.

For additional assistance, reach out to Career and Professional Development Services at www.asu.edu/career or 480-965-2350.