Ways to Gain Experience: Win, Lose, Volunteer

We've received a number of questions lately asking us how to "get experience" when you don't have any. If I've never worked before, you ask, what the heck am I supposed to put on a resume? So we decided to brainstorm some unique ways to beef up a beginner resume that are guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd.

Way to Gain Experience #1: Enter a contest.

Winning something--whether it's an essay competition, a road race, or a spelling bee--is a great way to gain a bullet point on your resume, and a good story to tell in interviews. So put yourself out there--even losing can be used to your advantage as a "time when I confronted an obstacle/challenge that was greater than myself."

Here's a unique contest to get you started: National Cleaners Association Video Contest. If you're an aspiring marketer or filmmaker, this could be just the opportunity to get your ideas recognized, and win $2500!

Way to Gain Experience #2: Volunteer your time & expertise.

Volunteering is good for the people you help, yes--but it's also good for you and your resume. Volunteer your professional services by creating a website for a small business, helping out an organization with some free PR work, or lending a hand at a local elementary school (if you're interested in education) or nursing home (if you're interested in healthcare).

Another idea is to take your service abroad, combining volunteer experience with a horizon-broadening adventure. Check out some opportunities to Globe Trot with a Goal.

Way to Gain Experience #3: Apply for an Exclusive Experience.

Exclusive Experiences are unique, resume-building opportunities that provide college students and grads with an up-close look at specific careers and industries. This summer, we're looking for two creative, outgoing, and dedicated (to work...and to having a good time!) students to be our "roving reporters"...explore the different departments here at Experience, learn from other interns how their summer work is, get the facts on what it's really like in the working world—and show your peers how much fun an internship can be. Apply to join us in Boston! (deadline April 4)

Career Question: How Can I Write A Resume If I Don't Have Any Experience?

Question: I am a recent graduate (master's degree) without much experience, because I attended grad school a year after undergrad without working in between. What should I put on a resume? --Sherra, DeKalb, IL

Answer: This is a common dilemma, and some might say it’s a good argument for delaying grad school in favor of gaining some real-world work experience. But you’ve chosen to go pretty much straight from undergrad to grad school, and I have to applaud your stamina. Now, what can you put on your resume?

Presumably, you’ve gained a lot of professional skills over the past several years in school—start thinking about what they include. For instance, writing would be a skill, as would computer programming, as would research, as would “soft” skills like good communication, teamwork, etc. Maybe you know some computer applications? Put those on there too.

Then, you need to think about the things you’ve done that could qualify as professional experience. For instance, did you work as a TA or an assistant to a professor? What did you do with your summers? Ever have an internship or work with an academic mentor? All of this can go on your resume.

Did you attend any conferences, publish any papers, learn to speak any languages? These can all go on there too.

The best thing to do, once you’ve had a chance to brainstorm all the experience you do have, is to make an appointment or set up a phone call with the career services office at the university where you got your master’s degree. They can help you format a resume, decide what to include, and give you some tips on cover letters too. Good luck!

Any additional advice for Sherra? Please leave a comment.